The Fleet of the Future Iron or Wood is a book written by John Scott Russell in 1861. The book discusses the ongoing debate about whether future naval fleets should be made of iron or wood. At the time of writing, iron ships were a relatively new development, and there was much disagreement about their effectiveness compared to traditional wooden ships. Russell, a prominent Scottish naval architect and engineer, presents arguments for both sides of the debate. He discusses the advantages of iron ships, such as their durability and resistance to fire, but also notes the challenges of building and maintaining them. He also acknowledges the benefits of wooden ships, such as their flexibility and ease of repair, but highlights their susceptibility to rot and decay.Throughout the book, Russell draws on his extensive knowledge of shipbuilding and naval history to provide a comprehensive analysis of the issue. He considers factors such as cost, speed, and maneuverability, and provides example