William Hutchinson (sailor)

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William Hutchinson (* 1715 in Newcastle-upon-Tyne ; † February 11, 1801 , Liverpool ) was a British seaman , inventor and author . He was made an honorary citizen (freeman) of Liverpool in 1755 for his services to cod fishing .

biography

His nautical career began on a coal freighter, then around 1738 he became an East India driver for the East India Company . He then became a privateer and from 1745 sailed on one of the ships of the famous privateer Fortunatus Wright. In 1747 he got the rank of captain.

Hutchinson was instrumental in setting up the world's first sea ​​rescue service at Formby Point in 1776 and supported the establishment of an Irish rescue service near Dublin. He also contributed to the establishment of the pilotage service on the River Mersey .

Hutchinson had been experimenting with reflectors for light signals at the Bidston signal station since 1763. His work was successful and in 1771 the Bidston lighthouse with parabolic reflectors was built. They can be viewed today at Trinity House Museum in London. Until the introduction of Fresnel lenses , it was considered the best system. The Hoylake and Leosowe lighthouses were also built on his initiative in 1763. He will also have other inventions such. B. is said to be a device for removing vegetation from ships.

In 1759 W. Hutchinson became the port master ('Dockmaster') of Liverpool . At the suggestion of astronomer James Ferguson , he began recording all tide highs and lows in 1764 (i.e. day and night). He also noted meteorological data such as air pressure and temperature. In 1767 he gave his notes to the mathematicians George and Richard Holden , who used them to create their tide calendar . However, the original data has been lost. Mr. Hutchinson kept further records until his retirement on August 10, 1793. They are considered to be valuable data because of their precision when it comes to changes in sea levels.

In 1777 he published the book A treatise on practical seamanship . It is still considered to be one of the most important books on seafaring of its time. By 1794 he published 3 further editions of the book that were repeatedly expanded.

After his death on February 11, 1801, he was buried in St Thomas' Cemetery in Liverpool .

Books

His standard work A treatise on practical seamanship , which is still published today and can be found in various sailing books, experienced several editions. The first edition was issued in 1777 with notes and remarks on philosophical and rational principles of seafaring and numerous advice on navigation, health and economy. The 2nd expanded edition 10 years later in 1787 also dealt with the proportions in shipbuilding as well as new advice and hints in all areas. A third edition followed in 1791 and a fourth, also expanded edition, in 1794.

plant

  • A treatise founded upon philosophical and rational principles digitized

Web links

swell

  1. ^ Clayton Evans: Rescue at Sea. Conway Maritime Press 2003, ISBN 0-85177-934-4 , p. 20.
  2. ↑ Illustration from his book: Bidston Hill Lighthouse
personal data
SURNAME Hutchinson, William
BRIEF DESCRIPTION British sailor, inventor and author
DATE OF BIRTH 1715
PLACE OF BIRTH Newcastle-upon-Tyne
DATE OF DEATH February 11, 1801
Place of death Liverpool