At this period the enthusiasm of the amateur was fast giving way to a more steady commercial instinct, and I let no opportunity slip of improving my position, but I felt that I was still labouring under the disadvantage of not having acquired some technical profession.

The problem recurred at the Tay Bridge disaster of 1879 and failures continued until all cast iron under-bridges were replaced by steel structures. Anthony Bessemer
Bessemer's father Anthony was born in London but moved to Paris when he was 21 years old. Sir Henry Bessemer (19 January 1813 – 15 March 1898) was an English engineer inventor and businessman.

Sir Henry Bessemer (19 January 1813 – 15 March 1898) was an English engineer inventor and businessman. Bessemer's name is chiefly known in connection with the Bessemer process for the manufacture of steel.