France was the first country to manufacture steel in large quantities[citation needed], using the Siemens process.

All-steel warships were later built by the Royal Navy, with the dispatch vessels Iris and Mercury, laid down in 1875–1876.

The engines are two in number, horizontal, and of the compound two cylinder type, developing a horsepower of 6,071 [4.527 MW], which on the trial trip gave a speed of 14.66 knots.

Five hundred and ten tons of coal are carried in the bunkers, which at a speed of 10 knots should enable the ship to make a voyage of 2,800 nautical miles [5,200 km].

Torpedo defense netting is fitted, and there are three masts with military tops carrying Hotchkiss revolver machine guns.