A History of Mechanical Inventions

Revised Edition

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Science, Physics, Mechanics, Technology, Engineering
Cover of the book A History of Mechanical Inventions by Abbott Payson Usher, Dover Publications
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Abbott Payson Usher ISBN: 9780486143590
Publisher: Dover Publications Publication: July 24, 2013
Imprint: Dover Publications Language: English
Author: Abbott Payson Usher
ISBN: 9780486143590
Publisher: Dover Publications
Publication: July 24, 2013
Imprint: Dover Publications
Language: English

"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

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

"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

More books from Dover Publications

Cover of the book Semigroups of Linear Operators and Applications by Abbott Payson Usher
Cover of the book The Classical Electromagnetic Field by Abbott Payson Usher
Cover of the book The Great Chicago Fire by Abbott Payson Usher
Cover of the book Little Jack Rabbit and Danny Fox by Abbott Payson Usher
Cover of the book Women's Slave Narratives by Abbott Payson Usher
Cover of the book The Content Assignment by Abbott Payson Usher
Cover of the book Bookbinding by Abbott Payson Usher
Cover of the book Patterns and Designs from the Twenties in Full Color by Abbott Payson Usher
Cover of the book Complete Guide to Home Canning and Preserving (Second Revised Edition) by Abbott Payson Usher
Cover of the book Big Book of Animal Illustrations by Abbott Payson Usher
Cover of the book The House in Good Taste by Abbott Payson Usher
Cover of the book Sing-Song by Abbott Payson Usher
Cover of the book 101 Hand Puppets by Abbott Payson Usher
Cover of the book The Dawn of Day by Abbott Payson Usher
Cover of the book Lasker's Manual of Chess by Abbott Payson Usher
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy