14 — 



fore, yet not without room for difference in opinion. Twenty 

 years hence the same problem will again arise, and then, as now, we 

 can thank those who drew our charter for the liberality of the re- 

 quirements, allowing any needs to be filled within the range of in- 

 terpretation. 



We now enter upon the era of Mechanical Engineering proper, 

 by way of development rather than direct creation ; with the way 

 paved by those who have conducted the instruction in the past, 

 with the opportunity afforded by the wise decisions of the honored 

 guardians of the University ; with the project made possible by 

 the munificence of him to whom we pay just tribute, and with the 

 plan carried to full completion by one who comes to us as a mas- 

 ter of all comprehended within the worthy title he bears. 



To those present who are to enjoy the advantages now offered I 

 would like to say much ; but this is not the time or place. I 

 would however mention two things which form the most common 

 subjects for discussion in your curriculum. They are shop work 

 and higher mathematics. Consider skill in the former not as an 

 end, but as an important means to an end. Consider familiarity 

 with the latter a great labor saving machine. In all your work 

 cultivate habits of concentration, accuracy, and decision. It has 

 been truly said that " in engineering a man gets paid for what he 

 can do, not what he knows," to which I wish to add, that his value 

 depends quite as largely upon the responsibility he can safely as- 

 sume. Lastly, and particularly remember that no amount of gen- 

 ius can take the place of hard work. 



Technical education has received a great impulse in this country 

 from Cornell University, and no technical department has more 

 opportunity to practically demonstrate the effect of such education, 

 than that of Mechanical Engineering. The time is ripe, the de- 

 mand exists and there remains much to be done by those who 

 thus prepare for the doing. The expense of efficient conduct is 

 one of the greatest problems in the matter. High grade work 

 must be maintained and commercial efficiency, so necessary in en- 

 gineering, must be exemplified by the very atmosphere of the De- 

 partment. To this end the equipment must be as ample as is that 

 of efficient manufactories. Able leaders and assistants there must be 



