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Celebrated for his construction of the Eddystone Lighthouse near Plymouth, John Smeaton (1724–92) established himself as Britain's foremost civil engineer in the eighteenth century. A founder member of the Society of Civil Engineers, he was instrumental in promoting the growth of the profession. After his death his papers were acquired by the president of the Royal Society, Sir Joseph Banks, Smeaton's friend and patron. Using these materials, a special committee decided to publish 'every paper of any consequence' written by Smeaton, as a 'fund of practical instruction' for current and future engineers. These were published in four illustrated volumes between 1812 and 1814. Volume 1 contains correspondence with and reports for clients regarding waterworks, canals, bridges, lighthouses and other engineering works, including harbour improvements at Christchurch, Bristol and Whitby. It also contains descriptions of some of Smeaton's inventions, such as an improved fire engine.
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