LITERATURE UPON GRAPHICAL STATICS. H 



dimensions with which one works, the better the results obtained. The 

 scales should not, then, be taken too small. 



It is hoped that these considerations, now drawing to a close, will suffice 

 to give the reader clear ideas upon the nature and origin, advantages and 

 disadvantages, of the graphical statics. The determination whether he will 

 enter more fully into the subject it may be, even take part in its develop- 

 ment (there is abundance of room for workers), and in this case the choice 

 of direction may thus be facilitated. 



The graphical statics is certainly suited, especially in extended applica- 

 tions of the geometry of position, to furnish many new points of view, and 

 in a practical respect it can often greatly simplify. Whoever has really 

 studied the new methods must admit this. 



On the other hand, the importance of the graphical statics is sometimes 

 exaggerated. It appears out of place when in works designed for practice 

 graphical solutions are given of problems which any reasoning being can 

 almost solve in his head. 



Such solutions may find a place in special text-books upon the subject, 

 where they may, indeed, be desirable for completeness. 



If it is desired to make two independent investigations of stability, as 

 for large and important constructions is always desirable, it will be found 

 of advantage, if a suitable graphical solution exists, to make the first deter- 

 mination graphically. Nothing more ensures a conviction of the correct- 

 ness of an investigation than a correspondence of the graphical and cal- 

 culated results. 



XL 



LITERATURE UPON GRAPHICAL STATICS. 



We have already referred in VI. to the most important contributions in 

 the branch of graphical statics, and now annex a list of the literature upon 

 the subject so far as known to us. 



Where several works treat of the same subject, we have allowed ourselves 

 a brief critical notice. Opportunity is thus given to those who would take 

 part in the development of graphical statics to make themselves acquainted 

 with all existing works, and at the same time the practical man is enabled 

 in any case that may come up to inform himself as to where assistance 

 may best be sought. A short remark to specify the contents may in this 

 respect often help in the right direction. The succession is in each division 

 chronologically arranged 



Although the literature of the subject would seem from the following 

 tolerably extensive, still the number of pure geometrical solutions in 

 which no analytical formulae appear is much less. Publications upon the 

 subject would, moreover, beyond doubt, be still more numerous were it 

 not for the difficulty and cost of production of lithograph plates. 



