THE ACCEPTANCE CONDITION OF MASS PRODUCTION SYSTEM-

IN COMPARISON WITH ANGLO-AMERICAN MACHINE TOOL INDUSTRY

Abstract

Mass production system is the predominant production method of the _present age. The Core of mass production system is the interchangeable parts system. The interchangeable parts system made by the specialized machines have been known as American System of Manufactures since the latter half of the 19th century. In my paper, I inquiry into the trace of development of American System, comparing with Anglo-American machine tool industry. The main points are as follows. First, I follow the trace of the development of the interchangeable parts system in U.S.A. Second, with making clear the reason why that system had diffused in many durable consumer-goods industries during the 19th century, I investigate the peculiarity in transfer of technology in U.S.A. Third, I make clear the British response to American System. In Britain, the systematic production method of machine-initiative type was not introduced during the 19th century, although American-made machine was introduced. And I pursue the reason why the interchangeable parts system did not develop in U.K. that was the most industrialized country in the 19th century. Last, I make clear the acceptance condition. The Important factors are the simultaneous growth of several industries, market factor, propensity of manufactures, labor practice, etc.