Science and Technology in World History: An Introduction 1st Edition

by James E. McClellan (Author), Harold Dorn (Author)

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ISBN-13: 978-0801858697

ISBN-10: 0801858690

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"Science has become so identified with practical benefits that the dependence of technology on science is commonly assumed to be a timeless relationship and a single enterprise... That belief, however, is an artifact of twentieth-century cultural attitudes superimposed without warrant on the historical record." -- from Science and Technology in World History: An Introduction

In modern industrial society, the tie between science and technology seems clear, even inevitable. But historically, as James E. McClellan III and Harold Dorn remind us, the connection has been far less apparent. For much of human history, technology depended more on the innovation of skilled artisans than it did on the speculation of scientists. Technology as "applied science," the authors argue, emerged relatively recently, as industry and governments began funding scientific research that would lead directly to new or improved technologies. In Science and Technology in World History, McClellan and Dorn offer an introduction to this changing relationship.

McClellan and Dorn review the historical record beginning with the thinking and tool making of prehistoric humans. Neolithic people, for example, developed metallurgy of a sort, using naturally occurring raw copper, and kept systematic records of the moon's phases. Neolithic craftsmen possessed practical knowledge of the behavior of clay, fire, and other elements of their environment, but though they may have had explanations for the phenomena of their crafts, they toiled without any systematic science of materials or the self-conscious application of theory to practice.

McClellan and Dorn identify two great scientific traditions: the useful sciences, patronized by the state from the dawn of civilization, and scientific theorizing, initiated by the ancient Greeks. Theirs is a survey of the historical twists and turns of these traditions, leading to the science of our own day.

Without neglecting important figures of Western science such as Newton and Einstein, the authors demonstrate the great achievements of non-Western cultures. They remind us that scientific traditions took root in China, India, and Central and South America, as well as in a series of Near Eastern empires, during late antiquity and the Middle Ages, including the vast region that formed the Islamic conquest. From this comparative perspective, the authors explore the emergence of Europe as a scientific and technological power. Continuing their narrative through the Manhattan Project, NASA, and modern medical research, the authors weave the converging histories of science and technology into an integrated, perceptive, and highly readable narrative.

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Editorial Reviews

Review

"This historical account achieves its basic aim of demonstrating that, with the exception of quite recent history, technology has always influenced science, not the other way round." -- Nature

"If I could attach bells and whistles and flashing lights to this review I would do so because McClellan and Dorn's bools deserves to be brought to the attention of all professional historians -- and indeed the general reading public -- by any means necessary." -- Clifford D Conner, Canadian Journal of History/Annales canadiennes d'historie

"Inclusive and straightforward." -- Peter Hugill, Technology and Culture

"I very much recommend this book." -- Helge Kragh, Centaurus

"This book presents the history of man and his relationship with science and technology in a format that is eminently readable, yet it contains a wealth of information... While it would be impossible to cover all technologies in one volume, McClellan and Dorn have done an excellent job of including most of what has had the greatest impact." -- Netsurfer Digest

"Many nuggets of scholarly insight can be panned from Science and Technology in World History." -- Lance E. Metz, Industrial Archaeology

Review

"Professors McClellan and Dorn have written a survey that does not present the historical development of science simply as a Western phenomenon but as the result of wide-ranging human curiosity about nature and attempts to harness its powers in order to serve human needs. This is an impressive amount of material to organize in a single textbook." -- Paula Findlen, Stanford University

Publisher ‏ : ‎ The Johns Hopkins University Press; 1st edition (March 4, 1999)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 416 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0801858690
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0801858697
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.76 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7 x 1.25 x 10.25 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #2,308,665 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #11,073 in History & Philosophy of Science (Books)
- #39,576 in Science & Mathematics
- #72,949 in Philosophy (Books)

Customer Reviews:
56 ratings

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History Through Science and Technology

Reviewed in the United States on October 13, 2002

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This is an ambitious study of human history through its scientific and technological development. It begins with prehistoric times and ends with the many accomplishments of the late twentieth century. No area of the world is neglected, with much attention paid to the great civilizations of Asia in particular. There are also many mini-biographies of such worthies as Copernicus, Newton, Galileo, Edison, etc. which place them in the context of their time and the overall theme of technological development. The book is scholarly but not dry. Attempts have been made to appeal to the laymen through notes on "Cool Websites" and the like, and this is successful. Its a good overview of world history from a less than usual angle.

