PREFACE. HE design of this work is somewhat different from that of preceding Manuals with an apparently similar object. Unlike them, it is intended for youths who propose to devote themselves to Craftsmanship as well as to Clerkship. Hitherto, what has been called "a commercial career" by the writers who have undertaken to address young people, has not contemplated Artisanship at all. The word "business" is herein widened in its signification, and held to include whatever calling is selected,-whether that of the Office or the Workshop. These pages make no pretension to literary polish, but only claim to present, in direct and homely language, the results of a diversified practical experience of men and things. The position adopted has been that of an ordinary sensible parent or friend, endeavouring to advise and influence judiciously a sensible youth. Mere sentimentality and "goody-goody" have been avoided. Considerable space has been devoted to the enumeration of the titles of works likely to prove useful as a means of technical or professional education to young people engaged in various industries. This forms an important feature of the book, and one that distinguishes it from its predecessors. It cannot be too strongly impressed on the young that to attain success in almost any trade, as well as profession, it is nowadays essential to acquire the information with regard to first principles which text-books present. This kind of knowledge is happily obtainable,by all who will intelligently seek it,-in the technological literature and the special periodicals of our time. It will accomplish one of the principal objects of these pages, if they are instrumental in diminishing the number of clerks who are not wanted, and in drawing attention to the genuine and solid inducements which are held out by manufacturing businesses to well-educated and intelligent lads. The youth who is prepared on entering life to throw aside all false and nonsensical ideas of a "genteel" business, and to take up in earnest a mechanical pursuit. has no reason in these days to fear that he will have to dress in fustian or wear an apron all his life. On the contrary, he may have abundant cause to congratulate himself that when young he was "taught a trade," which it was then good discipline for him to learn, and has since proved honourable, as well as profitable, for him to follow. TABLE OF CONTENTS. What should influence the Choice-Varieties of Vocations- Market Value of the Clerk's Services-The Better Remuneration |