Reconstructions: Recreating Science and Technology of the Past - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1905267487 ISBN 13: 9781905267484

Publisher: Natl Museums of Scotland, 2011

Synopsis

Historic reconstructions have become a decisive tool in the history of science and technology. This volume brings together key studies of recently completed reconstruction projects. These cover subject areas as diverse as physics, computing, photography, communication, transport and military.

`Contributors present their reconstruction projects and explore how their work has provided them with a new or deeper understanding of the skills, practices and tacit knowledge involved in the making and use of material culture. They analyse competing traditions in the manufacture and use of artefacts and reflect on the changing social roles of inventors and practitioners.

`The book covers questions such as: What are the motives for doing reconstruction projects? What can we learn from placing these projects in a broader cultural context? What are the uses of "failed" reconstructions? Contributors also discuss the relevance of their projects for the public understanding of science and technology.'

About this title

About the Author

Klaus Staubermann is Principal Curator of Technology, Department of Science and Technology, National Museums Scotland, Edinburgh.

Review

' ... a welcome survey of an increasingly important historical tool. Reconstructions is highly recommended to anyone thinking about starting their own reconstruction, as well as to anyone interested in learning more about where research in the history of science and technology is heading.' Science and Education; 'These examples give anidea of the richness and variety of the projects chosen and of the generally high level of skill, assiduity, and commitment devoted to them. ... The editing is excellent ... ' the History of Science Society

Edition details

• Publisher: Natl Museums of Scotland
• Publication date: 2011
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1905267487
• ISBN 13: 9781905267484
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 276
• Editor: Staubermann Klaus