288 EDWARD H. SANBORN 



generators to which the system was first applied, and the 

 electric motor supplied the only practicable method of driving 

 the tools which form part of the system. The system has not 

 yet found much application outside of electrical works, al- 

 though a beginning has been made, and this growth will 

 doubtless continue. 



The grinding machine was first devised during the last 

 fifteen years as a means of doing superior work, but it was not 

 long before it became evident that it was a source of economy 

 as well as a means of securing superior workmanship. The 

 full significance of this was, however, slow to be realized, and 

 it was not until toward the close of the decade that the move- 

 ment began toward a very marked increase in capacity, weight, 

 and power of the machine. 



In no feature of machine shop practice has there been 

 greater progress in American shops than in the provision of 

 crane facilities. Twenty years ago the absence of these facil- 

 ities was a national reproach, but to-day there is undoubtedly 

 better crane service in the United States than exists elsewhere. 

 This development is to be credited to the electric motor, with- 

 out which it is at least doubtful if the present stage of progress 

 could ever have been reached. The mere transmission of the 

 power required for cranes of present capacities by the old 

 square shaft or flying rope would be a serious problem. Elec- 

 tricity furnishes, in fact, an ideal method of driving cranes, 

 and the necessary installation of an electric plant for operating 

 cranes has no doubt greatly furthered the adoption of electric 

 power for other purposes. 



Within the last few years discoveries have been made 

 whereby certain classes of tool steel are made to endure cutting 

 speeds which before were impossible. Like all other useful 

 things these steels have certain limitations and it is too earty 

 to state definitely what their ultimate economic importance 

 will be. It is reasonably certain, however, to be considerable. 



