Ships Cover for the Medea class third [previously second] class protected cruisers HMS Magicienne (1888), HMS Marathon (1888), HMS Medea (1888), HMS Medusa (1888) and HMS Melpomene (1888). The early papers include a detailed design outline and justification drafted by William White. This document includes comparisons of the characteristics of the new design with equivalent British vessels, cost estimates and commentary on the tactical/strategic functions the class could fulfil. The rest of the documentation mainly relates to stability calculations, alterations made during construction and ta various times after completion, statements of dimensions and weights, coal endurance and bunker capacities, armament and ammunition allowance, crew complement numbers and issues of accommodation, comparison of the Medeas with the French Forbin (1888) and German Blitz (1882) and Greif (1886), papers generated by the Boiler Committee with reference to the re-boilering of Medea and Medusa in 1901/2, and copies of the correspondence concerning contractors' tenders for the two Fairfield-built ships in this class. The earliest papers date from November 1885 at the outset of the design process and conclude in June 1912, by which point the two survivors (Medea and Medusa) were up for sale and serving as a calibrating vessel respectively.