James Robert Napier facts for kids

James Robert Napier (1821–1879) was a Scottish engineer and writer. He is best known for inventing Napier's diagram. This special tool helped ships find their way across the oceans.

Early Life and Learning

James Robert Napier was born in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1821. His father, Robert Napier, was a very famous shipbuilder. James went to the High School of Glasgow. He was really good at math there. After high school, he studied at the University of Glasgow.

Becoming a Shipbuilder

In 1842, James took over his father's shipbuilding company. This was a big responsibility.

In 1848, he married Emma Mary Twentyman. They had seven children together.

James did many tests to check for errors in ship compasses. He published his findings in 1851. This work led to Napier's Diagram. It was a way to fix compass errors using a chart. Even today, navigation books still talk about it.

James also worked with another engineer, William Rankine. They tried to make naval engineering better. In 1853, they even patented an air engine. This engine used temperature differences to work. However, it was not widely used. Also in 1853, James became a full partner in his father's company. The business was then called R. Napier & Sons.

Later Work and Challenges

Building the ship HMS Erebus for the British government was very tiring. This happened during the Crimean War in 1856. Because of this, James left the shipbuilding business in 1857. He had run it for 15 years. He then tried other business ideas.

He started his own shipyard soon after. But he closed it because of his health. He then became interested in the West of Scotland Fishery Company. This business also did not do well. His next idea was to use one of his iron ships, the "Lancefield". He used it as a ferry for goods and people. It traveled between Ardrossan and Belfast. This business was somewhat successful. But it led to legal problems with a railway company. James won the court case. Still, he sold the "Lancefield" and stopped working in shipping. After that, he sometimes worked as an engineering consultant. He helped design a ship for the Godaveri river in India.

Professional Groups

James Napier was a member of several important groups. These included The Royal Philosophical Society of Glasgow. He was also part of the Royal Institution of Naval Architects. Another group was the British Association for the Advancement of Science. From 1863 to 1865, he was President of The Institution of Engineers and Shipbuilders in Scotland. In 1867, he became a member of the Royal Society of London.

His Passing

James Robert Napier passed away in Glasgow in December 1879. He became ill while boating on Loch Lomond.

See also

• Napier coffeemaker