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A History of Mechanical Inventions: Revised Edition
"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
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
480 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 1988
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
July 16, 2018
The industrial revolution which transformed human lives in the last few centuries includes advances in many fields, but if we have to identify one important area it would certainly be mechanical engineering. The steam engine and textile machinery are rightly seen as cornerstones of this revolution.
I was looking for a comprehensive introduction to the history of mechanical inventions and chanced upon this title through internet search. It is comprehensive no doubt, but the style is old (it was first published in 1929). It reads more like a learned monograph than an introduction to the interested lay person. It is not an easy read, but a good reference work to keep handy.
One important takeaway from the book is that inventions have not happened through a few geniuses working in isolation, but through accumulation of little improvement to the state of art by many persons, most of whom are not well known. The book, in fact, discusses questions like Gutenberg's personal contribution to the technique to printing, and comes to the conclusion that evidence for crediting him as the father of printing is rather thin. Similar doubt is expressed about Newcomen and the steam engine. At the same time reference is made to a large number of persons who made important contributions, but who are not known to the lay person.
The first few chapters discuss general principles of economic growth and a couple of mathematical equations are also thrown in for good measure. I found these chapters of little relevance.
Overall, this book has added to my knowledge of this important chapter of our economic history, but it is a difficult read. I skipped large portions of it.
I was looking for a comprehensive introduction to the history of mechanical inventions and chanced upon this title through internet search. It is comprehensive no doubt, but the style is old (it was first published in 1929). It reads more like a learned monograph than an introduction to the interested lay person. It is not an easy read, but a good reference work to keep handy.
One important takeaway from the book is that inventions have not happened through a few geniuses working in isolation, but through accumulation of little improvement to the state of art by many persons, most of whom are not well known. The book, in fact, discusses questions like Gutenberg's personal contribution to the technique to printing, and comes to the conclusion that evidence for crediting him as the father of printing is rather thin. Similar doubt is expressed about Newcomen and the steam engine. At the same time reference is made to a large number of persons who made important contributions, but who are not known to the lay person.
The first few chapters discuss general principles of economic growth and a couple of mathematical equations are also thrown in for good measure. I found these chapters of little relevance.
Overall, this book has added to my knowledge of this important chapter of our economic history, but it is a difficult read. I skipped large portions of it.
September 8, 2015
Many mechanical inventions have changed society and industry through the ages. Ancient innovations as well as more modern ones are explored in this history. There are some drawings included.
April 28, 2017
This book, written more than 80 years ago, contains a lot of detail on clocks, pumps, weaving machines, and power generation, and contains some good diagrams for those items.
If you interested in the history of mechanical invention, then you will likely enjoy this book.
If you are interested in current invention, or anything from the time of the airplane and radio, it is not covered here, because it was written when those things were just getting off the ground.
If you interested in the history of mechanical invention, then you will likely enjoy this book.
If you are interested in current invention, or anything from the time of the airplane and radio, it is not covered here, because it was written when those things were just getting off the ground.
January 11, 2018
I found the text to be more technical than I anticipated. It is a very in-depth review of the physical evolution of mechanical inventions as well as the culture and economic forces which motivated the pace of innovation. A very good book, but more of a reference text than anything.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews