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Ebook421 pages4 hours
Why the Wheel Is Round: Muscles, Technology, and How We Make Things Move
By Steven Vogel
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
4/5
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About this ebook
There is no part of our bodies that fully rotates—be it a wrist or ankle or arm in a shoulder socket, we are made to twist only so far. And yet there is no more fundamental human invention than the wheel—a rotational mechanism that accomplishes what our physical form cannot. Throughout history, humans have developed technologies powered by human strength, complementing the physical abilities we have while overcoming our weaknesses. Providing a unique history of the wheel and other rotational devices—like cranks, cranes, carts, and capstans—Why the Wheel Is Round examines the contraptions and tricks we have devised in order to more efficiently move—and move through—the physical world.
Steven Vogel combines his engineering expertise with his remarkable curiosity about how things work to explore how wheels and other mechanisms were, until very recently, powered by the push and pull of the muscles and skeletal systems of humans and other animals. Why the Wheel Is Round explores all manner of treadwheels, hand-spikes, gears, and more, as well as how these technologies diversified into such things as hand-held drills and hurdy-gurdies. Surprisingly, a number of these devices can be built out of everyday components and materials, and Vogel’s accessible and expansive book includes instructions and models so that inspired readers can even attempt to make their own muscle-powered technologies, like trebuchets and ballista.
Appealing to anyone fascinated by the history of mechanics and technology as well as to hobbyists with home workshops, Why the Wheel Is Round offers a captivating exploration of our common technological heritage based on the simple concept of rotation. From our leg muscles powering the gears of a bicycle to our hands manipulating a mouse on a roller ball, it will be impossible to overlook the amazing feats of innovation behind our daily devices.
Steven Vogel combines his engineering expertise with his remarkable curiosity about how things work to explore how wheels and other mechanisms were, until very recently, powered by the push and pull of the muscles and skeletal systems of humans and other animals. Why the Wheel Is Round explores all manner of treadwheels, hand-spikes, gears, and more, as well as how these technologies diversified into such things as hand-held drills and hurdy-gurdies. Surprisingly, a number of these devices can be built out of everyday components and materials, and Vogel’s accessible and expansive book includes instructions and models so that inspired readers can even attempt to make their own muscle-powered technologies, like trebuchets and ballista.
Appealing to anyone fascinated by the history of mechanics and technology as well as to hobbyists with home workshops, Why the Wheel Is Round offers a captivating exploration of our common technological heritage based on the simple concept of rotation. From our leg muscles powering the gears of a bicycle to our hands manipulating a mouse on a roller ball, it will be impossible to overlook the amazing feats of innovation behind our daily devices.
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Reviews for Why the Wheel Is Round
Rating: 3.75 out of 5 stars
4/5
4 ratings1 review
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Quite readable book on wheels, wheel technology, hoists and mills and such. Explores why things turn, what turning is, and why it is useful. The author has a dry wit which comes out unexpectedly, such as his comment that the springs used in lawnmower draw strings used to start the motor are both tightly sprung, and malevolent. Good illustrations for ancient hauling, grinding, turning and propelling systems, and for modern uses. An excellent section on non-circular movement using circles, circular motions without rotation, and epicyclic gears and such. Also a good section on making models of circular machines, which is a nice resource for science fair projects.Well published with a good bibliography and footnotes. However, I feel the next edition should include a good index and glossary.Recommended for public libraries and high schools with engineering or good science programs. Also recommended for engineering collections and private collections of science and technology.