PREFACE
Reading edition
The function of a small article in commercial undertakings is often overshadowed by that of the larger and usually more valuable article, and yet the use of the former is often an absolute necessity for the safety of the latter. This relative value is emphasized in the use of cordage, because the successful prosecution of many industries depends in no mean way upon the utilization of this useful and common commodity.
Some of the various types of cordage are well known to the general public, but the methods employed in their manufacture, the machinery used, and the sources of the fibres are not quite so well known. We trust that these phases are discussed in as brief but as complete a way as is possible in this little book, which we hope will take its own place in the literature of our Common Commodities of Commerce.
We take this opportunity of recording our warmest thanks to Messrs. David Bridge & Co., Ltd., Castleton, Manchester, for loan of blocks; to Messrs. The Edinburgh Roperie and Sail Cloth Co., Ltd., Leith, for assistance and for several photographs; and to Messrs. Landauer & Co., London, for some of the statistics regarding the fibres.
T. WOODHOUSE. P. KILGOUR.
September, 1919.