Science and Technology in World History: An Introduction - Rilegato

McClellan, James E.; Dorn, Harold; McClellan III, James E.

Rilegato

ISBN 10: 0801858682 ISBN 13: 9780801858680

Casa editrice: Johns Hopkins University Press, 1999

Riassunto

An introduction to the changing relationship between science and technology. The authors demonstrate that the tie between science and technology has not always been apparent, and that for much of human history, technology depended more upon the innovation of skilled artisans than it did on the speculation of scientists. James McClellan and Harold Dorn review the historical record from the beginning, with the thinking and tool-making of prehistoric humans. They identify two great scientific traditions: the useful sciences, patronized by the state from the dawn of civilization, and scientific theorizing, initiated by the ancient Greeks. Theirs is a survey of the historical twists and turns of these traditions, leading to the science of our own day. Without neglecting important figures of Western science, such as Newton and Einstein, the authors demonstrate the great achievements of non-Western cultures. They remind us that scientific traditions took root in China, India and Central and South America, as well as in a series of Near Eastern empires, during late antiquity and the Middle Ages, including the vast region that formed the Islamic Conquest. From this comparative perspective, they explore the emergence of Europe as a scientific and technological power. Continuing their narrative through the Manhattan Project, NASA and modern medical research, the authors weave the converging histories of science and technology into an integrated narrative.

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Recensione

"This historical account achieves its basic aim of demonstrating that, with the exception of quite recent history, technology has always influenced science, not the other way round." -- Nature

"If I could attach bells and whistles and flashing lights to this review I would do so because McClellan and Dorn's bools deserves to be brought to the attention of all professional historians -- and indeed the general reading public -- by any means necessary." -- Clifford D Conner, Canadian Journal of History/Annales canadiennes d'historie

"Inclusive and straightforward." -- Peter Hugill, Technology and Culture

"I very much recommend this book." -- Helge Kragh, Centaurus

"This book presents the history of man and his relationship with science and technology in a format that is eminently readable, yet it contains a wealth of information... While it would be impossible to cover all technologies in one volume, McClellan and Dorn have done an excellent job of including most of what has had the greatest impact." -- Netsurfer Digest

"Many nuggets of scholarly insight can be panned from Science and Technology in World History." -- Lance E. Metz, Industrial Archaeology

Descrizione del libro

An integrated, perceptive, and highly readable account of the converging histories of science and technology.

Dettagli dell?edizione

• Editore: Johns Hopkins University Press
• Data di pubblicazione: 1999
• Lingua: Inglese
• ISBN 10: 0801858682
• ISBN 13: 9780801858680
• Rilegatura: Copertina rigida
• Numero di pagine: 424
• Contatto del produttore: non disponibile