In reviewing Chapter IX on "The Value of Torpedo Boats in War Time." in The Naval Annual for 1896, by T. A. Brassey, Griffin and Company, Portsmouth, the reviewer came to the conclusion that the value of torpedo boats in war time was likely to be twofold, active and potential, -active, in actually damaging enemy vessels, -potential, because its actual or suspected presence imposed an unending nightly strain upon the officers and men on the enemy's fleet.