ECONOMY IN THE USE OF FERRO-ALLOYS*

Abstract

IN times of peace, particularly if they are of long duration, the qualities and characteristics of that which is produced are the result of tradition and usage, salesmanship, and the developments due to technical progress based on the application of old or new knowledge. Tradition, usage, and salesmanship slow up in measure with the inevitable progress towards the realistic efficiency possible through knowledge and the consolidation of technical progress. War and preparation for war insist upon stark efficient realism, and those who prepare for war are given more time to attain to it than those who are unexpectedly called upon to face such conditions. Also, in times of peace, international trade throws open to all countries the world's resources in raw materials and facilities on an economic basis; war rudely disturbs this state of things, and realism in production must then deal with a limited or changed availability of that upon which production can continue.