Description
Book Synopsis: Shortlisted for the 2023 Royal Society Science Book Prize A structural engineer examines the seven most basic building blocks of engineering that have shaped the modern world.
Some of humanity's mightiest engineering achievements are small in scale--and, without them, the complex machinery on which our modern world runs would not exist. In Nuts and Bolts, structural engineer Roma Agrawal examines seven of these extraordinary elements: the nail, the wheel, the spring, the magnet, the lens, the string, and the pump.
Tracing the evolution from Egyptian nails to modern skyscrapers, and Neanderthal string to musical instruments, Agrawal shows us how even our most sophisticated items are built on the foundations of these ancient and fundamental breakthroughs. She explores an array of intricate technologies--dishwashers, spacesuits, microscopes, suspension bridges, breast pumps--making surprising connections, explaining how they work, and using her own hand-drawn illustrations to bring complex principles to life.
Alongside deeply personal experiences, she recounts the stories of remarkable--and often uncredited--scientists, engineers, and innovators from all over the world, and explores the indelible impact these creators and their creations had on society. In preindustrial Britain, nails were so precious that their export to the colonies was banned--and women were among the most industrious nail makers. The washing machine displayed at an industrial fair in Chicago in 1898 was the only machine featured that was designed by a woman. The history of the wheel, meanwhile, starts with pottery, and takes us to India's independence movement, where making clothes using a spinning wheel was an act of civil disobedience.
Eye-opening and engaging, Nuts and Bolts reveals the hidden building blocks of our modern world, and shows how engineering has fundamentally changed the way we live. 32 line drawings and 4 photographs
Details
Discover the extraordinary elements that shaped our modern world with "Nuts and Bolts: Seven Small Inventions That Changed the World in a Big Way." Shortlisted for the prestigious 2023 Royal Society Science Book Prize, this captivating book takes you on a journey through the foundations of engineering. From the humble nail to the revolutionary pump, author Roma Agrawal explores how these fundamental breakthroughs have shaped our complex machinery.
Uncover the intriguing evolution of these seven elements, from ancient Egyptian nails to state-of-the-art skyscrapers. Agrawal's detailed exploration also reveals surprising connections, linking intricate technologies such as dishwashers, spacesuits, and suspension bridges. With her own hand-drawn illustrations bringing complex principles to life, you'll gain a deep appreciation for the incredible innovations that make up our world.
Not only does "Nuts and Bolts" highlight the exceptional creations that have shaped our society, but it also pays homage to the remarkable scientists, engineers, and innovators behind them. Agrawal shares the inspiring stories of these often uncredited heroes from around the world, showcasing the indelible impact they had on our lives. From the women who played a vital role in nail-making to the groundbreaking female designer of the first washing machine at an industrial fair, you'll uncover the intriguing history behind these inventions.
Prepare to be amazed by how engineering has fundamentally changed the way we live. Through eye-opening anecdotes and engaging narratives, "Nuts and Bolts" reveals the hidden building blocks that we often take for granted. With 32 line drawings and 4 photographs, this book will ignite your curiosity and leave you with a profound understanding of the essential role engineering plays in our modern world.
Ready to delve into the world of engineering and discover the secrets behind our modern society? Order your copy of "Nuts and Bolts: Seven Small Inventions That Changed the World in a Big Way" today and embark on an enlightening journey. Learn more.
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