Abstract
The paper represents a broad commentary on the development of research and of the part that it has played in the evolution of the engineering process.
The engineering process is the sequence of all the stages by which knowledge and experience of many kinds are brought together in order to lead to a final design.
To the age-old combination of craftsmanship and mechanical inventiveness is now added the application of the physical sciences. This third ingredient is becoming increasingly essential, and is based upon research. The various categories of research, and the places and manner in which they are best conducted, are briefly described, and the directions in which further research is required are provisionally classified.
The object of the paper is to promote discussion, with special reference to the requirements of the motor industry, with which the Motor Industry Research Association is coupled.
The MS. of this paper was first received at the Institution on 5th September 1952, and in its revised form, as accepted by the Council for publication, on 25th October 1952. For the Minutes of the meeting in London, on 9th December, 1952, at which this paper was presented, see p. 16.
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