Some suggestions for possible improvements in methods of engineering education

Attention is called to the fact that very few of those who take engineering courses in the colleges are fitted by previous mathematical training to take up the work properly. Suggestion, therefore, is made that all engineering courses drop back into the more elementary mathematics during the first year, in order to give a thorough drilling in the practical use of such mathematics, with a view better to fitting the students for more advanced work. It is believed that with this elementary training the students can make much more rapid progress in their advanced work, not only in engineering work, but in physics, mechanics and various other related lines. Moreover such a course would assist the schools in eliminating those who are totally unfit for engineering work, and thus overcome one of the most serious defects of the prsent technical courses. The application of mathematics to practical work should be taught much more thoroughly than at present, but that appears to be impossible under the present circumstances where the students have a very incomplete elementary training.