Masterworks of Technology: The Story of Creative Engineering, Architecture, and Design

By Elmer E. Lewis

Book Overview

In this absorbing exploration of technological creativity throughout the ages, E. E. Lewis, professor of mechanical engineering at Northwestern University, eloquently tells the story of how science and engineering-which had little in common until a few hundred years ago-came together to create the technological world of the 21st century.In vivid historical vignettes, the author skillfully demonstrates the importance of craft tradition, scientific method, production organization, economics, and more to the creation of modern technology. The many topics that Lewis illuminates include the slow evolution of the wheelwright's craft, the background and training of the architect-engineers who undertook the construction of medieval cathedrals, the importance of patronage and venture capitalists in realizing the big ideas of past and present, the increasing use of visualization as seen in Leonardo's notebooks, Galileo's immense contribution of bringing science and engineering together, the increasing importance of basic science as the seedbed of engineering and design innovations, the challenge of attempting unprecedented feats while minimizing risk as exemplified by space flight, and much more.Whether Lewis is discussing the distribution of weight along flying buttresses, the challenges faced by Morse in engineering the telegraph, or the Apollo program's monumental team effort, the author's deep knowledge of and enthusiasm for his subject and his gift for engaging, lively prose make for a fascinating exploration of science and engineering through the ages.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1591022436
• ISBN13: 9781591022435
• Release Date: September 2004
• Publisher: Prometheus Books
• Length: 328 Pages
• Weight: 1.32 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.3" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

An intriguing, lively discussion

E.E. Lewis is a professor of mechanical engineering at Northwestern University, and in Masterworks of Technology: The Story of Creative Engineering, Architecture, and Design, provides both a review of the history of science and engineering, and a discussion of how two very different technological marvels came together in the 21st century. Individual chapters focus on evolving design, different training and perspectives in architect-engineers past and present, and how basic science has influenced a new world of creative engineering and design strategies. An intriguing, lively discussion and very highly recommended reading, especially for non-specialist general readers with an interest in science and technology..