Millwork

Abstract: In 1829 Zachariah Allen, a lifelong resident of Providence, Rhode Island, published his book, The Science of Mechanics. Neither the title nor a casual glance at the contents of the book suggests that it contains material of major interest to economists or economic historians. Allen's book was intended as a manual for American mechanics and manufacturers. It summarized that portion of the industrial arts of its day which the author considered most useful and relevant for the edification of his American readers. The book contains elementary tables of conversion, arithmetic and geometric rules and formulas, a good deal of simple physics, and extensive descriptions of the workings of machinery—especially water wheels, steam engines, and millwork generally. In particular, Allen attempted to summarize much of what he had learned during a recent tour of the major manufacturing districts of England and France, so as to bring Americans up to date on the “latest improvements in mechanical invention in those countries.’ Unobtrusively placed in the back of this book, however, is a chapter, “Comparative View of the Relative Advantages Possessed by England, France and the United States of America as Manufacturing Nations,’ which records his more strictly economic impressions of his tour, taken in 1825. His observations in this short chapter, often trenchant and occasionally pungent, invite comparison with some of the better known European travelers to the United States. Anyone who can write, as Allen does (p. 355), that “An industrious New-England mechanic commonly appears to take pleasure in his business; but the French mechanic is rather inclined to make a business of his pleasures,’ is obviously entitled to a sympathetic hearing.

Abstract: This book, the most comprehensive and basic working tool available to the design professional, encompasses every area of expertise required in the practice of contemporary interior design. Architects, interior designers, drafters, specifiers, and designers and manufacturers of building materials, furnishings, and equipment for interiors will find essential specification data and thousands of fully metricated, dimensioned drawings of interiors and the components of interiors. The range is vast: materials that range from hinges for cabinet doors to ceramic tiles for tub enclosures; drawings of standard and custom millwork for hundreds of specific interior applications; detailed dimensioned plans for custom casework; fully dimensioned room layouts keyed to drawings of individual details; illustrations, with dimensions, of standard and special-purpose furnishings and equipment. Throughout, acknowledged industry standards are given as are specifications and notes about usage. Vital information about flammability and life safety factors and accessible barrier-free requirements is also given wherever it is applicable. To facilitate quick access, the book is organized in three parts, with CSI Masterformat code numbers used throughout. Part one covers standard dimensions of manufactured interior components, including basic graphic and design elements; architectural millwork and hardware; partitions and doors; windows and skylights; interior finishes, specialties, and equipment; stairs and ramps; and lighting. The second part deals with residential graphic and design standards, and the third part covers commercial graphic and design standards public washrooms, commercial offices, banks, retail spaces, health studios, restaurants and bars, hotels and motels, medical and dental offices, libraries, and places of worship. A complete resource book, "Interior Graphic and Design Standards" includes lists of industry associations, glossaries of terms, size charts, conversion tables, and practical checklists of steps in the design process. There is an extensive keyword index, giving page references as well as CSI Masterformat code numbers, and a complete alphabetical listing of data sources."

Abstract: Introduction John Smeaton Scientific work Mills and millwork The Eddystone Lighthouse Rivers and Canals Fen Drainage Bridges Steam Engines Harbours Professional Practice Papers, Reports and Drawings Portraits of Smeaton Appendix 1 Appendix 2 Appendix 3 Notes and References Index