The Engines of Our Ingenuity

Abstract

In The Engines of Our Ingenuity , John Lienhard traces the evolution of technology from prehistory to the modern day. Clearly, in such an extended period it is not possible to be comprehensive in a text of some 250 pages, and therefore we are provided with snippets and windows onto certain highlights, deemed to be descriptive of our ingenuity. Professor Lienhard's own background and experience as a mechanical engineer comes to the fore, and thus many of the selected examples tend to demonstrate evolution that has occurred through the mechanical sciences. The book commences with an analysis of the way in which machines mirror our lives and then how those lives mirror our machines. The theme then moves to the way in which religion has influenced the development of technology, particularly during the scientific revolution of the seventeenth century. This in itself is an interesting topic, but unfortunately for me, the level of discussion and analysis was somewhat superficial, even though it introduced me to aspects of technology during this period of which I was unaware, such as the role of John Adams. The development of science and engineering during this period has been the subject of many texts, such as the recent work by Lisa Jardine: Ingenious Pursuits . By focusing more narrowly, I believe it is possible to provide a more effective affirmation of the developments during those dynamic years. The subject material of technology covered by the book encompasses clocks to computers and communications, transportation in all forms, and the way in which technology facilitates war. Underlying the examples there was a notable, albeit not exclusive, emphasis upon the technological developments that have taken place in America, and perhaps the European reader may feel somewhat short-changed. However, this focus, and indeed the style of the presentation, is understood, perhaps, when it is noted that the text is based on a series of radio programmes presented by Lienhard, starting in 1988. Most of the text focuses on the programmes broadcast by KUHF-FM during its first year; however, more than 1000 broadcasts have now been made, and the material from some of these has also contributed to the book. Overall the book provides a patchwork of technology, in which I am sure all readers will find something new. There are, however, frequent assertions presented - such as the fact that Europe was able to emerge as the post-Roman centre of civilization because medieval engineers developed the technology to exploit water and wind power which previously the Romans had failed in - that are not supported fully in the text presented. The book is not for the academic researcher of the history of science and technology but provides an enjoyable opportunity to dip into various demonstrations of our innate ingenuity as inventors for the lay person, both scientist and artist. John Stark

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