The Evolution of Useful Things: How Everyday Artifacts-From Forks and Pins to Paper Clips and Zippers-Came to Be as They Are.

by Petroski, Henry
3.6 out of 5 Customer Rating
ISBN: 9780679740391
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$7.99

Overview

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.

  • Format: Trade Paperback
  • Author: Petroski, Henry
  • ISBN: 9780679740391
  • Condition: Used
  • Dimensions: 7.96 x 0.65
  • Number Of Pages: 304
  • Publication Year: 1994

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