England as a User of Power.—The enginery within her borders is greater than the combined energy of all the people on the globe. Through the wonderful force thus set in motion by her remarkable industries she has become the great manufacturing empire of the world, and has called into existence a carrying fleet of vessels, also controlled by motors, so stupendous as to be beyond belief.
We may well contemplate the great changes which have been brought about by the fact that man has developed and is using power in every line of work which engages his activities.
The Automobile.—He does not, in progressive countries, depend on the muscle of the man, or on the sinews of animals. These are too weak and too slow for his needs. Look at the changes brought about by the automobile industry within the past ten years. What will the next century bring forth?
Artificial power, if we may so term it, is a late development. It is very young when compared with the history of man.
High Character of Motor Study.—The study of motors requires intellect of a high order. It is a theme which is not only interesting and attractive to the boy, but the mastery of the subject in only one of its many details, opens up a field of profit and emoluments.
The Unlimited Field of Power.—It is a field which is ever broadening. The student need not fear that competition will be too great, or the opportunities too limited, and if these pages will succeed, in only a small measure, in teaching the fundamental ideas, we shall be repaid for the efforts in bringing together the facts presented.