lump (for lack of terminology) infront of large ships?

[druidking]

you know the seemingly random lump on the front of large ships?
it makes the ship go faster, right?
would some1 care to explain to me how that kump works? (perhaps a short history of the lump, like who came up with the idea, what boat first had it, etc.)
i would also like to know what the lump is called

-thnx for your help


http://sig.megapass.net/club/home1/a...M/41_photo.gif <---- that is an example of what i am talking about!

[BruceS]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bulbous_bow