Mechanical processes properly include every manual and machine process, and the mechanical part of every chemical process, used in the extensive field of the mechanical arts. This broad field includes every branch of manufacturing and construction. It would be obviously impracticable to attempt to cover this field in one book, hence it is intended to include here a brief account of (1) the more important materials of construction and the essential steps in producing them; and (2) the methods of shaping metals for use, particularly the shop processes much used in mechanical and marine engineering construction.

To give a full account of all that investigators have brought to light of the properties of the commonly used engineering materials, and of all the methods devised for shaping them into useful forms, would require the space of many volumes, and then the subject would not be exhausted, as doubtless many facts and methods are yet undeveloped. Attempt is made herein to give the student an elementary understanding of the materials and methods employed in machine building, for use of those who enter or must come into intelligent contact with modern engineering.