Ebook The Iron-Founder

IN writing this book the principal object of the author has always been to help such of his fellow-craftsmen as, by force of circumstances, have been shut out from the wider experience which it has been his good fortune to enjoy. It is not supposed that because a man is ignorant of cer tain truths connected with his trade or profession, that he is desirous of always remaining in that condition; but it must be conceded that very few of us care to confess our ignorance openly, and accept the teachings of those with whom we have been in daily contact, and for whose ability we have entertained only common respect, without question or subsequent investigation. No man cares to parade his ignorance who feels within himself a consciousness of ability, if only the opportunity for improvement were offered him; and hundreds of men in our foundries to-day are earnestly looking for the means which shall lift them to a higher plane of usefulness, as well as establish within themselves a greater degree of self-re spect. It will be a source of great satisfaction to the author if the advent of this book should be a help to such.