A History of Mechanical Inventions: Revised Edition

by Abbott Payson Usher

This completely revised and updated classic explores the importance of technological innovation in the cultural and economic history of the West. Specific topics include development of technology of textile manufacture from primitive times, water wheels and wind mills, development of clocks and watches, invention of printing, machine tools and quantity production. "Without peer in its field."--"American Scientist.

Genres: History, Engineering, Technology, Science, Nonfiction, World History

462 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 1988

Reviews

[Subodh · Rating 3 out of 5]

The industrial revolution which transformed human lives in the last few centuries includes advances in many fields, but if we have to identify one important area it would certainly be mechanical engineering. The steam engine and textile machinery are rightly seen as cornerstones of this revolution.

I was looking for a comprehensive introduction to the history of mechanical inventions and chanced upon this title through internet search. It is comprehensive no doubt, but the style is old (it was first published in 1929). It reads more like a learned monograph than an introduction to the interested lay person. It is not an easy read, but a good reference work to keep handy.

One important takeaway from the book is that inventions have not happened through a few geniuses working in isolation, but through accumulation of little improvement to the state of art by many persons, most of whom are not well known. The book, in fact, discusses questions like Gutenberg's personal contribution to the technique to printing, and comes to the conclusion that evidence for crediting him as the father of printing is rather thin. Similar doubt is expressed about Newcomen and the steam engine. At the same time reference is made to a large number of persons who made important contributions, but who are not known to the lay person.

The first few chapters discuss general principles of economic growth and a couple of mathematical equations are also thrown in for good measure. I found these chapters of little relevance.

Overall, this book has added to my knowledge of this important chapter of our economic history, but it is a difficult read. I skipped large portions of it.

[Fredrick Danysh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Many mechanical inventions have changed society and industry through the ages. Ancient innovations as well as more modern ones are explored in this history. There are some drawings included.

[Peter · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book, written more than 80 years ago, contains a lot of detail on clocks, pumps, weaving machines, and power generation, and contains some good diagrams for those items.

If you interested in the history of mechanical invention, then you will likely enjoy this book.

If you are interested in current invention, or anything from the time of the airplane and radio, it is not covered here, because it was written when those things were just getting off the ground.

[Matt Hertel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the text to be more technical than I anticipated. It is a very in-depth review of the physical evolution of mechanical inventions as well as the culture and economic forces which motivated the pace of innovation. A very good book, but more of a reference text than anything.