Discovery, Innovation, and Risk: Case Studies in Science and Technology (New Liberal Arts)

First edition paperback issue of this interdisciplinary MIT Press study exploring the relationship among scientific discovery, technological innovation, engineering, society, and risk. Rather than presenting scientific principles in isolation, Copp and Zanella organize the material around historical case studies illustrating how science moves into practical technology—and how technological development sometimes precedes complete scientific understanding. Examples include telecommunications and electromagnetism, Faraday and hydroelectric power, the Wright brothers and aviation, steam power, petroleum refining, prestressed concrete, vaccines, nuclear power, and the greenhouse effect. MIT Press describes the book as emphasizing the complex interplay among science, engineering, society, and technological risk. Published as part of the New Liberal Arts series. The work received attention in contemporary history-of-science and technology journals, including reviews in Isis and Technology and Culture. Condition Very Good. Illustrated softcover with moderate rubbing and superficial scratching to the glossy covers, more noticeable on the dark rear panel. Light edge and corner wear. Spine remains straight and lettering clear. Binding appears firm. Interior pages appear clean and sound with no significant writing, highlighting, tears, or other defects visible in the material examined. A clean, usable scholarly copy. Significance / Collector Appeal An appealing history-of-technology teaching text because it combines genuine historical case studies with discussions of scientific method and engineering risk rather than functioning simply as a technical textbook. The contents cover a surprisingly broad range of collectible subject areas—Curie, Faraday, the Wright brothers, telecommunications, electricity, petroleum, vaccines, nuclear power, environmental science, and the history of engineering. Shipping / Returns Carefully packed for shipment. Domestic shipping via USPS Media Mail unless otherwise requested. Expedited and international shipping available where permitted. Returns accepted in accordance with AbeBooks policies. SCI 4a.…