THE ENGINEERING PROFESSION
Engineering is one of the most ancient occupations in history. Without the skills included in the broad field of engineering our present-day civilization never could have evolved. The first tool-makers who chipped arrows and spears from rock were the forerunners of modern mechanical engineers. The craftsmen who discovered metals in the earth and found ways to refine and use them were the ancestors of mining and metallurgical engineers. And the skilled technicians who devised the irrigation systems and created the marvelous buildings of the ancient world were the civil engineers of their time.
Engineering is defined as making practical application of theoretical science such as physics and mathematics. Many of early branches of engineering were based not on science but on empirical information that depended on observation and experience.
An engineer is the main motive power of the technological progress. He concerns himself with the application of science and technology to satisfy human needs. In his work he is guided by the latest achievements of science and technology. A modern engineer cannot do without knowledge in many fields other than those of engineering. He must get a substantial training in subjects of his speciality as well as in such subjects as computers and robotics, environmental engineering, management science, etc. He must have a scientific attitude, imagination, initiative and good judgement.
The principal work of the engineer is design. Engineers design and make machines, equipment and the like. Such work requires creative ability and a working knowledge of scientific principles. The engineer must also have an understanding of various processes and materials available to him and could be working in any of the following are - as: the organization of manufacture, research and development, design, construction, sales and education.
The engineer must combine many of the characteristics of the scientist, research engineer and technologist. He must have basic knowledge of the science, and understanding of the abstract techniques of the research engineer and he should know much of the technology employed by technologists.
Unlike the scientist, the engineer is not to solve problems which interest him. He must solve problems as they arise, his solution must satisfy conflicting requirements. Efficiency costs money, safety ads complexity, and performance increases weight. The engineering solution is optimum solution, taking into account many factors. It may be cheapest for a given performance, the most reliable for a given weight, the simplest for a given safety, or the most efficient for a given cost.