About this Item
(1988), 450pp, illus., slight shelfwear to cover, slight soiling to pg edges, sticker remains to rear cover, contents clean. Seller Inventory # 14-1021
Bibliographic Details
Title: A HISTORY OF MECHANICAL INVERTIONS
Publisher: Dover Publications, New York
Publication Date: 1988
Binding: Trade Paperback
Condition: Very Good -
Dust Jacket Condition: No Jacket
About this title
"The book is without peer in its field." — American Scientist
In this completely revised and enlarged edition of a classic work in the history of technology, a noted scholar explores the importance of technological innovation in the cultural and economic history of the West.
Following an introductory discussion of the place of technology in economic history, the author offers a penetrating historical analysis of social change. Within this context he develops a theory of invention based on Gestalt psychology and a concept of social evolution as continuous development from antiquity to the present. Emphasis is placed on the role of economic forces in the development of technology, with scientific concepts also playing an important role in bringing about change.
The latter part of the book focuses on the production and control of power in general, and in particular on a number of important operative mechanisms. Thus we read thought-provoking accounts of the technology of textile manufacture from primitive times, of water wheels and windmills, water clocks, and mechanical clocks, and the work of Leonardo da Vinci. The development of printing is carefully studied, not only for its intrinsic interest, but because of its importance for the history of science. Other topics include the production and application of power (1500–1830), machine tools and quantity production, the production and distribution of power since 1832, and the role of Asia Minor as a source of techniques which dominated the Middle Ages and the modern period as well.
Thoroughly researched and cogently reasoned, A History of Mechanical Inventions belongs in the library of anyone interested in the history of science and invention, as well as the relationship of technology to economic and social history.
"Throughout the book there is constant proof of the author's wide learning and varied intellectual interests." — The New York Times
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More InformationMailing address: Russ States, P.O. Box 292, Seneca, PA 16346. Orders usually ship within 2 business days. Shipping costs are based on books weighing 2.2 LB, or 1 KG. Heavy books are usually noted in description and will have an additional postage charge. Shipping is additional. Media mail (book rate) is available in US only. Priority mail is also available (West Coast may be higher). International shipping, please inquire. Please note that after 14 May 2007 the US Postal Service no longer ships surface to any other countries. All international packages have to go by first class mail or Priority mail. Often books can fit into the Global Priority envelopes which have a standard fee up to 4 pounds. I will use this whenever possible & reduce the shipping costs accordingly.
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