Motion Study
A Method for Increasing the Efficiency of the Workman

INTRODUCTION xxiii twenty motions where one would suffice. I he actual wealth of the nation is in what it takes from the ground in the shape of crops or minerals plus the value added to these products by processes of manufacture. If by re- ducing the number of motions in any of these processes we can increase many fold the output of the worker, we have increased by that amount the wealth of the world, we have taken a long step in bringing the cost of living to a point where it will no longer be a burden to all but the very wealthy ; and we have benefited mankind in untold ways. Words fail the writer when he tries to express his appre- ciation of what Mr. Gilbreth has done in blazing a trail for future investigators. The work he outlines of investi- gating and reclassifying the trades by means of motion study is worthy of the brams of the most scientific invcsti gators; it is worthy of the endowments of a Rockefeller or a Carnegie; it is worthy of the best efforts of the national government. Properly carried to its logical conclusion it would form the mightiest tool for the conservation of resources that the country could have. Our scientists could engage in no more important work than this. ROBERT THURSTON KENT, Editor Industrial Engineering.