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Theoretical vs. Practical as Applied to Standardization
and Some of the Things to be Considered as
Proper Subjects for Standardization
By F. H. Richardson
In approaching the problem of applying suitable standards to appliances in common use in the motion picture industry, it is well to remember that the thing which may seem precisely right when viewed from the standpoint of theory may fail utterly under the crucial test of actual practice. This is particularly true where the appliance is to be placed in the hands of an incompetent man, or a man of mediocre ability.
In this connection it is well to consider that insofar as machinery and appliance for the theatre operating room be concerned, a large proportion of it will be handled by men of relatively small ability in the handling of machinery or optical appliance; a very considerable proportion will be handled by men of no ability whatever and only a relatively small percentage will be placed in the hands of those who could by any stretch of imagination be termed experts. Remember, gentlemen, this is the condition which prevails and is not easily altered; hence it must be reckoned with. It would be foolish indeed to ignore this condition merely because it ought not to exist. It does exist and will continue for at least several years to come.
The effect upon standardization of this condition is, that in operating room machinery standardization, we must studiously avoid the too-delicate. For instance, the spindle which might be perfectly capable of carrying its load under proper conditions at 5-16'' diameter, may carry it far better at 3-8", "]-iG" or even i-i" diameter, if it is to be placed in charge of a man who knows little or nothing about proper lubrication and who is careless and generally incompetent. In other words, it will be well to lean always to the side of generous dimensions in operating-room moving machinery parts. In the fixing of standards for operating-room machine parts we must, for the present at least, take into consideration the conditions under which such machinery will, or may work, else difficulty will surely be encountered.
The question of which particular things require standardization is one which cannot be answered by any one man. In my opinion, the standardization of projector parts should only be undertaken upon the recommendation of the committee on projection machines. This committee should hold meetings and recommend to the body such standards as may seem in its wisdom to be right and proper. Unless this is done, Ibelieve there will be more or less confusion and liability to error. The same applies to cameras, optical appliances and such other things as are covered by committee.
I would further respectfully suggest that any proposal of a standard presented to the body by an individual be not acted upon finally until it has been referred to the committee within whose jurisdiction it
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