owners; elements of contracts, liens, and labor laws; types of construction contracts; bidding procedures; insurance matters of interest to engineering and construction work; surety bonds and arbitration; engineering services contracts; and specifications determination and writing.
The sections on contracts are clearly written and are quite expository, covering such forms of contracts as competitive bid, lump sum, unit price, and cost plns. The bidding procedures commonly encountered in engineering construction work are outlined and there are reproduced complete ~mples of Advertisements to Bid forms ;n current use. Likewise, in the several sections on contracts, examples are given of current "standard" forms. These contracts are of a time-tested form and represent sound current practice in the United States. They are included primarily to illustrate the text and nmy, at the same tijne, serve as a guide in tht. preparation of shnilar documents for specific projects.
While throughout the book the various specification, bid and contract methods are discussed with emphasis along the lines of private practice, the comparative government procedures for public works projects are examined. This comparison between private and public working arrangements is one of the most important features of this book. This is the reason that it is so different from other volumes treating contracts from the engineer's point of view.
Many engineering schools do not require their students to study the legal aspects of the profession for which they are in training. It would be most advantageous if at some time in his training the student were to read a book of this type, if for no other reason than to make him realize some of the legal responsibilities of a practicing engineer.
S. CHARP.