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Excerpt from Men of Invention and Industry, by Samuel Smiles

Before, however, he could accomplish his purpose, Pett was overtaken by
misfortunes. His enemies, very likely seeing with spite the favour
with which he had been received by men in high position, stirred up an
agitation against him. There may, and there very probably was, a great
deal of jobbery going on in the dockyards. It was difficult, under the
system which prevailed, to have any proper check upon the expenditure
for the repair and construction of ships. At all events, a commission
was appointed for the purpose of inquiring into the abuses and
misdemeanors of those in office; and Pett's enemies took care that his
past proceedings should be thoroughly overhauled,--together with those
of Sir Robert Mansell, then Treasurer to the Navy; Sir John Trevor,
surveyor; Sir Henry Palmer, controller; Sir Thomas Bluther, victualler;
and many others.

While the commission was still sitting and holding what Pett calls
their "malicious proceedings," he was able to lay the keel of his new
great ship upon the stocks in the dock at Woolwich on the 20th of
October, 1608. He had a clear conscience, for his hands were clean.
He went on vigorously with his work, though he knew that the
inquisition against him was at its full height. His enemies reported
that he was "no artist, and that he was altogether insufficient to
perform such a service" as that of building his great ship.
Nevertheless, he persevered, believing in the goodness of his cause.
Eventually, he was enabled to turn the tables upon his accusers, and to
completely justify himself in all his transactions with the king, the
Lord Admiral, and the public officers, who were privy to all his
transactions. Indeed, the result of the enquiry was not only to cause
a great trouble and expense to all the persons accused, but, as Pett
says in his Memoir, "the Government itself of that royal office was so
shaken and disjoined as brought almost ruin upon the whole Navy, and a
far greater charge to his Majesty in his yearly expense than ever was
known before."[24]

In the midst of his troubles and anxieties, Pett was unexpectedly
cheered with the presence of his "Master" Prince Henry, who specially
travelled out of his way from Essex to visit him at Woolwich, to see
with his own eyes what progress he was making with the great ship.
After viewing the dry dock, which had been constructed by Pett, and was
one of the first, if not the very first in England,--his Highness
partook of a banquet which the shipbuilder had hastily prepared for him
in his temporary lodgings.

Explanation ​

Detailed Explanation of the Excerpt from Men of Invention and Industry by Samuel Smiles ​

Context of the Source ​

Samuel Smiles’ Men of Invention and Industry (1884) is a collection of biographical sketches celebrating the lives of British inventors, engineers, and industrialists who contributed to technological and economic progress. The book reflects Smiles’ broader philosophical belief in self-help, perseverance, and moral integrity—themes central to his most famous work, Self-Help (1859). The excerpt focuses on Phineas Pett (1570–1647), a renowned English shipbuilder who played a crucial role in advancing naval architecture during the early 17th century, particularly under King James I.

Pett was a key figure in the transition from medieval shipbuilding techniques to more systematic, large-scale construction methods. His most famous creation, the Prince Royal (launched in 1610), was one of the most advanced warships of its time. However, his career was marked by political intrigue, bureaucratic corruption, and personal attacks—common challenges for innovators in an era where naval administration was rife with favoritism and mismanagement.

Themes in the Excerpt ​

  1. Perseverance in the Face of Adversity

    • The passage emphasizes Pett’s unwavering determination despite being targeted by enemies. His ability to continue working on the Prince Royal while under investigation demonstrates his professional integrity and personal resilience.
    • Smiles, a champion of individual effort, uses Pett as an example of how talent and diligence can overcome systemic obstacles.

  2. Corruption and Institutional Dysfunction

    • The excerpt highlights the rampant "jobbery" (corrupt dealings) in the Royal Navy’s administration. The commission investigating Pett also exposed broader financial mismanagement, suggesting that institutional reform was desperately needed.
    • The line "the Government itself of that royal office was so shaken and disjoined as brought almost ruin upon the whole Navy" underscores how personal vendettas and inefficiency could undermine national security.

  3. The Struggle of the Innovator Against Tradition

    • Pett’s enemies dismiss him as "no artist, and... altogether insufficient"—a common critique of innovators who challenge established methods. His eventual vindication reflects the triumph of merit over prejudice.
    • The visit from Prince Henry (eldest son of James I and a patron of naval innovation) symbolizes royal recognition of Pett’s genius, contrasting with the hostility of bureaucrats.

  4. The Cost of Progress

    • The investigation not only targeted Pett but also disrupted the entire naval administration, leading to increased expenses for the Crown. This suggests that reform, while necessary, can be destabilizing.

Literary Devices and Stylistic Features ​

  1. Dramatic Irony

    • The reader knows Pett is innocent and capable, while his accusers (and even some contemporaries) doubt him. His eventual vindication creates a sense of justice prevailing.

  2. Contrast

    • Pett’s integrity vs. his enemies’ malice ("malicious proceedings").
    • Prince Henry’s support vs. the bureaucrats’ opposition.
    • Pett’s clean conscience ("his hands were clean") vs. the corruption of the dockyards.

  3. Direct Quotation for Authenticity

    • Smiles incorporates Pett’s own words from his Memoir ("the Government itself... was so shaken") to lend authority and emotional weight to the narrative.

  4. Symbolism

    • The laying of the keel (October 20, 1608) despite the investigation symbolizes defiance and progress in the face of opposition.
    • The dry dock (one of the first in England) represents technological innovation, while the banquet with Prince Henry signifies royal approval and legitimacy.

  5. Understatement for Emphasis

    • "There may, and there very probably was, a great deal of jobbery going on"—Smiles downplays the corruption initially, making the later revelation of its destructive impact more striking.

Significance of the Passage ​

  1. Historical Insight into Naval Administration

    • The excerpt reveals the chaotic state of the Royal Navy’s finances and management in the early 1600s, a period when England was expanding its maritime power. Pett’s struggles reflect the tension between innovation and bureaucratic resistance.

  2. Smiles’ Moral Lesson

    • As a Victorian moralist, Smiles uses Pett’s story to reinforce his self-help philosophy: hard work, honesty, and perseverance will ultimately triumph over adversity.
    • The passage also serves as a warning against institutional corruption, suggesting that systemic reform is necessary for progress.

  3. Pett as a Proto-Industrial Hero

    • Pett embodies the early modern "man of industry"—a skilled craftsman who combines technical expertise with entrepreneurial spirit. His story foreshadows the Industrial Revolution’s reliance on individual ingenuity.

  4. The Role of Patronage in Innovation

    • Prince Henry’s visit is crucial—it shows how royal or aristocratic patronage could protect innovators from political attacks. Without such support, figures like Pett might have been crushed by the system.

Line-by-Line Analysis of Key Moments ​

  1. "His enemies... stirred up an agitation against him."

    • Introduces the conflict—Pett’s success breeds resentment. The phrase "stirred up" suggests deliberate sabotage, not mere criticism.

  2. "It was difficult... to have any proper check upon the expenditure..."

    • Explains the systemic problem: lack of accountability in naval finances, making Pett an easy target.

  3. "He had a clear conscience, for his hands were clean."

    • Moral certainty—Pett’s confidence comes from his integrity, a key Smilesian virtue.

  4. "His enemies reported that he was 'no artist...' "

    • The dismissal of expertise is a common tactic against innovators. The term "artist" here means master craftsman, not just a creative figure.

  5. "He persevered, believing in the goodness of his cause."

    • Faith in one’s work as a driving force—another self-help principle.

  6. "The Government itself... was so shaken and disjoined..."

    • The unintended consequences of the investigation—reform can backfire if not handled carefully.

  7. "His Highness partook of a banquet which the shipbuilder had hastily prepared..."

    • The informal, personal nature of the meeting contrasts with the formal, hostile inquiries. Prince Henry’s visit is both a moral victory and a practical endorsement.

Conclusion: Why This Passage Matters ​

This excerpt is more than just a historical anecdote—it is a microcosm of Smiles’ broader arguments about progress, morality, and individual agency. Pett’s story illustrates:

  • The challenges faced by innovators in corrupt or resistant systems.
  • The importance of perseverance and integrity in overcoming obstacles.
  • The fragility of institutions when plagued by mismanagement.
  • The role of patronage in protecting and advancing new ideas.

For Smiles, Pett is not just a shipbuilder but a symbol of the triumph of character over adversity—a lesson he believed was universally applicable, whether in the 17th century or his own Victorian era. The passage remains relevant today as a study in how innovation interacts with power, bureaucracy, and public perception.