Synopses & Reviews
Review
In these witty and engrossing pages, Adams demonstrates that engineering actually can be as divine an occupation as the clergy and as soulful as an aria...Adams' literary tour is the next best thing to visiting a hands-on engineering exhibit. Alex Raksin
Review
This text was written to provide a general audience with access to the subjects of engineering and technology. It is a superb book...Discussions of the Challenger tragedy, the balcony collapse at the Hyatt Regency in Kansas City, a DC-10 crash...and other technical topics make the book readable, convincing, and enjoyable. Michael French - Times Higher Education Supplement
Review
In this engaging book, the author of Conceptual Blockbusting introduces the world of engineering, from the origins of problems to design and invention; mathematics; science and research; development, testing and failure; manufacturing; money and business; and regulation. Science Books and Films
Review
Adams has covered his subject well, and his book would make excellent reading for young people contemplating a career in engineering...[It is] well organized, well written and often amusing, with some very shrewd observations...[The author] deserves our thanks for an interesting and valuable book. Los Angeles Times Book Review
Synopsis
From Teflon to Velcro, from bandwidths to base pairs, the artifacts of engineering and technology reflect the broad scope--and frustrating limitations--of our imagination. Best-selling author James Adams takes readers on an enlightening tour of this exciting world, demystifying such endeavors as design, research, and manufacturing.
About the Author
James L. Adams is a Professor in the Department of Values, Technology, Science and Society, Stanford University.
Table of Contents
Introduction
1. A Brief History of Technology
The Underpinnings
2. Beyond the Calculator
The Complexity of Engineering
3. The Origin of Problems
The Pushes and Pulls
4. Design and Invention
The Concept
5. Mathematics
The Numerical Mystique
6. Science and Research
The Basics
7. Development, Test, and Failure
The Proof of the Pudding
8. Manufacturing and Assembly
The Critical Art
9. Money and Business
The Grease
10. Regulation
The Painful Inevitability
11. Thinking Technology
The Challenge for the Future
Sources and Suggested Readings
Acknowledgments
Illustration Credits
Index