A suggestion for the engineering profession

The engineer of today traces his ancestry along two distinct lines; one practical, the other theoretical. The development of the modern type of engineer has been along a great variety of special lines; even college courses and degrees have reflected this tendency towards specialties. As a result there is no united engineering profession, but instead a variety of engineering professions. This lack of unity has prevented the engineering profession from exerting its proper influence in the solution of economic problems, and has also prevented the profession having the standing that it ought to have among the learned professions. Colleges and technical schools will undoubtedly be effective in introducing this desirable unity, but the process will of necessity be a very slow one. Suggestons have been offered in the past for the formation of an American engineering society which would include all kinds of engineers. For very many reasons this has always been found impracticable. A suggestion is here offered for the formation of an American Engineering Association in which there would be no personal membership, but in which present national engineering associations would participate by electing representatives annually. No business, commercial or trade organizations would be included.