BOOK NOTICES

BOOK NOTICES

Engineering Contracts and Specifications,Including a Brief Synopsis of the Law of Contracts and Illustrative Examples of the General and Technical Clauses of VariousKinds of Engineering Specifications. By J. B. Johnson, C. E., Professor Civil Engineering, Washington University, St. Louis, Mo., etc., etc., etc. First Edition. Engineering News Publishing Co., New York, 1895.

This work does not belie its voluminous title, as it supplies students, engineers, and contractors, the last perhaps, especially, with a vast storehouse from which to draw on occasion the information they require in the exercise of their calling. In it the contractor will learn what form the essential elements of contracts; what are the two general classes of contracts; and the law referring to them in the various states of the Union—information absolutely uecessary for those who would draw up or sign valid contracts. Engineers likewise will find their duties so accurately defined and their connection with contractors so clearly put as to enable them to know precisely how far their authority extends, and also to act as arbitrators in case of necessity. Not the least valuable part of the book to readers of FIRE AND WATER is that which refers to specifications, their essential features, their accompanying detail plans, and whether accompanied by general plan only or unaccompanied by plans or general plan. Engineering specifications, water pipe, water-pipe manufacturing, laying and delivery, and specifications for water works, pumping wells, wrought iron, stone dams, sew'ers, brick and tile, excavations, meter work, masonry, lettings, etc. —in fact for everything connected with building, engineering, and water works—are treated of at length,and in such lucid order that the wayfaring man, though a simple person, shall not err therein. No contractor’s, engineer’s, or engineering student’s library can be looked upon as complete that does not contain a copy of this valuable work, whose author has been indebted to some of the best known engineers, civil and military, in America, for copies of their specifications, from which he has freely copied.