Page:Engineering as a vocation (IA cu31924004245605).pdf/67

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ENGINEERING AS A VOCATION
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immature minds and teach narrow special subjects. They are not qualified to advise the young man who is going out into the world to guard a home against the attack of the wolf. Neither can the professor of bridge design, of structural design, of sanitary engineering, of hydraulic engineering be counted a safe adviser, for each will unduly magnify his specialty. The entire course is arranged to give each of the subjects a proper representation and if there is any time left for electives the young man should take them in the humanities, literature, political economy, sociology, etc.

The engineer changes the very face of nature. he makes millions of blades of grass grow where none grew before. He builds railroads which people the deserts. He erects factories and equips them. Thousands of people are employed through him and his employment. History, sociology, economics and philanthropy are studies with which he should be familiar. He deals with materials and for four years his studies are arranged to give him a proper knowledge of materials. His largest dealings are with men and until a very late period nothing was taught him about mankind.

The study of English is most important. Engineers must make reports on the feasibility of projects involving the expenditure of vast sums. The men who have the money to invest are usually of a class that cannot tolerate poor English and who