124 MICHIGAN STATE AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE 



of purpose, then the training which the engineer receives cannot 

 but have its corresponding effect upon character. 



Finally, among other results of the work of engineering 

 schools, we may not ignore the actual contribution to technical 

 and scientific knowledge made through investigations and re- 

 searches carried on in the laboratories of their institutions. 

 These investigations relate to every possible phase of the pro- 

 duction and utilization of power, the performance of machines, 

 and the characterization of the physical properties of materials 

 of construction. To illustrate more fully what is meant by this 

 statement, I may point out that a generation ago it was the 

 exception that any machine was constructed or purchased on a 

 specification as to its efficiency of performance, or for any ma- 

 terial of construction to be supplied on a specification of qualities. 

 Now the effort is to base all transactions upon a specification of 

 quality or efficiency based upon accurate scientific tests. For 

 instance, no one now buys a steam boiler except on specification 

 of its evaporative efficiency, or steel, except upon specification 

 of its strength, or paint, or coal, or cement, except upon certain 

 guarantees of quality, and even the physical characteristics and 

 qualities of timber are now being determined and fixed in engi- 

 neering laboratories as a possible basis for future use in this way. 

 The work of determining these standards, of devising methods 

 of testing, of accumulating the vast data of reference, and of 

 actually carrying on these tests and determinations has been 

 the contribution of our engineering laboratories. How vast 

 this is and to what an extent it controls and improves engineering 

 practice can be imagined, but scarcely comprehended. In the 

 great engineering societies, engaged in promoting and fixing 

 engineering standards, the teachers and graduates of engineering 

 colleges are prominent and, through these channels, exercise 

 their influence on professional practice. Another important 

 contribution from the teachers of engineering has been the 

 development and organization of the material of instruction. 



