Phineas Pett : beginnings of English shipbuilding -- Francis Pettit Smith, practical introducer of the screw propeller -- John Harrison, inventor of the marine chronometer -- John Lombe, introducer of the silk industry into England -- William Murdock, his life and inventions -- Frederick Koenig, inventor of the steam-printing machine -- The Walters of the "Times" : invention of the Walter press -- William Clowes : book-printing by steam -- Charles Bianconi : a lesson of self-help in Ireland -- Industry in Ireland : through Connaught and Ulster to Belfast -- Ship-building in Belfast / by E.J. Harland, engineer and shipbuilder -- Astronomers and students in humble life : a new chapter in the "Pursuit of knowledge under difficulties."