English and American tool builders

In reprinting this book certain minor corrections have been made. In the later chapters references occur here and there to the “present” condition of various plants and firms. After careful consideration, it seems wise to let these statements stand as they were written in 1915. Interest in this subject centers chiefly on the early history of the plants and firms rather than on recent changes. To revise the statements, bringing them up to date, would add little. With the ever shifting status of a live industry, the statements, so revised, would remain correct for only a short time. Therefore, when a reference is made to present conditions it should be understood to cover those at the beginning of the World War, which is a natural dividing point in our industrial history.

The general predictions made in the last two paragraphs of the book have been borne out by the developments in American toolbuilding since that time.