The book of leading specialists of the GDR contains material on the design of instruments for precision engineering, optics and electronics. In the 1st book, from the general concepts of design, accuracy, reliability, the authors move on to means of protecting devices from external influences and design automation issues. The 2nd book discusses the functional groups of devices (electromechanical, mechanical, optical, etc.), as well as artistic and design solutions used in instrument making. Information on device packing is given. For engineers engaged in the design of devices, as well as for students of instrument-making specialties of universities.