TNT NEW Y 875736 ASTOR, LENOX AND COPYRIGHT, 1920, BY THE SPECTATOR COMPANY NEW YORK 3 IT こ PREFACE In considerably less than a year's time, the first edition of Fire Insurance Inspection and Underwriting has been entirely exhausted. This is a remarkable record considering that the book was published during "war times," when a great number of our male population were away from their regular vocations. Immediately upon its publication, insurance companies, and in fact insurance men generally recognized the book's material worth, and this is evidenced by the receipt of many complimentary letters and favorable press comments. I While the major portion of the data is similar to the first edition, we have sought to bring the subject matter strictly up-to-date by eliminations, substitutions, and additions. Practical field men, insurance engineers and others have been freely consulted, with the result that we now feel that about every special hazard of importance has been included. The new features are the elaboration of chemical terms, explanations of the fire policy, special forms of insurance such as Use and Occupancy, Profits, Rents, Improvements, Leasehold, Legal Liability and others, and many new illustrations. As in our first edition, we have endeavored to describe matters in a brief, concise and plain manner so that the volume may serve as a text book for the inexperienced, and as a reference book for the experienced. Our primary object, however, is to help the "beginner," who usually has to wait for the "golden opportunity" before his advancement really begins. . We believe that the book is regarded as a standard work and therefore feel a responsibility in keeping the data contained therein as correct as constantly changing conditions will permit. While strictly a fire insurance work, this book is intended also for use of members of fire departments, fire prevention bureaus, warehousemen, fire marshals, factory engineers and others employed in the conservation of life and property. The authors are glad to avail themselves of this opportunity to express their grateful acknowledgment to Messrs. F. S. Little, Sinclair T. Skirtow, Charles E. Jahne, Thomas O. Gildersleeve, William A. Richey, M.A., John L. Seeber, Horace G. Boyle and Walter Bladen for their able and kind assistance. t. We welcome suggestions so that changes may be made in a future edition. C. C. D. W. O. L. Authors' Note-Many of the specifications and rules quoted in the book refer to New York City practice, and this being set at a very high standard we feel that little trouble will be experienced if they are followed throughout the country. |