Flying Buttresses, Entropy, and O-Rings: The World of an Engineer

by James L. Adams

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780674306899
Publisher:	Harvard University Press
Publication date:	04/01/1993
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	272
Product dimensions:	7.50(w) x 9.25(h) x 0.80(d)

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

Editorial Reviews

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.

Los Angeles Times Book Review - Alex Raksin

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.

Times Higher Education Supplement - Michael French

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 News

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.

Science Books & Films

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.

Science Books & Films

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.

Science Books and Films

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.
— Michael French

Times Higher Education Supplement

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

Los Angeles Times Book Review

Adams (Stanford U.), author of Conceptual blockbusting, offers a fascinating guided tour of the engineer's world for people who are not engineers--for general readers; for people managing, working for, or living with engineers; and for students either seeking a liberal education or considering engineering as a field. Those in the profession will also find it of value. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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