If, in the past, the brain has been found wanting, we should not lose confidence in its reliability until we have seen how it has been managed.
Under some conditions its interpretations are absolutely correct; in fact, under all conditions that would be called fair in testing other kinds of mechanism.
Unfortunately, these conditions have not always existed. Opinions regarding important matters have been formed when accurate mentation has been impossible.
Physical Condition of Worker.
If the use of the machine induces either an adverse mental attitude or physical condition of the worker, it will sooner or later be adverse to the economic success of the machine.
We have indicated some of the problems and have suggested the well-known method of mental control for this purpose. A keen observer of men and machinery may not require as much of the so- called practical experience; another may need many years of actual work.
The practical experience in the various departments of machine construction, its sale and its use, is undoubtedly almost absolutely necessary for the average man in this work.
Its value is primarily to give an opportunity to see things in actual operation. The shop affords an opportunity to see how a machine stands up to its work, where it is weak, and a thousand and one points that can best be seen in actual operation. But there is still another phase that is comprehended more readily by the practical experience, and this applies to the various departments of business as well as to the works. It is the knowledge of the men and their mental make-up and attitude.
A keen observer soon realizes that successful life in the machinery world will not come easily to any one who lacks a good understanding of others in the field.