Wolfe Tracking Today: Gene Wolfe at Plant Engineering (1983/partial)
TL/DR: A partial search of Plant Engineering 1983 reveals two articles penned by Gene Wolfe: “Impact of High Technology: Robotics” (Feb 3, 1983), and “The Anatomy of a Robot” (Jul 28, 1983), the latter of which was reprinted in Wolfe’s small press book Plan[e]t Engineering.
The Longer Version
The task is to make a trail-blazing index of articles written by Gene Wolfe in the pages of Plant Engineering from 1972 to 1984. Thirteen years, or twelve and a fraction.
Plant Engineering ("PE") is not monthly, it is perhaps biweekly. So estimate twenty-six issues per year.
Wolfe reported that he wrote “two or three articles a year” for PE.
Using spools of microfilm, I searched through seventeen issues of 1983 (Jan 20? to SEP 1) and found two articles by Wolfe.
The first research tip is that the table of contents ("TOC") for an issue does not list authors for a multi-author piece: thus, the first “Robotics” article was a subsection of a piece on “Impact of High Technology” where the author is only revealed at the end of the subsection. So researchers should be on the alert for anything related to robotics, since Wolfe was the PE expert on this. This also means that one has to go through unattributed pieces with a fine-tooth comb to see if Wolfe’s name shows up at the end of any subsection.
“The Anatomy of a Robot” was a case where Wolfe was named in the TOC.
There is a good chance that these two articles represent all the Wolfe articles for 1983, since he reported two or three articles a year.
This microfilm work was three hours at the public library. I do not know the number of hours I spent online in locating a nearby library with the resources, but it was probably more than three hours.
The reason why the year is only partial is that Spool 15Z had what I looked at, and the subsequent spool, 09Z, did not have PE at all, due to an error in the physical index.
The whole thing might be a lot easier for someone else. PE is available in an online form at some libraries; for example, through Gale Online Academic. Maybe Gale only has PE from 1984 onward, but getting 1984 would be useful.
The Longer Version
The task is to make a trail-blazing index of articles written by Gene Wolfe in the pages of Plant Engineering from 1972 to 1984. Thirteen years, or twelve and a fraction.
Plant Engineering ("PE") is not monthly, it is perhaps biweekly. So estimate twenty-six issues per year.
Wolfe reported that he wrote “two or three articles a year” for PE.
Using spools of microfilm, I searched through seventeen issues of 1983 (Jan 20? to SEP 1) and found two articles by Wolfe.
The first research tip is that the table of contents ("TOC") for an issue does not list authors for a multi-author piece: thus, the first “Robotics” article was a subsection of a piece on “Impact of High Technology” where the author is only revealed at the end of the subsection. So researchers should be on the alert for anything related to robotics, since Wolfe was the PE expert on this. This also means that one has to go through unattributed pieces with a fine-tooth comb to see if Wolfe’s name shows up at the end of any subsection.
“The Anatomy of a Robot” was a case where Wolfe was named in the TOC.
There is a good chance that these two articles represent all the Wolfe articles for 1983, since he reported two or three articles a year.
This microfilm work was three hours at the public library. I do not know the number of hours I spent online in locating a nearby library with the resources, but it was probably more than three hours.
The reason why the year is only partial is that Spool 15Z had what I looked at, and the subsequent spool, 09Z, did not have PE at all, due to an error in the physical index.
The whole thing might be a lot easier for someone else. PE is available in an online form at some libraries; for example, through Gale Online Academic. Maybe Gale only has PE from 1984 onward, but getting 1984 would be useful.
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Nigel
(new)
May 17, 2023 08:40AM
Good work! Thanks, Michael. I was given a copy of "Plan[e]t Engineering" a while back, I obviously need to read it. Currently engaged in a Long Sun/Short Sun reread. Just finishing OBW...
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Hello there, Nigel!Shortly after I posted, I stumbled into access to Gale, and quickly researched the complete information:
Gene Wolfe at Plant Engineering (1981 to 1984)
Gale Academic Onefile [sic] lists eight articles
Feb 5, 1981 “Mobile hydraulics are different”
Jul 9, 1981 “Reference file: bearings”
Dec 10, 1981 “A plant engineer’s guide to power-actuated fastening”
Jun 24, 1982 “The latest developments in hydraulic technology”
Nov 11, 1982 “Mechanical power transmission”
Feb 3, 1983 “Robotics: living with the iron collar worker”
Jul 21, 1983 “Anatomy of a robot”
Dec 8, 1983 “Troubleshooting a robot: most problems can be handled in a minute”
1984: none
But wait, there's more!
In response to my notes I have heard from a person in the Chicago area who has been working this year on such a project, to date having indexed from 1972 to 1977. So things are happening, and there may be a complete index by the end of Summer.
That's great. Well done! I look forward to seeing the completed list. Would it be all right with you if I included it on Ultan's Library in due course as a complement to the short interview Gene gave on his time with Plant Engineering?
I cannot speak for the labor of the Chicagoan at this stage, but if you would like to use what is here immediately (the 1981-1984 list), if only as a placeholder, that would be fine.
Nigel wrote: "Thank you, Michael."Wait, there's even more! Gale includes abstracts for some of the entries. So here's an amended list:
Gene Wolfe at Plant Engineering (1981 to 1984)
Gale Academic Onefile lists eight articles
Feb 5, 1981 “Mobile hydraulics are different”
Abstract: Mobile hydraulic systems are now expected to use more advanced technologies, have better performance capabilities and be in operation for a longer period. The emphasis is now on quality control and more sophisticated systems.
Jul 9, 1981 “Reference file: bearings”
Citation only
Dec 10, 1981 “A plant engineer’s guide to power-actuated fastening”
Citation only
Jun 24, 1982 “The latest developments in hydraulic technology”
Abstract: The survey indicates that electronic control, multipurpose high-water-base fluids, and higher pressures are the most important recent developments. Future and current problems and developments include high water-base fluids, high pressures, improved electronic controls, and better sealing.
Nov 11, 1982 “Mechanical power transmission”
Abstract: The most important recent improvement in mechanical power transmission is continuously variable belt transmissions. Future developments in sight include steep-angle material conveyors, efficient variable-speed mechanical drives, and increased variable-speed belt power capacity. The most important problem to be faced is efficiency, through weight reduction, energy conservation, and training.
Feb 3, 1983 “Robotics: living with the iron collar worker”
Citation only
Jul 21, 1983 “Anatomy of a robot”
Abstract: The plant engineer who understands the workings of the the servco robot will have no problem working with the nonservco robot. The present equipment and the future equipment that industrial robots will have presents new areas of expertise for the plant engineer.
Dec 8, 1983 “Troubleshooting a robot: most problems can be handled in a minute”
Abstract: The basic steps in the repair of industrial robots are covered. A systematic method of troubleshooting is developed. New programs for the robots require a period of adjustments. During this period most problems will appear.
1984: none
