It is one of the greatest anomalies of human nature, that the performance of most difficult tasks, requiring for their consummation numerous and rare attainments, are continually undertaken by those who are least qualified to perform them. Lured by the glittering reward of the few successful ones, they try to gain by chance what can only be gained by work.
[ CHAPTER 2
Machine Designing]
While the elements of success in actual engineering are general, comprised by knowledge of well-known sciences and arts; yet the accomplishments of their undertaking must necessarily be stamped with the individuality of its creator, and along those lines that repeated experiences have found necessary, to insure success.
In inventing and designing a new machine, one must first thoroughly familiarize himself with its desired performance, as the success or failure of his mechanical creation depends on how nearly perfect that performance is, compared to established or desired standards; and the performance of that machine when made will truly denote how well its designer understood it, and his skill in mechanical manipulation to produce it.
THE STEPS BY WHICH HE IS REQUIRED TO CLIMB AND MOUNT THAT DESIRED EMINENCE
Another important item of calculation must be the relative value of the probable production of the machine, its quantity and quality, to the cost of the machine.
Careful consideration must be given to the working conditions the machine will have to be adapted to. These must include a careful study of the substance to be worked upon in the machine, its regularity or irregularity in shape, its constant or changing conditions under various environments or seasons, and its general peculiarities.