This original issue of Scientific American dates to June 10, 1911, placing it squarely in the thick of the Panama Canal's construction period. Goethals had taken command of the Canal project in 1907 after President Roosevelt replaced the original chief engineer, and by 1911 the project was entering its final critical years before the 1914 opening. The cover portrait, credited to Underwood and Underwood, presents Goethals at his desk in a pose typical of the period's editorial photography.

Scientific American was publishing as a weekly journal at this point, subtitled 'The Weekly Journal of Practical Information,' and this issue also advertises the upcoming June 17th railroad feature edition. The back page carries period ads for Mark Twain's works and a new book on monoplanes and biplanes. Good condition overall with expected toning and light wear consistent with 114 years of age. No missing pages observed.