'Bookish' by Ruta (Book 02)

A true maverick, innovative scientist, a person with a hint of craziness and a family man. Frank Gilbreth, who is well known for his time and motion study, was a believer in abundance. But at the same time, when energy or any other resource such as time was wasted, he was not a happy man. This magnanimous person proposed his theories about time and motion. He became famous for that. And he was even better known for the number of children he had, 12 in all.  6 girls and 6 boys. No less no more. Two of his children Frank Banker Gilbreth Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth, have written this book titled, ‘Cheaper by the dozen.’ Frank Gilbreth was an engineer by profession. In less time, how to do more things skillfully, was always on his mind. He researched, he experimented for it and even his children were not spared from his experimentation. He was a real Doer.

One highly entertaining incident from the book !!

Gilbreth once said, “A surgeon and an engineer are similar. If I was to study a surgeon’s actions and motions, I will find out the techniques which will speed up the surgeries.” After much deliberation Gilbreth was allowed to film a surgery. But the suggestions given by him were ruled out on the basis that, every surgeon is a different human being and therefore this can not be applied to all. But the 'never give up attitude' of Mr. Gilbreth made him pursue his family doctor to operate his own grown up children for tonsillitis. Mrs. Gilbreth remarked that it would be cruel for the children. But the father of 12 was in no mood to listen to their mother. So the children were put under the surgeon’s knife. All this was to be recorded in a film by Mr. Caugin, the cameraman for Mr. Gilbreth’s study purpose. Mr. Gilbreth also volunteered to cut his tonsils and that too with just a local anesthesia, which is temporary. Because for a parent it’s always better to 'Lead By Example.' He said to his children, “I will prove to you how a great Spartan is,” and he drove in his car to the hospital, promising his children that in the evening he will come back driving himself. After couple of hours a taxi stopped in front of the Gilbreth mansion. The taxi driver and Mrs. Gilbreth just about managed to pull and pick up Mr. Gilbreth, who was a mighty man, but at that time his face was all white and pale. The taxi driver muttered, “Oh! What a heavyweight this man is. And I had no idea that he drinks so much early in the morning….” Later that week, Mr. Gilbreth received a letter from Mr. Caugin the camera man. It said, “I am sorry Mr. Gilbreth. But not a single part of the film is clear. I forgot to open the inner shutter of my camera. I am really very sorry. I am resigning herewith.” Even though he had severe pain in his throat, Mr. Gilbreth shouted on the top of his voice, “I will run behind him, catch him and pull his tonsils with a hook of a button. Who is he to resign; I am kicking him out from the job.”

To read such and many more real life incidences from the Gilbreth family is a true respite in our routine. This book is literally addictive. Once started reading, one can not keep it down unless finished reading, it is, as they say 'unputdownable.'

The story of the Gilbreth family is written in a very jovial style. Imagining those things, those many children and a scientist with a sense of humor. To cite his sense of humor let me tell you one more incident from this book. At that time the concept of Family Planning was just emerging in USA. Once Mr. Gilbreth was questioned, why he had so many children. To this Mr. Gilbreth replied, “Not so many, 12, because things are cheaper by the dozen.” Just as a funny bone, Mr. Gilbreth was, he was also a great thinker. When questioned, “Why do we need to save time and energy?” To this he replies, “So that in that spare time we can work more, learn more, create something, have fun and if you find it all interesting, then you can also have a Peg.” I say Cheers to that !! Enjoy your weekend.

Regards, Ruta