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Of the various metals which have been studied in relation to corrosion problems, type metal is probably one which has been most sparsely dealt with. This can partly be attributed to the fact that when in regular use the type metal face is usually hidden by a covering of ink film, and corrosion, therefore, goes unnoticed. Also, the constituents of the alloys used are generally regarded as more or less immune from corrosion in the ordinary way.

THERE are probably more practical points in the successful casting and machining of aluminium alloy pistons than in most other branches of light engineering.

ZINC STEARATE has proved itself to be one of the most effective lubricants since metallic soaps of the calcium stearate order were first introduced. The latter showed the ability to convert fluid oils into semi‐solid grease which would remain in bearings for lenghty periods, and which has been further extended by substitution of the zinc salt. Although mixing of a solution of the zinc salt with one of a soluble soap, whereby the metallic soap curds‐out, would initially indicate a simple process, there is much more to it than this. Since most of the applications of zinc stearate depend more on physical than chemical properties, even minor modifications in the conditions of manufacture can exert differences in the product quite out of proportion to what might be expected.

The selection of oils for various textile uses has been improved to no small extent in recent years with the advent of self‐emulsifying petroleum oils. While the textile field is broad, and includes cottons, rayons, and cordage fibres, besides woollens and worsted fabrics, all of these are to‐day treated with one or other type of petroleum oil.

EVERYBODY knows that the housewife's work entails long working hours and occasionally strenuous activity. Consequently the first question confronting the work study physiologist is: How high must we rate the physical demand on the housewife?

The Presidential Address to the Liverpool Engineering Society by Mr. Farthing (the salient points of which are reproduced in this issue) has particular bearing upon lubrication and especially on young lubrication engineers. Mr. Farthing stressed the very wide field open to young engineers and the difficulties associated with training in order to cover as wide a field as may be necessary. It is usually so important to gain a wide knowledge before one can specialise and this is certainly the case with lubrication engineers. One cannot begin to fully appreciate the intricacies of a lubrication system with all its accessory components lubricating and guarding, for example, a large motive power plant or rolling mill, until one has more than a mere working knowledge of the plant itself, the duties it must perform, how it performs them and the snags that arise which might be overcome by correct lubrication. In view of the fact that lubrication systems are just as important in a textile mill as in a power station or a large brick works, the almost impossible‐to‐achieve‐range of knowledge that would simplify the work of a lubrication engineer is very obvious. Fortunately, lubricating principles apply to most cases and knowing how to apply one's knowledge from basic principles is the key to success in this difficult profession.

WHERE are we going? The aim is to double our standard of living in the next 25 years and, as Sir Alexander Fleck, K.B.E., Chairman of Imperial Chemical Industries Ltd., so aptly staled recently, ‘The man who knows where he is going is the one who is most likely to arrive.’ One might venture to expand this statement by adding that he is still more likely to arrive if the cluttering debris of inefficient methods and movements are cleared away.

WHEN the British Productivity Council launched its scheme in March for setting up local productivity committees in many parts of this country it was emphasised by Mr. Butler, Chancellor of the Exchequer, that there must be a great expansion of trade at competitive prices. It would require courage, drive and vision, he said. Although he was speaking in what is normally regarded as the close season for Chancellors it did seem then that he was conscious of the need for providing industry with a tangible incentive to expand production.

Do not reach for your pen—we are quite aware that this journal is for work study technicians. But it is also a journal for management, and is read by a great many readers who are not technicians, but who are otherwise interested in improving industrial efficiency.

A PROGRESSIVE increase in the standard of living is now widely accepted as both possible and desirable, even if the notion that it can be doubled within the next 25 years is dismissed as an optimistic flight of Butlerian fancy. The prerequisite is a substantial upsurge in the country's production. This was expressed succinctly by Mr. Victor Feather four years ago when, as Assistant Secretary to the Trades Union Congress, he told the Institute of Directors that ‘what can be done by any Government by way of social improvement depends on what Industry can produce and sell. About half the strikes that take place have nothing to do with hours or wages or conditions, but have a great deal to do with human relations. That field is one in which there must be patience, tolerance, concentration and great endeavour, but the rate of progress can and should be accelerated.’