"The head of a ship however has not always an immediate relation to her name, at least in the British navy"

This quote by William Falconer is describing the practice of calling ships in the British navy. He is recommending that the name of a ship does not always have an obvious connection to the physical features of the ship. This can be because the name of the ship is selected to honour a person or event, or just because the name is seen as being suitable for the vessel.

The method of naming ships in the British navy has a lengthy background, with some vessels being called after renowned individuals or occasions, while others are called after geographical areas or even pets. This quote by William Falconer is a pointer that the name of a ship does not constantly have an apparent connection to its physical qualities. It is feasible that the name of a ship is picked for its symbolic meaning or simply due to the fact that it is seen as being proper for the vessel.