AN OLD GLASS HOUSE, A.D. 1790
Frontispiece
GLASS
AND GLASS MANUFACTURE
PREFACE
Who is not acquainted with glassware in some form orother? From the early days of the Ancient Egyptiansthe art of glassmaking was known, and it is now one ofour most important industries, supplying as it doesmany articles for our common domestic use and convenience.Glass windows have introduced comfortand convenience into every home; for by their meanslight is admitted into our dwellings without the wind,rain and cold, and we enjoy the blessings of the onewithout the inconveniences of the others. The purposesfor which glass can be used are manifold; and in domesticarticles it contributes largely to our cleanliness andhealth. In the use of spectacles, table glass, mirrors,bottles, and many other goods our dependence uponglass becomes very evident. The degree of proficiencyattained in the manufacture of glass is still more remarkablewhen we consider the various kinds of glassware usedin physical, chemical, astronomic, medical, and otherscientific investigations. Many of the wonderful resultsof the present times would not have been attainedwithout the aid of glass in supplying the needs of ourscientific investigators. Before August, 1914, few peoplerealised the important part glass occupies in the productionof war munitions. The importance of opticalglasses for telescopes, gun sights, and microscopes iswell known. Again, glass plays an essential part inevery ship, locomotive, motor-car, aeroplane, and coalmine, and if defective glasses were supplied there wouldvibe a great loss in our industrial efficiency. The