| The Evolution of Useful Things: How Everyday Artifacts-From Forks and Pins to Paper Clips and Zippers-Came to Be as They Are. Contributor(s): Petroski, Henry (Author) |
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ISBN: 0679740392 ISBN-13: 9780679740391 Publisher: Vintage OUR PRICE: $15.30 Product Type: Paperback - Other Formats Published: February 1994 Annotation: Petroski tells fascinating stories about the arduous processes that resulted in paper clips, Post-its, Phillips-head screwdrivers, Scotch tape, and fast-food "clamshell" containers. "Petroski . . . an examines the simplest . . . tools in our lives with an appraising eye."--Washington Post Book World. 45 illus. |
| Additional Information |
| BISAC Categories: - Technology & Engineering | Engineering (general) - Science | Experiments & Projects - History | World - General |
| Dewey: 609 |
| LCCN: 93006351 |
| Physical Information: 0.65" H x 5.24" W x 7.96" (0.48 lbs) 304 pages |
| Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
| Publisher Description: How did the table fork acquire a fourth tine? What advantage does the Phillips-head screw have over its single-grooved predecessor? Why does the paper clip look the way it does? What makes Scotch tape Scotch? In this delightful book Henry, Petroski takes a microscopic look at artifacts that most of us count on but rarely contemplate, including such icons of the everyday as pins, Post-its, and fast-food clamshell containers. At the same time, he offers a convincing new theory of technological innovation as a response to the perceived failures of existing products--suggesting that irritation, and not necessity, is the mother of invention. |