Mechanics of Pre-industrial Technology
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Mechanics of Pre-industrial Technology by Brian Cotterell
This is the first general account of the mechanics behind pre-industrial technology. By combining the skills of an engineer and an archaeologist, it shows how mechanics can be used to create a better understanding of the function of artifacts and the achievements of early technology. The authors examine technology from the earliest stone tools of more than two million years ago to the erection of the statues of Easter Island which continued into the seventeenth century. Representative material cultures from most areas of the world have been selected for this study and the book shows how sophisticated many of their apparently simple techniques and artefacts actually were. After an introduction to basic mechanics the book examines the elements of machines: the various structures which can be made to bridge openings; the mechanics involved in fashioning stone tools; projectiles such as the spear and boomerang; the efficiency of transport by land and water; and the mechanics of musical instruments.
'Mechanics of pre-industrial technology is a marvellous bookIt is to the brim full of information, never dull and well researched throughout. The illustrations are extremely well chosen, very copious and most informative.' ANU Reporter 'It should be required reading for all archaeologists, to stop them perpetuating the scientific howlers that disfigure so many 'interpretations'.' British Archaeological News
John Mulvaney is the founder of Australian archaeology, a frequent media commentator on current issues and the only living Australian public intellectual to have had a book entirely devoted to his work. After 40 years of university teaching and advising governments, he remains a highly respected yet controversial activist.
Johan Kamminga is a consultant archaeologist, chosen by Mulvaney to assist him in surveying the last three decades of discovery.| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9780521428712 |
| ISBN 10 | 0521428718 |
| Title | Mechanics of Pre-industrial Technology |
| Author | Brian Cotterell |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Paperback |
| Publisher | Cambridge University Press |
| Year published | 1992-04-24 |
| Number of pages | 344 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |