N O T E .
TN the earlier pages of this volume an attempt is made to differentiate
the geographical expression “ Creusot ” from the naine of “ Schneider,”
and to leave no excuse for a preference in employing the former instead of
the latter, whenever the famous metallurgical works of France are referred
to. In its earliest days it was the location that was celebrated ; but witli
the first generation of Schneiders, this condition was reversed, and it is
only by force of habit that the word “ Creusot ” is incorrectly made to stand
for the vast establishments, and their widely-scattered dependencies of mines,
and blast furnaces, and constructive works.
It is believed that so complété and detailecl a histoiy of a great industry
lias never before been given to the public ; and it is wholly owing to the mannér
in wliich Messrs. Schneider and Co. have placecl every information at my
disposai that such a publication is now possible. That they hâve clone this,
to a foreigner, and without reserve, is only in keeping with the spirit of
progrès» which for generations lias characterised the methods of the familv.
Possibly that section of this book dealing with the gun factories of
Messis. Schneider and Co. will attract spscial attention. In soniø ineasure,
these pages may be regarded as supplementary to my earlier volume on “ Modem
French Artillery,” which dealt exelusively with the progress made in ordnance
construction by one of the most famous specialists, Monsieur Gustave Canet.
Since that book was written, the gun factory at Havre lias been purchased
by Messrs. Schneider and Co., who secured at the same time the assistance of
M. Canet as manager of their Ordnance Department, the products of which
are famous throughout the world, in ail calibres and for every purpose.
James Dredge, C.M.G.
35, 36, Bedford Street, Strand, Loxdon,
November, 1900.