Cooperage by J. B. Wagner, 1910

A treatise on modern shop practice and methods;
from the tree to the finished article.

In presenting this volume, which is launched, not as a literary effort nor as a scientific essay, but rather as a practical discussion of principles and methods, the writer is aware that his efforts may meet with such criticism; but we do not desire to leave the impression that it is our own individual work, or that it is an expression of opinion of a single individual, but rather a grouping together of ideas offered by a considerable number of persons connected with the trade in its different branches, together with data continually collected during the author's extended career, both in this country and in Europe, of over a quarter of a century.

In regard to originality, we lay claim to very little, for, although the facts contained in a large number of the items have been gained through years of practical experience, we are indebted to others for a greater portion, and merely lay claim to have, as a great poet has said, "gathered the fruits of other men's labors and bound them with our own string. And we trust our efforts will present some information that may be applied with advantage, or serve at least as a matter of consideration or investigation. Although much of the information contained in this volume exists in the experience of practical men of the trade and in other technical and mechanical works, it has never before been published in systematic and accessible form and with special application to the cooperage industry.

In every case our aim has been to give the facts, and wherever a machine or appliance has been illustrated or commented upon, or the name of the maker has been mentioned, it is not with the intention either of recommending or disparaging his or their work, but are made use of merely to illustrate the text. The writer has endeavored to discuss the principles and methods in as plain common-sense words as the English language will permit, and the preparation of the following pages has been a work of pleasure to the author.