Why the wheel is round

327 pages

English language

Published Dec. 30, 2016 by The University of Chicago Press.

ISBN:: 978-0-226-38103-9
OCLC Number:: 937368232

(1 review)

"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. …

"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."--Jacket.

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. Providing a unique history of the wheel and other rotational devices-- like cranks, cranes, carts, and capstans-- Vogel examines the contraptions and tricks we have devised in order to more efficiently move-- and move through-- the physical world. In doing so, he offers a captivating exploration of our common technological heritage based on the simple concept of rotation.

1 edition

Thom reviewed Why the wheel is round by Vogel, Steven

Review of 'Why the wheel is round' on 'Goodreads'

4 stars

Engineer and biologist Steven Vogel writes about the various rotational inventions through history, from water, pottery and spinning wheels to cranks, handspikes and pedal power. Meanders a little, but a lot of solid information to discover.

Chapters focus on specific technologies, covering both history and impact. Quite a few drawings help visualize the description, which isn't always as simple as a hub and axle. Notes and references follow an appendix full of models that can be made to demonstrate the concepts - the author made these while writing the book. His observations about how effective these are is also wonderful.

The topic can be daunting, and the author dives in deep. As mentioned, the timeline meanders a little, focusing on the technology instead. The subtitle is really the focus of the book; the title alone can be misleading. Minor quibbles, though - this is a pretty good book. I plan …

Engineer and biologist Steven Vogel writes about the various rotational inventions through history, from water, pottery and spinning wheels to cranks, handspikes and pedal power. Meanders a little, but a lot of solid information to discover.

Chapters focus on specific technologies, covering both history and impact. Quite a few drawings help visualize the description, which isn't always as simple as a hub and axle. Notes and references follow an appendix full of models that can be made to demonstrate the concepts - the author made these while writing the book. His observations about how effective these are is also wonderful.

The topic can be daunting, and the author dives in deep. As mentioned, the timeline meanders a little, focusing on the technology instead. The subtitle is really the focus of the book; the title alone can be misleading. Minor quibbles, though - this is a pretty good book. I plan to refer back to it in the future, perhaps tackling some of the models.

Subjects

Biomechanics
Rotational motion
Biomechanical Phenomena
Rotation
SCIENCE
Life Sciences
Evolution
Human Anatomy & Physiology
TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING
Biomechanik
Drehung