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Flying Buttresses, Entropy, and O-Rings James L. Adams

Flying Buttresses, Entropy, and O-Rings By James L. Adams

Flying Buttresses, Entropy, and O-Rings by James L. Adams


$25.99
Condition - Very Good
5 in stock

Summary

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.

Flying Buttresses, Entropy, and O-Rings Summary

Flying Buttresses, Entropy, and O-Rings: The World of an Engineer by James L. Adams

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.

Flying Buttresses, Entropy, and O-Rings 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. -- Alex Raksin * Los Angeles Times Book 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. -- Michael French * Times Higher Education Supplement *
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 *
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 *

About James L. Adams

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

Additional information

GOR002514718
9780674306899
0674306899
Flying Buttresses, Entropy, and O-Rings: The World of an Engineer by James L. Adams
Used - Very Good
Paperback
Harvard University Press
19930401
272
N/A
Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
This is a used book - there is no escaping the fact it has been read by someone else and it will show signs of wear and previous use. Overall we expect it to be in very good condition, but if you are not entirely satisfied please get in touch with us

Customer Reviews - Flying Buttresses, Entropy, and O-Rings