The IMechE then and now

Where is the basis for comparison between the ‘founders of the IMechE’ and an applicant for Chartered Engineer in 2011?

On reading R. Lawson’s rather confrontationally expressed views in his letter in the November 2011 issue of Professional Engineer I have the following point to make. It relates to his statement:

The founders of the IMechE would find difficulty in gaining Chartered status now.

The IMechE was ‘founded’ in 1847 and Lawson’s assertion disregards the totally different economic and social conditions of that time. For example, in 1847 there was no commercial oil production in North America nor was there to be for over a decade. The very first commercial oil production anywhere was in fact in or around 1847 in the Caspian region. Points of contrast like this could be made almost indefinitely. So where is the basis for comparison between the ‘founders of the IMechE’ and an applicant for Chartered Engineer in 2011?

J.C. Jones, Aberdeen

Next letter: Future of Britain's economy