Thanks to the fact that nowadays more and more books are digitized we are able to read books that are some times for decades no longer available for the public for several reasons. That's quite a pity while these books contains useful information while the archives are destroyed, incomplete or nor accessible. Main compared the British navy with the major naval powers at that moment in the world like France and the United States.
P. 62: “As regards the Italian navy, it is almost too young to speak confidently about its real strength. But by a decree passed in June, 1865, it was determined to add to it light iron-clad vessels, which will raise its number to about twenty-five ships altogether. On the 4th of November, the launch of the Affondatore excited some interest. (1) She is a small ship, with a coating of iron 5 inches thick, and is to carry two 300-pounders.
Note
1. Preceded by the Roma-class. Building ordered on 11 October 1862, laid down by Harrison, Milwall, London, England on 11 April 1863, launched on 3 November 1865, commissioned still incomplete on 20 June 1866, escaped to Cherbourg. France to prevent seizure by England due to the war broken out between Italy and Austria-Hungary, sunk during a storm in the harbour of Ancona, Italy on 6 August 1866, refloated and rebuilt at La Spezia, Italy 1867-1873, modernized 1888-1889, guard ship at Venice, Italy 1904-11 October 1907, floating ammunition depot at Taranto, Italy since 1907 but final fate unknown.
Source
Robert Main. “The Navy in 1865” in: British army & navy review. Vol IV, London 1866.
