Error loading page.
Try refreshing the page. If that doesn't work, there may be a network issue, and you can use our self test page to see what's preventing the page from loading.
Learn more about possible network issues or contact support for more help.
Advanced
Title details for The Evolution of Useful Things by Henry Petroski - Available

The Evolution of Useful Things

by Henry Petroski
ebook
Read a sample Read a sample

   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.

Expand title description text
Publisher: Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group

Kindle Book

  • Release date: December 1, 2010

OverDrive Read

  • ISBN: 9780307773050
  • Release date: December 1, 2010

EPUB ebook

  • ISBN: 9780307773050
  • File size: 5043 KB
  • Release date: December 1, 2010

Formats

Kindle Book
OverDrive Read
EPUB ebook

subjects

Antiques History Technology Nonfiction

Languages

English

   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.

Expand title description text
Antiques History Technology Nonfiction