properly, construct dams and reservoirs and put in stable foundations.
All engineering studies such as the design of structures, the flow of water, sanitation, etc., are based upon mathematics, physics and chemistry, and the mathematical, physical and chemical sciences. Thoroughly grounded in these the student can study by himself, if need be, the higher subjects comprised in practical work.
The men who have the most to do with the framing of courses of study for engineering schools are safe guides for the young men who seek information as to electives. The individual professors are wretched advisers, for each professor is a slave to his own course and magnifies its importance. For instance, nothing more useless to an intending engineer can be imagined as an elective than the offered graduate courses in higher mathematics; the prescribed courses are amply sufficient. If the head of the mathematical department, however, is consulted he will generally advise mathematics. The professor of chemistry will sing the praises of advanced chemistry when the principal reason for the study of chemistry by an engineer is the acquisition of information. The professor of mechanics will advise technical mechanics and then more technical mechanics. These men all mean well, but they have deliberately chosen to withdraw themselves from the outside world and immure themselves in walls to deal forever with
