light, certain parts would more quickly reach minimum size than they would
if the loading were heavier; and any further material reduction would prove uneconomic.

Systemization

Quoting from "Bridge Engineering," "The systemization of all that one does in connection with his professional work is one of the most important steps that can be taken towards the attainment of success." Moreover, it is one of the fundamental elements of economics in all lines of work.

Time Versus Material

Some designers in their endeavor to save a small amount of material expend a large amount of time, not only of their own but also of other people's, which time when properly evaluated is often greatly in excess of the cost of the material saved. Such economy as this is false; and its practice is unscientific.

Labor Versus Material

Similarly, some designers in an endeavor to cut down quantities in their structures increase the labor thereon to such an extent that the material saved is worth only a small portion of the value of the extra labor expended. For instance, if one were to make a small pier hollow, the concrete thus saved would not be worth anything like as much as the cost of the forms needed to construct the hollow space and that of the reinforcement which would be required in the thin pier walls.

Recording Diagrams

The study of economics is greatly facilitated by the use of diagrams that record quantities of materials, costs of construction, times of operation, etc., for varying conditions. In general, it may be stated that American engineers do not use graphics for studying economics to the extent which is advisable; and that in this they might learn something from their European brethren.

Economics of Mental Effort

Almost nothing concerning this important subject is taught in our technical schools; and but little is known about it by practicing engineers. To be a truly-successful engineer, one has need to study deeply the matter of how best and most economically to utilize his mental forces; how to accomplish the greatest amount of work with the smallest expenditure of effort; how many hours of work per day for long-continued labor will effect the largest accomplishment; to what extent men in various lines of