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History & Philosophy - The Alchemy of Us: How Humans and Matter Transformed One Another (Mit Press)

Description

Book Synopsis: In the bestselling tradition of Stuff Matters and The Disappearing Spoon: a clever and engaging look at materials, the innovations they made possible, and how these technologies changed us. Finalist for the 41st Los Angeles Times Book Award in Science and Technology and selected as one of the Best Summer Science Books Of 2020 by Science Friday. In The Alchemy of Us, scientist and science writer Ainissa Ramirez examines eight inventions--clocks, steel rails, copper communication cables, photographic film, light bulbs, hard disks, scientific labware, and silicon chips--and reveals how they shaped the human experience. Ramirez tells the stories of the woman who sold time, the inventor who inspired Edison, and the hotheaded undertaker whose invention pointed the way to the computer. She describes, among other things, how our pursuit of precision in timepieces changed how we sleep; how the railroad helped commercialize Christmas; how the necessary brevity of the telegram influenced Hemingway's writing style; and how a young chemist exposed the use of Polaroid's cameras to create passbooks to track Black citizens in apartheid South Africa. These fascinating and inspiring stories offer new perspectives on our relationships with technologies.

Details

Discover the captivating journey of human-matter interactions with "The Alchemy of Us: How Humans and Matter Transformed One Another" by Ainissa Ramirez. This groundbreaking book delves into the profound impact of inventions like clocks, steel rails, light bulbs, and silicon chips on society. Dive into the fascinating stories behind these innovations that have shaped our world as we know it.

Ranked as a finalist for the esteemed Los Angeles Times Book Award in Science and Technology, "The Alchemy of Us" has garnered critical acclaim for its insightful exploration of materials and the transformative power they hold. If you enjoyed reading 'Stuff Matters' or 'The Disappearing Spoon', this book is a must-have addition to your collection, offering a fresh perspective on the role of technology in shaping humanity.

Uncover the hidden secrets of historical inventions and their profound impact on our daily lives through the engaging narrative of scientist and author Ainissa Ramirez. From the commercialization of Christmas aided by the railroad to the influence of telegram brevity on literary styles, each chapter of this book offers a unique insight into the interconnected relationship between humans and technology.

Don't miss out on this intriguing exploration of innovation and its effects on society. Order your copy of "The Alchemy of Us" today and embark on a transformative journey through the annals of human progress.

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