PART I.—THE ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS.
Section I.—The Drawing Office and its Furnishings.
There are few occupations so dependent for their correct performance upon minute matters of detail as that of the draughtsman. Things apparently the most trivial are sufficient to render inaccurate or to mar the appearance of the otherwise most carefully and skilfully executed design, and as the value of a drawing depends wholly upon its accuracy and its appearance, it is obvious that such matters of detail, however trivial they may be in themselves, demand careful attention. We have, therefore, deemed it desirable to preface our remarks on Plan and Map Drawing with a brief description of the instruments and materials required, and of the mode of using them which experience has shown to be the best.
The Drawing Office.
—The first essentials of a room for drawing in are—that it shall be quite free from damp and be well lighted. The position of the windows is a matter of some importance, and though persons have largely to accommodate themselves to circumstances in this respect, it is desirable to know what are the most suitable conditions, in order that they may be complied with as far as circumstances permit. Skylights are unsuitable, because the light entering from above is liable to be intercepted by the body, and especially by the hands of the draughtsman; besides which, the light from a skylight is seldom sufficient. For the same reasons, a window placed very high in the room is objectionable. When possible, a western aspect is to be preferred, as the light from this direction is less variable and lasts later in the day than from other directions. Blinds of some kind are necessary to modify the light when the sun shines directly upon the window. Gaslights should be situate about 3 feet above the drawing table, and there should be two burners, placed not less than 2 feet apart, as otherwise the hands and the instruments will cast shadows which will prevent fine lines and points from being seen.
The drawing table should be placed under the window; it should have a breadth of about 2 feet 6 inches, and its height should be 3 feet 8 inches at the back and 3 feet 6 inches at the front. The front edge should be rounded over.
Dusters and means for washing the hands must also be provided, as it is requisite to frequently dust the paper and the instruments, and to keep the hands perfectly clean.