On the Diversity and Co-Evolution of Technological Multiples

Abstract

Conventional Interpretations of multiple Invention depend for their validity on the relative homogeneity of Individual multiples as well as on the homogeneity of all Instances of multiple Invention. Historical analysis of two specific cases of alleged multiple Invention suggests, however, that both types of identity are illusory. Four original steam turbine Inventions exhibit notable historical and technical diversity among themselves Moreover, the Invention of steam turbines differs significantly from another alleged instance of multiple Invention, Pelton water wheels. Additionally, the developmental paths of steam turbine technology and of Pelton water wheels each were Influenced critically by the selective pressure of other technologies with which each co-evolved. electrical power generation and distribution systems Perceived multiple Invention would thus seem likely to be a more diverse and complex phenomenon than heretofore widely acknowledged.

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