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Johns Hopkins Introductory Studies in the History of Technology
Waterpower in Lowell
Patrick M. Malone demonstrates how innovative engineering helped make Lowell, Massachusetts, a potent symbol of American industrial prowess in the 19th century.
Waterpower spurred the industrialization of the early United States and was the principal power for textile manufacturing until well after the Civil War. Industrial cities therefore grew alongside many of America's major waterways. Ideally located at Pawtucket Falls on the Merrimack River, Lowell was one such city--a rural village rapidly transformed into a booming center for textile production and machine building. Malone explains how engineers created a complex canal and lock system in Lowell which harnessed the river and powered mills throughout the city.
James B. Francis, arguably the finest engineer in 19th-century America, played a key role in the history of Lowell's urban industrial development. An English immigrant who came to work for Lowell's Proprietors of Locks and Canals as a young man, Francis rose to become both the company's chief engineer and its managing executive. Linking Francis's life and career with the larger story of waterpower in Lowell, Malone offers the only complete history of the design, construction, and operation of the Lowell canal system.
"Waterpower in Lowell" informs broader understanding of urban industrial development, American scientific engineering, and the environmental impacts of technology. Its clear and instructional discussions of hydraulic technology and engineering principles make it a useful resource for a range of courses, including the history of technology, urban history, and American business history.
Waterpower spurred the industrialization of the early United States and was the principal power for textile manufacturing until well after the Civil War. Industrial cities therefore grew alongside many of America's major waterways. Ideally located at Pawtucket Falls on the Merrimack River, Lowell was one such city--a rural village rapidly transformed into a booming center for textile production and machine building. Malone explains how engineers created a complex canal and lock system in Lowell which harnessed the river and powered mills throughout the city.
James B. Francis, arguably the finest engineer in 19th-century America, played a key role in the history of Lowell's urban industrial development. An English immigrant who came to work for Lowell's Proprietors of Locks and Canals as a young man, Francis rose to become both the company's chief engineer and its managing executive. Linking Francis's life and career with the larger story of waterpower in Lowell, Malone offers the only complete history of the design, construction, and operation of the Lowell canal system.
"Waterpower in Lowell" informs broader understanding of urban industrial development, American scientific engineering, and the environmental impacts of technology. Its clear and instructional discussions of hydraulic technology and engineering principles make it a useful resource for a range of courses, including the history of technology, urban history, and American business history.
- GenresHistoryNonfiction
254 pages, Paperback
First published October 2, 2009
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About the author
Patrick M. Malone
6 books2 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name. This profile may contain books from multiple authors of this name.
Other authors publishing under this name are:
Patrick M. Malone, Pharmacology
Other authors publishing under this name are:
Patrick M. Malone, Pharmacology
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
May 5, 2015
I wish I could give it 3 1/2 stars, as that is about where I am with this book. I think the scholarship and research is rather good, and the prose is fine. The topic is a bit dry, but I'd hate to think that a story like this, notably the people involved, would ever be forgotten. What I didn't like were the several subjects that he could have explored, both culturally and environmentally, that he seemed to just touch upon. All in all, I think it is a good book and I think it's valuable to have someone do a history of technology and engineering in this manner. It's not my favorite book, but I'm glad I read it and I think it's a valuable read. My rating should not be deemed as a book that is just "so-so" but a book that is better than average and worth at least a glimpse, if not a full read.
December 13, 2015
Warning. If you aren't a technology nerd, this book can act as a sleep drug or an accidental door stop.
It's a well written account of Lowell's development and a panegyric for James B. Francis. In addition to the raw tech info, there are some social, business and environmental issues covered as well. Since Lowell was looked on as a model town it's a good read about the early industrialization of New England since many of it's practices were widely adopted.
There are a few well done illustrations, those wishing for more can visit the Library of Congress website, which has an extensive collection of Lowell photos and plans.
It's a well written account of Lowell's development and a panegyric for James B. Francis. In addition to the raw tech info, there are some social, business and environmental issues covered as well. Since Lowell was looked on as a model town it's a good read about the early industrialization of New England since many of it's practices were widely adopted.
There are a few well done illustrations, those wishing for more can visit the Library of Congress website, which has an extensive collection of Lowell photos and plans.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews