Applied Motion Study
A Collection Method to industrial Preparedness

INTRODUCTION Blessed is the man who makes two blades of grass grow where only one grew before. More blessed is he who multiplies the harvests of toil not merely two-fold, but three-fold or more-fold, for he virtually lengthens life when he adds to its fruitage. Such a man is Frank B. Gilbreth who tells in this book just how he wrought this wonder. For years he has closely watched work- ers at tasks of all kinds; he has discovered how much they lose by moving unprofitably hither and thither, by neglecting to take the shortest and easiest paths. In the ancient trade of bricklaying he has increased the output almost four-fold by doing only what must be done, and using a few simple devices of his own invention. In this volume Mr. Gilbreth describes and pic- tures the simple photographic process which en- ables one to record in detail the motions of a handicraft, or a manufacture, so as to bring them by criticism and experiment to their utmost economy of energy and time. When once the best practice is reached in any particular field of work ix