I.— PHYSIOLOGY. 



173 



The figures given are the averages of three or more observations made 

 at eacli load. None of the observations were made in the order in 

 which they are recorded ; hght and heavy loads were alternated. 



This rhythm of work is simply a general example of the formation 

 of a conditioned reflex. The rhythm adopted, although it may suit the 

 worker, is not of necessity the series of muscle movements which lead 

 to the least expenditure of energy. Most probably the rhythm selected 

 is only in small part due to the worker's physical configuration; in 

 greater part it is evolved in imitation of some more experienced or older 

 worker. The average workman is not so much concerned with the 

 diminution of the physiological cost in the performance of a given 

 act as in the reduction of conscious effort. As Vernon states, ' Ex- 

 perienced industrial workers unconsciously adopt habits of work which 

 tend to the production of a maximum output with the minimum of 

 effort.' 



This capacity of the organism to build up a series of conditioned 

 reflexes is one of the potent factors in the prevention of fatigue. The 

 organism is able not only to l)uild up reflexes in response to the tactile 

 impressions of the material which he handles, of the tools, their shape, 

 weight, &c., with which he works, but even to the extent and duration 

 of the movements which he develops in the perfoiTnance of his work. 

 The proper and effective linking up of a series of these stimuli lead to a 

 technical rhythm which will not necessarily be identical in the case of 

 each v.'orker in the same shop performing the same operation, but 

 which, viewed generally, will give a colourable representation of 

 uniformity. 



It is not, of course, suggested that the methods adopted by workers 

 independently are the perfect methods, and that proper investigation 

 will not discover better and easier methods of performing certain given 

 operations. .If newer and more economical methods are to be developed 

 a.nd brought into- operation, the only real chance will be to segregate 

 the newer young workers. Vernon gives an excellent example of the 

 necessity of doing so. The output of a certain necessary stock article 

 had to be increased. A factory concerned in the production turned out 

 5,000 per week, and this could not be increased — the regular workmen 

 had a certain rate and habit of work. A new factory was started, 

 staffed with hands new to the work, and after six months' practice 

 they produced 13,000 articles per week. 



There is good evidence, that of Miiscio for example, that both 

 resting and working, in addition to the individual muscle rhythm, there 



