The thesis examines proposals and the long history of efforts to build an interoceanic canal across the Isthmus, surveying alternate routes and comparing natural harbors, seismic and volcanic risk, climate, curvature, and hydrology to support a chosen alignment and canal type. It summarizes engineering trade-offs between lock and sea-level designs, sets out location, dimensions and plan, and describes organization and methods for constructing the canal prism, locks and dams. The work also addresses sanitation and social conditions during construction and outlines anticipated economic importance and maintenance considerations.