author
Albert W. (Albert William) Smith
1856–1942
An influential mechanical engineer and educator, this early Cornell graduate helped shape engineering teaching in the United States and wrote practical books on machine design that reached generations of students.
1 Audiobook
The giant, and other nonsense verse
by Albert W. (Albert William) Smith
About the author
Born in 1856, he studied at Cornell University and later returned there as a teacher and administrator. Cornell memorial records describe him as one of the university’s earlier graduates and note his long service in mechanical engineering and academic leadership.
His career included teaching machine design and mechanical engineering, with major roles at Stanford University and then at Cornell’s Sibley College. He is also remembered as a dean and as acting president of Cornell around 1920–1921, reflecting the trust he earned far beyond his classroom work.
He wrote engineering texts including Elementary Machine Design, Machine Design, and Materials of Machines. Those books helped make him known not just as a professor, but as a clear practical writer for students and working engineers.