18 



pliy, geology and natural history, and the chemistry of soils 

 in relation to all vegetable fibres and to all animals which 

 yield fibres to the textile arts. Next wonld come the phy- 

 sical stud}' of the fibres themselves with the microscope, 

 the polnriscope, and the camera, and an examination of all 

 kinds of cotton, wool, flax, hemp and silk. Then the 

 stndy of the manufacture of all textiles historically and 

 mechanically. Next the fundamental principles of all the 

 machines which are in use, with laboratory practice in the 

 art of carding, spinning and weaving. The professor of 

 architecture would be called upon to give lessons in mill 

 construction. The professor of underwriting might be 

 called in to aid with a special course, and might teach 

 something more than the art of saving property from fire. 

 And finally, the professor of political science would treat 

 the condition of the operative, and the historic changes 

 which the introduction of machinery has made in the con- 

 dition of the people of all lands. In short, the professor 

 of every science would be called upon to do his best in the 

 instruction of students in the textile department in order 

 that they might be well qualified to take their degree and 

 enter upon the work of life as well equipped as they should 

 be. When it is considered that the annual value of the 

 textile industries of the United States already amounts to 

 more than six hundred million dollars, and that of the im- 

 ported products to more than one hundred and twenty -five 

 millions, can we not see what a wide field is opened for 

 qualified young men to enter upon this one branch of hu- 

 man industry. And yet in this country there is no school 

 for special instruction and training in this department, 

 while in Europe there are already many well established, 



and others still in prospect. 



At Crefield, Prussia, there is a building which is to be 

 wholly devoted to weaving and dyeing. At Bradford, 

 England, there is a Technical school which is to be devot- 



