The Evolution of Useful Things
How Everyday Artifacts-From Forks and Pins to Paper Clips and Zippers-Came to be as They are.
Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Technology, Industrial Design, Home & Garden, Antiques & Collectibles, History, World History
| Author: | Henry Petroski | ISBN: | 9780307773050 |
| Publisher: | Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group | Publication: | December 1, 2010 |
| Imprint: | Vintage | Language: | English |
| Author: | Henry Petroski |
| ISBN: | 9780307773050 |
| Publisher: | Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group |
| Publication: | December 1, 2010 |
| Imprint: | Vintage |
| Language: | English |
How did the table fork acquire a fourth tine? What advantage does the Phillips-head screw have over its single-grooved predecessor? Why does the paper clip look the way it does? What makes Scotch tape Scotch?
In this delightful book Henry, Petroski takes a microscopic look at artifacts that most of us count on but rarely contemplate, including such icons of the everyday as pins, Post-its, and fast-food "clamshell" containers. At the same time, he offers a convincing new theory of technological innovation as a response to the perceived failures of existing products—suggesting that irritation, and not necessity, is the mother of invention.
How did the table fork acquire a fourth tine? What advantage does the Phillips-head screw have over its single-grooved predecessor? Why does the paper clip look the way it does? What makes Scotch tape Scotch?
In this delightful book Henry, Petroski takes a microscopic look at artifacts that most of us count on but rarely contemplate, including such icons of the everyday as pins, Post-its, and fast-food "clamshell" containers. At the same time, he offers a convincing new theory of technological innovation as a response to the perceived failures of existing products—suggesting that irritation, and not necessity, is the mother of invention.
