Product Description

This is the first general account of the mechanics behind pre-industrial technology. By combining the skills of an engineer and an archaeologist, it shows how mechanics can be used to create a better understanding of the function of artifacts and the achievements of early technology. The authors examine technology from the earliest stone tools of more than two million years ago to the erection of the statues of Easter Island which continued into the seventeenth century. Representative material cultures from most areas of the world have been selected for this study and the book shows how sophisticated many of their apparently simple techniques and artefacts actually were. After an introduction to basic mechanics the book examines the elements of machines: the various structures which can be made to bridge openings; the mechanics involved in fashioning stone tools; projectiles such as the spear and boomerang; the efficiency of transport by land and water; and the mechanics of musical instruments.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1272626 in Books
• Published on: 1992-04-24
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 344 pages

Review
'Mechanics of pre-industrial technology is a marvellous book. It is to the brim full of information, never dull and well researched throughout. The illustrations are extremely well chosen, very copious and most informative.' ANU Reporter 'It should be required reading for all archaeologists, to stop them perpetuating the scientific howlers that disfigure so many 'interpretations'.' British Archaeological News