
Remarks on the Present System of Road Making
Revolutionizing Road Construction in the 19th Century: A Civil Engineer's Innovative ApproachBy John Loudon McAdamLength6h 26m
About this audiobook
In "Remarks on the Present System of Road Making," John Loudon McAdam presents a groundbreaking examination of civil engineering practices focused on road construction. Written during the early 19th century, this work critiques existing methodologies and advocates for his innovative approach, which emphasizes the use of small, angular stones to create a durable, well-drained surface. McAdam's concise, yet detailed prose reflects the Enlightenment era's commitment to rationality and progress, making complex ideas accessible to a broad audience concerned with infrastructure and transport. His insights on drainage and the quality of materials set the stage for modern road engineering and highlight the intersection of science and practical application during a period of industrial transformation. John Loudon McAdam, a Scottish engineer, faced numerous challenges in his career, prompting him to explore effective road construction techniques. His experiences as a surveyor, combined with a keen understanding of the limitations of existing systems, led him to develop the 'Macadam' method, which revolutionized road-making. The enthusiasm with which he tackled the subject led to his recognition as a pioneer in the field, making his work both relevant and influential in shaping future practices. I highly recommend "Remarks on the Present System of Road Making" to readers interested in civil engineering, transportation history, and the evolution of infrastructure. McAdam's thoughtful analysis and practical solutions not only illuminate the historical context of road construction but also offer timeless lessons on the intersection of theory and practice, making this book a vital addition to any scholarly or professional library.
Audiobook details
GenreTechnology
Length6 hrs 26 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateNov 5, 2021
LanguageEnglish
Table of contents
1INTRODUCTION.
29Colonel Charles Brown, called in; and Examined.
2REMARKS ON ROADS.
30Ezekiel Harman, Esquire, called in and Examined.
3PART FIRST. THE MODE OF MAKING ROADS.
31Thomas Bridgman, Esquire, called in; and Examined.
4PART SECOND. COMMISSIONERS AND OFFICERS EMPLOYED UNDER THEM.
32John Martin Cripps, Esquire, called in; and Examined.
5PART THIRD. CARE OF THE FINANCES.: The foregoing Remarks on Roads cannot be better concluded than by the following Extract from the Report of the Committee of the House of Commons in 1811.
33William Dowdeswell, Esquire, called in; and Examined.
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6Appendix.
34Martis, 23º die Martii, 1819.
7Extracts from Observations on the Highways of the Kingdom, by John Loudon MᶜAdam, presented to a Committee of the House of Commons, and printed by order of the House, 14th June 1811.
35Mr. Benjamin Farey, called in; and Examined.
8Directions for Repair of an old Road, being the substance of a Communication made to a Committee of the Honourable House of Commons in 1811, and published with the Report by Order of the House, with additions and alterations, deduced from actual practice during the last three years.: PRICES.
36John Farey, Esquire, called in; and Examined.
9TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE THE PRESIDENT, AND THE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.
37Jovis, 25º die Martii, 1819.
10REPORT FROM THE SELECT COMMITTEE ON THE HIGHWAYS OF THE KINGDOM: TOGETHER WITH THE MINUTES OF EVIDENCE TAKEN BEFORE THEM.: REPORT.
38John Farey, Esquire, called in; and Examined,
11MINUTES OF EVIDENCE.
39James Walker, Esq. called in; and Examined.
12WITNESSES:
40Jovis, 1º die Aprilis, 1819.: Mr. James Dean, called in; and Examined.
13Martis, 2º die Martij, 1819. EDWARD PROTHEROE, ESQUIRE, In the Chair.
41Jovis, 6º die Maii, 1819.: Thomas Telford, Esquire, called in; and Examined.
14Charles Johnson, Esquire, called in; and Examined.
42Martis, 11º die Maii, 1819.: Mr. Robert Perry, called in; and Examined.
15Mr. William Waterhouse, called in; and Examined.
43ABSTRACT OF RETURNS OF TURNPIKE TRUSTS ROUND LONDON.
16Mr. William Horne, called in; and Examined.
44REPORT FROM SELECT COMMITTEE ON MR. M’ADAM’S PETITION, AND EXTRACTS FROM EVIDENCE RELATING TO HIS IMPROVED SYSTEM OF CONSTRUCTING AND REPAIRING THE PUBLIC ROADS OF THE KINGDOM.
17Mr. John Eames, called in; and Examined.
45REPORT.
18Veneris, 21º die Maii, 1819.: Mr. George Botham, called in; and Examined.
46Mercurii, 28º die Maij, 1823. SIR THOMAS BARING, BART. In the Chair.
19Jovis, 4º die Martii, 1819.: John Loudon MᶜAdam, Esq. called in; and Examined.
47John Loudon MᶜAdam, Esquire, called in; and Examined.
20Martis, 9° die Martii, 1819.: John Loudon MᶜAdam, Esquire, called in; and Examined.
48Mr. James MᶜAdam, Examined.
21[The following Papers were delivered in, and read:]
49Mr. William MᶜAdam, further Examined.
22Expenditure on the Bristol Roads.
50John Loudon MᶜAdam, Esq. further Examined.
23Bristol Turnpikes. Report of Mr. John Loudon MᶜAdam, to a General Meeting of Commissioners, 2d June 1817.
51APPENDIX.
24Bristol Turnpikes. Report of Mr. John Loudon MᶜAdam, to a General Meeting of Commissioners, 1st June 1818.
52Appendix (B.) MEMORANDUM of Mr. Johnson, respecting the Roads under Mr. MᶜAdam’s superintendence.
25Bristol Turnpikes.: Thomas Daniel, Esq. in the Chair.
53Appendix (C.) LETTER from Postmaster General to the Lords of the Treasury; dated 20th December 1819.
26Jovis, 11º die Martii, 1819.
54Appendix (D.)
27John Loudon MᶜAdam, Esquire, called in; and Examined.
55Appendix (K.)
28James MᶜAdam, Esq. called in; and Examined.