 Table of Contents |
 Introduction |
| EDITOR'S PREFACE
Since 1874, when founder William Gleason devised the first machine for accurate cutting of bevel gears, the Gleason Works of Rochester, New York, USA has been a world leader in design and manufacture of advanced gear-production machinery. After obtaining a Master of Engineering degree from Cornell University, Arthur L. Stewart made his career at the Gleason Works, where he rose to the position of Vice President and Chief Engineer. On January 23, 1948, Arthur L. Stewart gave an address at the Naval Gun Factory in Washington. D. C. describing the history and technology of gears which, to cite a favorite Gleason Works slogan, let "power turn a corner." The address was published by the Gleason Works as an illustrated pamphlet. The contents of the pamphlet, reproduced here, give a good idea of advances in the technology of gear manufacture up to the time of publication. While the pamphlet is of special interest to readers with a background in things mechanical, the lucid writing and many illustrations make it understandable to general readers. I wish to thank Dr. David Stewart and Elisabeth H. Stewart, son and daughter-in-law of Arthur L. Stewart, for the loan of the copy of the 1948 pamphlet from which the material here is reproduced. Enjoy! John Stewart Allen |