How did John Smeaton help to transform expert testimony ?

In 1782, John Smeaton’s testimony on the deterioration of Wells Harbour marked the formal inception of the scientific expert witness?

By the 1780s, John Smeaton had established himself as a highly esteemed figure within mid-18th-century scientific circles. His expertise and reputation led to frequent calls for his services in court and before Parliament as a scientific consultant.

Renowned for his specialization in harbour engineering, Smeaton’s contributions were pivotal in the emergence and recognition of the expert witness in legal and legislative matters.

You can read more about John Smeaton’s work here.