Two centuries of shipbuilding by the Scotts at Greenock

Instructions to Draughtsmen. 89
Admiralty and merchant work is initiated in separate
drawing-offices. The " Printed Instructions to Draughts-
men " throws light on the general principles which influence
design, and one or two quotations may be made : — " Every
machine or structure is designed with a certain object in
view ; therefore, in designing, keep that object always to
the front. G-o straight to the point, and let the object
be attained in as simple a manner as possible. Avoid
all curves and indirect lines, except those conceived to
give uniform strength or stiffness, or required for some
definite purpose. There should be a reason for the contour
and shape of every detail. It should be remembered that
designs made in this way, requiring least material for the
work to be done, usually look best. Besides keeping
the object clearly to the front, it is necessary in designing
to remember that certain facilities must be attended to
for moulding, machining, and erecting. It is also necessary
to keep in view the circumstances in which the structure
or machine is to be used. Every little detail should be
definitely attended to on the drawings, and not left to the
judgment of the men in the shops ; remember that it is
usually the unexpected which happens, and that even
the want of a split pin may cause a breakdown. In
making drawings or sketches for ordering material or for
the shops, assume that those who have to interpret the
instructions have no knowledge of, or information concerning,
the work in question, except what is contained in the drawing
or order you are making out. This will ensure that all
information issuing from the drawing-office is complete, and
that no work is done in the shops without drawing-office
instructions."
The draughtsman, in designing work, must so arrange
details as to fully utilise, as far as is compatible with
progress, the special machine tools available, the system
of gauges, templates, and jigs extensively applied in the