Science in Public Affairs 



machine is or remains perfect, many mechanical 

 processes continue to require the co-operation of 

 a human tender or assistant, though new auto- 

 matic machinery is constantly displacing such 

 labour. In the most highly evolved modern trans- 

 port trades the conditions of the processes still 

 require the machine-tender of the locomotive to 

 exercise qualities of skill and discretion which have 

 almost disappeared from the tender of stationary 

 engines. 



But while new economies of mechanics and 

 chemistry are continually conquering the limits 

 set by these irregularities of material and pro- 

 cess upon scientific industry, the irregularity of 

 consumers' demands is in some respects a more 

 obstinate barrier to the displacement of human art. 



The unification and the differentiation of huma- 

 nity, the two opposite and complementary pro- 

 cesses of social evolution, imply a corresponding 

 uniformity and diversity of wants and needs. Now, 

 while the former process favours mechanical pro- 

 duction, the latter negates it. The first condition 

 of mechanical production is the existence of a 

 large, regular demand for routine products, and 

 this implies identity of needs and desires. In so 

 far as a common standard of consumption is 

 accepted by large masses of men, living under 

 similar conditions, standardisation of production is 

 possible. One tendency of modern civilisation is 

 assuredly in this direction, imposing a certain 

 conformity in modes of life. But another ten- 

 dency is certainly towards greater individuation, 



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