Sir Andrew Noble on the Best Education for Engineers

Abstract

WHEN your Dean first did me the honour to ask me to address you on the opening of your session, I had grave doubts as to whether I was a proper person to accept the invitation. On the one hand, I have had little or nothing to do-with the education of others, and in some points my views, at all events so far as regards primary education, are at variance with much that is being done at the present day, but as, on the other hand, I have had exceptional opportunities of observing, both in this and other countries, certain points which seem to me to be of importance to those who propose to uphold the industrial supremacy of this country in the struggle which year by year other countries are rendering more and more severe, you therefore see me here to-day, and I shall consider myself amply rewarded if I can tempt but one of you to enter, for the sake of knowledge itself, the boundless fields which science day by day is opening up to you. I can promise that the pursuit will give you happiness. I hope it may give you wealth and distinction; but I remember the words of the Preacher, that riches are not always given to men of understanding, nor favour to men of skill, but that time and chance happen to us all.