Overview
Presents an offbeat, nontechnical chronology of the history of mechanics, from the Big Bang to present day
Lays out a complicated scientific subject in a rapid-fire narrative that is both interesting and informative for the non-specialist reader
Covers subjects ranging from Egyptian civilization, music and musical instruments, art, and climate dynamics and demonstrates how their evolution both impacted and was impacted by humankind's understanding of mechanics
Thoughtfully examines the current state of mechanics and possibilities for future research and innovation
Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras
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Table of contents (15 chapters)
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Front Matter
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Back Matter
Keywords
About this book
This unique book presents a nontechnical view of the history of mechanics, from the Big Bang to present day. The impact of mechanics on the evolution of a variety of subjects is vividly illustrated, including astronomy, geology, astrophysics, anthropology, archeology, ancient history, Renaissance art, music, meteorology, modern structural engineering, mathematics, medicine, warfare, and sports. While enormous in scope, the subject matter is covered (with ample photographic support) at a level designed to capture the interest of both the learned and the curious. The book concludes with a creative and thoughtful examination of the current state of mechanics and possibilities for the future of mechanics.
Reviews
From the reviews:
“Allen (Univ. of Texas-Pan American) brings to bear his extensive knowledge and interest in the subject to enlighten lay readers on the history and applications of mechanics from ancient times to the present. … The book starts with historical origins of mechanics and, in quick order, takes up Newton’s contributions. The inclusion of photographs and illustrations makes for a better understanding of examples from bridges to musical instruments. … Summing Up: Recommended. All readership levels.” (N. Sadanand, Choice, Vol. 51 (9), May, 2014)
Authors and Affiliations
About the author
Bibliographic Information
Book Title: How Mechanics Shaped the Modern World
Authors: David H. Allen
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-01701-3
Publisher: Springer Cham
eBook Packages: Engineering, Engineering (R0)
Copyright Information: Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2014
Softcover ISBN: 978-3-319-01700-6Published: 02 October 2013
eBook ISBN: 978-3-319-01701-3Published: 24 September 2013
Edition Number: 1
Number of Pages: XXI, 396
Number of Illustrations: 286 b/w illustrations, 95 illustrations in colour
Topics: Theoretical and Applied Mechanics, History of Science, Classical Mechanics