Polytechnic Association Proceedinqs, 855 



leuderiug this great engine of civilization a comparatively cheap, 

 safe, and useful servant of the soil. 



After considerable discussion on the generation of steam, the 

 Association adjourned. 



February 13, 1868. 



Professor S. D. Tillman in the chair. 



The attendance at this meeting was somewhat extraordinary; 

 usually the room has been filled on Thursday evenings, but on 

 this occasion not even standing room could be found long before 

 the meeting was called to order. The Chairman introduced the 

 Hon. Wra. J. McAlpine, C. E., formerly State Engineer, who read 

 the following interesting paper: 



ON FO UNDA TIONS. 



An eminent engineer and author says: "The permanence of 

 engineering structures depends almost entirely on the manner in 

 which their foundations are laid ; when these are properly made, the 

 superstructure is more a matter of taste than of skill. Many struc- 

 tures have been destroyed in consequence of defective foundations, 

 while compai'atively few have failed from an unskillful construction 

 of the works above them. It is moi-tifying to admit that the 

 foundations of modem engineers, architects and constructors fail 

 more frequently than those of their predecessors. I shall avoid 

 mentioning particular cases of modern failures, of this kind, but 

 one cannot read the publications of the day, nor examine the works 

 built, nor hardly enter a friend's house, without noticing such 

 failures, and when they are avoided it is often done at a large extra 

 expense which a proper knowledge of the subject would have 

 saved. I address myself especially to those of my own profession, 

 but the principles involved in the discussion of the subject, equally 

 apj)ly to architects, and to a class of practical men who, without 

 study, undertake similar works and whom I have designated as 

 constructors. Nor will the solution of these questions, I hope, be 

 less interesting to those who furnish the money to build them. 



It is generally supposed that an unyielding foundation must in 

 all cases be obtained, and when this is practicable, at not too great 

 a cost, it is advisable to secure it; but the failures to which I have 



