The practical brass and iron founder's guide

Front matter

THE

PEACTICAL

BRASS AND IRON FOUNDER'S

Preface

The world at present groans under a load of new publications on every branch of science and art; with which no former period of our literary annals can for a moment be compared.

The most assiduous students, unable to peruse a thousandth part of the works which are daily soliciting their attention, are quite perplexed and distressed about what to choose and what to reject.

This I have frequently found to be the case with myself, and while debating the question in my own mind, have lost, in doubt and uneasiness, the time I meant to set apart for practical manipulation.

Impressed, therefore, with the unspeakable disadvantages that result from the circumstances just viii PREFACE.

stated, and anxious to save others, in some degree, from that unpleasant dilemma in which I have myself been so often placed, I have resolved on the present publication, which I hope will to a very great extent accomplish the useful object I have in view.

With what judgment, however, the design has been formed, and with what skill it has been executed, it becomes not me to determine — that question, to the result of which I am deeply alive, remains now with a higher tribunal.

During the last fifteen years I have, from time to time, contributed papers to well known mechanical and philosophical publications, on subjects herein discussed. These I have carefully revised for the present work, and have added much information gleaned in the field of experience, and from the arcana of science.

I would add in conclusion, that I have been practically employed in the business for thirty- four years, having conducted the work, in all its branches, at Messieurs Sandford et Varreles, Rue de Rochechourt, one of the largest ateliers in Paris, as well

PREFACE. ix

as at the British government works, steam-engine and ship-building yard, Woolwich, London, for the last eleven years — so that the reader may relieve himself of all doubt and difficulty in the matter.

James Larkin.

Preface To The Fifth Edition

With a view to its increased value and usefulness, the Publisher issues this greatly enlarged and improved edition of The Practical Brass and Iron" Founder's Guide, prepared from tho manuscript of the author.

Philadelphia. March 15. 1SC6.