Self-Help Mechanical Drawing: An Educational Treatise

It is because of a personal and practical experience of the advantage to be gained by the possession of a knowledge of drawing, that the author is prompted to undertake the rather pleasant task of producing a self-help book relating to the subject.

Since the days of youthful endeavor, the author has passed through an extended experience of mechanical life, and scarcely ever without chalk, pencil or instrument in hand, to illustrate by sketch or drawing, the tools to be employed, or to picture the finished product; accordingly, throughout this work, words of explanation and the drawings will go together to aid the diligent student.

It has been said by an eminent writer, that “one workman is superior to another—other circumstances being the same—directly in proportion to his knowledge in drawing, and those who are ignorant of it must in many respects be subservient to others who have obtained that knowledge.”

It has been also said that no man is fitted to be foreman of a shop who cannot draw, and it is generally true that no one will be appointed to that position, except temporarily, who does not possess some knowledge of the art, either “freehand” or instrumental.


It is a question how far a good working knowledge of drawing can be attained without a teacher; it is true that but few have become proficient without such aid, but it is equally true that “self-help” has been the key note to all advancement.

The author received personal instruction in several ways and times, at home, in school, in an architect’s office, and under an experienced mechanical engineer, but it was in the early morning hours of a bright summer time—lang syne—that he made his first serious attempt to master the art of mechanical drawing. It was a struggle and a battle to hold himself down to “the board” to the finish, but it was a victory—one, won over slothfulness and impatience, and of such a nature as to warrant the use of the term “self-help” to the encouragement of others.

In conclusion two sentiments may be added; if a good working knowledge of drawing is “worth the while” then, 1, the student should be thoroughly in earnest in acquiring it; 2, he should be willing to take sufficient time and give much hard study to gain the skill necessary for success.