A collection of lighthearted essays exploring the eccentric world of inventors, inventions, and patents. This world is peopled with inventors including a NASA consultant challenged with designing a solar-powered spaceship, and the father of the "no-hands" motorcycle. Their successes and failures lead into discussion of deeper issues behind inventions, such as the nature of knowledge, the meaning of originality, and the reality of human limitations. No index. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
From the Publisher:
An insider's glimpse into the outlandish and fascinating world of inventors.
From the Back Cover:
Here in all its eccentricity is the cutting edge of science: a magnetic train that requires no outside energy source; solar-powered interplanetary travel; an air-purifying helmet; and a device to reduce radioactivity. And just as engrossing is the eccentricity of the invention subculture. Always lurking in the background - and occasionally dominating the foreground - are the fundamental issues that the scientific avant-garde inevitably confronts: the nature of knowledge, the meaning of thought, the essence of senses, the sanctity of life, the existence of God...all of which leads to the fascinating final chapter, in which the author attempts - and fails - to patent himself.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
- PublisherLyons Pr
- Publication date1999
- ISBN 10 155821741X
- ISBN 13 9781558217416
- BindingHardcover
- Edition number1
- Number of pages232
-
Rating