Scientific Research and the Glass Industry in the United States

Abstract

THE great American glass works engineer, Mr. Owens, referring to the fact that he had been refused admission to an English glass works, once observed to a friend of mine, “if a man refuses to admit me to his plant I generally reckon that he is ashamed of it.” I had often wondered whether Mr. Owens's countrymen really practised the policy which he preached, and last autumn the opportunity offered of putting it to the test. During a seven weeks' tour through the States I paid almost daily visits to glass plants, with no other introduction than the information conveyed by my private visiting card, and only once was my visit restricted to the office. Generally I was shown the whole plant, and all my questions were frankly answered; sometimes I was even permitted to make a second round of the works on my own account. In the research laboratories of both private companies and great industrial corporations I was made doubly welcome. I can only express a sense of obligation, which I can never repay.