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The Evolution of Useful Things: How Everyday Artifacts-from Forks and Pins to Paper Clips and Zippers-came to Be As They Are Reprint edition
Henry Petroski
The Evolution of Useful Things: How Everyday Artifacts-from Forks and Pins to Paper Clips and Zippers-came to Be As They Are Reprint edition
Henry Petroski
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.
Media | Books Paperback Book (Book with soft cover and glued back) |
Released | February 1, 1994 |
ISBN13 | 9780679740391 |
Publishers | Vintage |
Pages | 304 |
Dimensions | 133 × 202 × 17 mm · 217 g |
Language | English |
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