This paper presents data showing the main characteristics of all the steamships built in the United Kingdom and placed under permanent British registry from 1814 through 1860. The historical setting in which the British steam merchant fleet developed is discussed and the data are interpreted in relation to that environment. It is argued on the basis of these data that many of the prevailing notions about steam shipping before 1860 need to be revised.
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Hughes et al. (1958) studied this question.