Written discussion

Members should continually keep in mind their privilege of contributing written discussions on papers presented at any meeting of the Institute, and printed in the Proceedings. It has been found practically impossible to print papers for general distribution in advance, and in most cases the best that can be done is to have them available at the meetings. Distant members who are interested in any paper announced for presentation may obtain copies by applying to the office. Written discussion on such papers if mailed within a month, and found to be acceptable, may be incorporated in the Proceedings. The membership now extends throughout the world, and it is impossible for any committee or individual to invite a discussion from all engineers who have had experience in the particular branch of work to which a paper pertains. The membership should appreciate the great amount of work which is being constantly done by committees at considerable personal sacrifice, and wherever possible should supplement this work by individual effort for the general good of the profession. Engineering practice varies in different parts of the world, and emergencies frequently arise which call for the exercise of ingenuity to meet unusual conditions. A record of methods adopted may thus become of general interest and its publication will redound to the credit of the originator.