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Show TH tw PRINCIPLE types of tools, which O SCIENTIFI thoug MANAGEMEN imperfec as compare 6 wit th shapes developed years afterward, were superior to all other shape and kinds in common use. These tools were adopted as standar and made possible an immediate increase in the speed of ever machinist who used them These types were superseded in a com paratively short time by still other tools which remained standar until they in their turn made way for later improvements. The science which exists in most of the mechanic arts is, however far simpler than the science of cutting metals In almost all cases in fact, the laws or rules which are developed are so simple that th average man would hardly dignify them with the name of a science. In most trades, the science is developed through a comparativel simple analysis and time study of the movements required by th workmen to do some small part of his work, and this study is usuall made by a man equipped merely with a stop-watch and a properl ruled notebook Hundreds of these ‘"time-study men" are no engaged in developing elementary scientific knowledge where befor existed only rule of thumb Even the motion study of Mr. Gilbret in bricklaying (described on pages 45 to 49) involves a much mor elaborate investigation than that which occurs in most cases Th general steps to be taken in developing a simple law of this class ar as follows First. Find, say, 10 or 15 different men (preferably in as man separate establishments and different parts of the country) who ar especially skilful in doing the particular work to be analyzed Second. Study the exact series of elementary operations or notion which each of these men uses in doing the work which is being investigated, as well as the implements each man uses Third. Study with a stop-watch the time required to make eac of these elementary movements and then select the quickest way o doing each element of the work 1 Time and again the experimenter in the mechanic arts will find himsel face to face with the problem as to whether he had better make immediate practica use of the knowledge which he has attained, or wait until some positive finalit He recognizes clearly the fact that he ha in his conclusions has been reached already made some definite progress, but sees the possibility (even the probaEach particular case must of course b bility) of still further improvement independentl considered bu the genera conclusio in most instances it is wise to put one's conclusion w hav reache as soon as possibl is tha to th rigid test of practical use. The one indispensable condition for such a test however, is that the experimenter shall have full opportunity, coupled wit sufficient authority, to insure a thorough and impartial trial. And this, owin to the almost universal prejudice in favor of the old, and to the suspicion of th new, is difficult to get |
