"Full of ideas and well-explained principles that will bring new understanding of everyday things to both scientists and non-scientists alike."―R. McNeill Alexander, Nature
Nature and humans build their devices with the same earthly materials and use them in the same air and water, pulled by the same gravity. Why, then, do their designs diverge so sharply? Humans, for instance, love right angles, while nature's angles are rarely right and usually rounded. Our technology goes around on wheels―and on rotating pulleys, gears, shafts, and cams―yet in nature only the tiny propellers of bacteria spin as true wheels. Our hinges turn because hard parts slide around each other, whereas nature's hinges (a rabbit's ear, for example) more often swing by bending flexible materials. In this marvelously surprising, witty book, Steven Vogel compares these two mechanical worlds, introduces the reader to his field of biomechanics, and explains how the nexus of physical law, size, and convenience of construction determine the designs of both people and nature. "This elegant comparison of human and biological technology will forever change the way you look at each."―Michael LaBarbera, American Scientist Illustrated"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
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Book Description Condition: New. Davis, Kathryn K. (illustrator). New! This book is in the same immaculate condition as when it was published. Seller Inventory # 353-0393319903-new
Book Description Paperback or Softback. Condition: New. Davis, Kathryn K. (illustrator). Cats' Paws and Catapults: Mechanical Worlds of Nature and People 1.1. Book. Seller Inventory # BBS-9780393319903
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Book Description Paperback. Condition: new. Davis, Kathryn K. (illustrator). Paperback. Nature and humans build their devices with the same earthly materials and use them in the same air and water, pulled by the same gravity. Why, then, do their designs diverge so sharply? Humans, for instance, love right angles, while nature's angles are rarely right and usually rounded. Our technology goes around on wheelsand on rotating pulleys, gears, shafts, and camsyet in nature only the tiny propellers of bacteria spin as true wheels. Our hinges turn because hard parts slide around each other, whereas nature's hinges (a rabbit's ear, for example) more often swing by bending flexible materials. In this marvelously surprising, witty book, Steven Vogel compares these two mechanical worlds, introduces the reader to his field of biomechanics, and explains how the nexus of physical law, size, and convenience of construction determine the designs of both people and nature. "This elegant comparison of human and biological technology will forever change the way you look at each."Michael LaBarbera, American Scientist "Full of ideas and well-explained principles that will bring new understanding of everyday things to both scientists and non-scientists alike."R. McNeill Alexander, Nature This item is printed on demand. Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability. Seller Inventory # 9780393319903
Book Description Paperback. Condition: new. Davis, Kathryn K. (illustrator). New Copy. Customer Service Guaranteed. Seller Inventory # think0393319903
Book Description PAP. Condition: New. Davis, Kathryn K. (illustrator). New Book. Shipped from UK. THIS BOOK IS PRINTED ON DEMAND. Established seller since 2000. Seller Inventory # L0-9780393319903