MAN V. MACHINERY.

Auckland Star, Volume LVI, Issue 244, 15 October 1925, Page 9

MAN V. MACHINERY.

SCOPE OP INVENTION. IS THERE A LIMIT ? Will the day ever dawn when man's, own ingenuity will so multiply machinery as to put himself out of a job? Many of us, having regard to the remarkable advance in engineering, chemical and scientific research during the last century, may feel disposed to believe that, in the coursjs of time, just such a thing will come to pass. We have to-day the printing press, the phonograph, wireless, book-keeping machines, and a thousand and one instances of the rivalry between man and machinery of his o\vn creation. But, for the consolation of those timid souls who dread the possibility of an age dominated by mechanical contrivances, let us say here that there is a definite limit, that is to say, there are some vital factors that cannot be, and probably never will be built into any machine. And until these particular things are incorporated in some future invention man will always be the master and he can continue to regard his creations as faithful servants provided he does not expect too much of them. The finest and most intricate mechanism ever devised is lacking in the ability to correct its own errors. Iso matter how marvellous its functions it never learns, Unlike a man, a lifetime usage doesn't bring that most essential of all things— experience. The modern calculating machine, marvellous in the accuracy of its computations, is wholly dependent upon the guiding intelligence of its operator. Medical science, despite its wonderful progress in many directions, has never yet produced an instrument or proceses to replace the trained ear, eye and hands of the old-fashioned practitioner. X-ray plates are praactieally valueless without the assistance of a man experienced in deciphering their intricate shadow-pictures. The same tiling applies in every field of mechanical and scientific endeavour, and professional leaders everywhere are keenly alive to the shortcomings of any mere apparatus. Judgment, imagination, vision, courage, experience—these things have never yet been built into machinery. Until they are, there will always be work in this world for mere man."