On supporting science journalism
If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.
The following is from our excellent cotem- porary, the Marshall Telegraph, Marshall, Ill., J. G. Jones, editor. It contains plain and kindly spoken truths. No mechanic now can rise either to be a foreman or manager, or a good tradesman, or can be qualified to do business for himself intelligently, unless he takes a paper devoted to the progress of invention and the arts : "We acknowledge the receipt of the Scientific American from the commencement of the present volume, and most cordially recommend it to the patronage of the mechanics and others in this section. Whilst on this subject we must confess that we have been pained to witness the indifference manifested by our young mechanics generally, and those who are learning mechanical occupations, in qualifying themselves to become complete masters of their business. This is not right. When a young man starts out in life to learn a trade, he should do it with a determination to excel in his particular branch. This can only be effected by reading the observations ot others, and profiting by their experience ; and at the same time deep thought and close application on the part of the student. If a young man desires to become complete master of his business, he should not consent to be satisfied with the instructions of his employer only- imagining that all has been learned that can be; but he should read, study, reflect, investigate, and inquire into the whys and wherefores-become acquainted with first principles. Why have- we"so few superior- worl men'in the different branches of mechanics 1 Simply for the want of the right kind of appli- cation'onthe part of those who follow'such pursuits. They have the ability, the intelligence, and the energy if they would but bring them into operation. Young men! instead of idling your time in reading foolish, simpering, mawkish love stories and novels, get good scientific works, connected with the branch of business you are learning. and store your minds with facts which will last you as long as you live, laying the foundation for future usefulness, and bring to you honor, fame, and competence. What made a Franklin, a Fulton, an Ark- wright, and a Watt 1 Was it foolish, trifling reading 1 or was it a proper direction of their leisure hours to the right kind of study 1 That which has been done by others can be accomplished by you ; the positions they have filled in community can be attained by OU, if you use the same industry and persevering application.
