Those of us who have grown up with the results of Modern Manufacture around us are apt to miss the romance of the subject. Indeed, it is difficult for us to realize how very different were the conditions in which our great-grandfathers, and even our grandfathers, lived and worked. In the present volume the author has endeavored to trace the evolution of the different industries, and to describe in everyday language the methods of manufacture in our principle industries. In order to keep the book as readable as possible, he has omitted many names and dates, but sufficient detail is given to enable the general reader to form a clear conception of the different subjects. (Summary adapted from the Preface)
