| An Inventor in the Garden of Eden Contributor(s): Laithwaite, Eric (Author) |
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ISBN: 0521441064 ISBN-13: 9780521441063 Publisher: Cambridge University Press OUR PRICE: $158.65 Product Type: Hardcover Published: September 1994 Annotation: Eric Laithwaite takes the reader on a guided tour through the mysteries of invention, stopping off to examine the laws of nature and engineering. He shows how many of our inventions are based on designs which were evolved by the natural world over millions of years. In fact we learn that the natural world has often found more efficient answers than we have to taxing engineering problems. The shapes and sizes of both natural and Man-made objects are largely dictated by the size and weight of the earth and by the properties of materials. An Inventor in the Garden of Eden crosses many boundaries; as well as natural history and engineering, the author discusses religion, economics and cosmology. More than that, the author deals with such fundamental topics as habit, experience, logic, simplicity, wisdom and civilisation. This book dispels all the myths surrounding the belief that human inventions are superior to anything that evolution has produced in the living world. |
| Additional Information |
| BISAC Categories: - Technology & Engineering | Social Aspects - Science | History - Science | Life Sciences - Molecular Biology |
| Dewey: B |
| LCCN: 94007459 |
| Physical Information: 1.01" H x 6.23" W x 9.26" (1.35 lbs) 304 pages |
| Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
| Publisher Description: We oftentimes think that human inventions are an improvement on nature. In fact, many of humankind's most clever inventions have been anticipated by nature. In this book, Professor Laithwaite takes a new look at the natural world from an engineer's point of view. He questions conventional science in such fundamental topics as logic, habit, memory, simplicity, experience, absolute size, wisdom, and civilization. On the way to arriving at his conclusions, Dr. Laithwaite crosses the boundaries of engineering, biology, religion, economics, and cosmology. Filled with truly fascinating anecdotes and examples, this thought-provoking book will have special appeal to the general reader with an inquiring mind. |