PREFACE

When my editor inquired about my interest in updating The Unwritten Laws of Engineering, I was delighted for the opportunity. The book had first been published as three articles in Mechanical Engineering in 1944, and was reprinted most recently in 1994, substantially unchanged from the original. When first reading it a few years ago, I was surprised at how well its advice had held up over the decades. Except for a few omissions and outdated laws, it seemed equally as fitting then as it must have been over fifty years before, and it was a lot of fun to read.

The biggest challenge was updating the book without ruining it altogether. Indeed, a common response from readers on what to change was: "Don't change anything. Why would you want to?" Well, some things just plain demanded it. At the same time, a new edition needed to retain timelessness; after all, the original survived more than half a century in fairly good health.

So, this updated edition keeps the style of the original and much of its content. Changes have to do with shifted societal values, changed employment laws, and evolved corporate structures. No apology is offered for the lack of reference to the latest technology (e-mail, computers, internet) this book's advice transcends the mere implements of the engineer. Some words and phrases in the original were painfully archaic and have been changed, but many of the old-fashioned words remain — they add to the fun.

Although I wish to thank all those who helped with the text, Jennifer Kern, Dr. Steven Kern, and John Gillespie get special, personal thank-you's. Above all, I wish to acknowledge the original author, W. J. King. He mined and cut a little gem, and I am privileged to have been able to reset it.

James G. Skakoon