text:  Round sterns for the defence of a vessel engaged with several opponents at once; compartments in the hold for security against leaks; iron tanks for water containing twice the quantity and keeping it free from the impurities of casks; a better general stowage; provisions prepared so as to remain almost fresh during an East Indian voyage; every means of preserving health suggested by science and succeeding to the most remarkable degree; a more intelligent system of shipbuilding and a constant series of experiments on the shape stowage and sailing of ships are among the beneficial changes of later times