55 people found this helpful

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K. Richardson

Perfect introduction to Science & Technology in World History

Reviewed in the United States on October 14, 2013

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There are few books as concise and informative as this one for introducing science and technology in world history. I love the organization and the amount of details presented: not too much, not too little.

That said, my students frequently complain that there are too few pictures and illustrations. I am inclined to agree, but I do understand wanting to keep it short. I do wish some maps--or at least one--would be included to introduce the reader to some of these regions.

But...awesome book!

One person found this helpful

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MSJ

Great fun for the layman reader

Reviewed in the United States on March 5, 2014

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Turns out this book is also great for the technically-inclined layman reader, as well. I bought this book for my partner who hugely enjoyed Cockpit Confidential, Boeing 747 Owner's Manual. He loves this book. He frequently tells me interesting bits he's discovered. And the best part is that it's dense and will take him a while to get through. So I'd say it's both accessible and full of interesting facts and ideas that you'll want to share and discuss.

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Martin G. Diehl

Complex subject ... Lots of detail provided.

Reviewed in the United States on February 12, 2014

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This book supplies detail about the rise of technology in world history ... It shows key technology developments from over 2,000 years of world history. Understanding the rise of technology shows how the people from the past are so very much like ourselves. It is also a window into how the less technically advanced peoples of our own age can be helped.

One person found this helpful

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Billy

Great read

Reviewed in the United States on February 5, 2021

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Book is easy to follow

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Jay Duckworth

Great for History Buffs

Reviewed in the United States on February 4, 2016

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Great book with complicated info shared easily. There are some parts that are a bit dry but that is to be expected, but the connections it shows you in history is great.

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3in2yrs

New view to consider...

Reviewed in the United States on October 7, 2014

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Interesting read about how society influenced the development of science as we know it. I don't usually like history, puts me right to sleep. But this was neat. Gave it to my friend and it's fun to talk over.

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Toolman Tom

Source book

Reviewed in the United States on March 7, 2017

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Excellent reference book in conjunction with history books.

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Top reviews from other countries

docread

Excellent introduction to the changing relationship between science and technology

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 25, 2011

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This is an unusual textbook for the general reader that tackles both the history of Technology and that of Science.Within the limitations of the format, it accomplishes what it sets out to achieve with impeccable scholarship and remarkable comprehensiveness.It offers a global survey examining both human endeavors from Neolithic time to our own modern world.
The impressive narrative brings together the converging histories of science and technology,describing their interactions and their social and economical impact on human societies.The authors assert that for much of human history ,technology depended more on the empirical innovations of skilled artisans and engineers, than it did on the speculation of scientists / Natural Philosophers as they were called.In many instances it was Technology that directed Science rather than the other way round.The text brings into focus the considerable contributions of non-Western cultures to technology as well as astronomy,chemistry ,medicine and mathematics.
Nevertheless a substantial part of the book is devoted to the great figures of Western Science from Galileo to Einstein and provides a comprehensive account of their achievements.The emergence of the recent historical phenomenon of 'Applied Science' thanks to funding from industry and governments ,is well covered.
The authors have succeeded in producing an accessible and highly readable historical narrative that should enlighten and entertain any reader interested in either subjects.It certainly expanded my mental horizon.

5 people found this helpful

TurtleDove

Excellent

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 11, 2014

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Everyone interested in science and technology should read this book. It shows how inventions and discoveries shaped the world in which we live today and gives a timeline of how and when they happened.

I have been looking for a book like this. Since I have an interest in the subject I probably already knew about all or most of the advances in this area but I had kind of lost track of the timeline and wondered what conditions caused some of them to happen. This book explains it.

I have read many history books. Mostly they are about kings and ruling powers and wars. After a while, they all seem to have contributed little to the advancement of mankind and presided over much suffering and possibly caused a lot of it. This book is much more uplifting because it is a story of how the increased understanding of the world around us gave us a better life.

At times the writing style is somewhat laborious but there was never any doubt that I would continue to read on because the subject is so fascinating to me.

One person found this helpful

S.K.Saha

Textbook

Reviewed in India on April 3, 2019

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A very good book.As text recommended.

kai cable

Brilliant book giving a wonderful overview of science and technology ...

Reviewed in Canada on February 22, 2016

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Brilliant book giving a wonderful overview of science and technology through the ages. Well written, thoughtful book recommended for everyone.

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Science and Technology in World History: An Introduction 1st Edition

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