Machine Stevens (2 results)

A widely praised and engaging work in the philosophy and history of science, Stevens argues that modern scientific success stems not from pure rationality, but from a disciplined narrowing of acceptable explanations - what he terms the 'iron rule of explanation.' Drawing on episodes from Newtonian physics through quantum mechanics, the book reframes how scientific progress occurs, emphasizing institutional and methodological constraints over individual genius. This first edition copy is clean, tight, and well-preserved, printed on quality stock and featuring a striking frontispiece after Eduardo Paolozzi's Newton. The blue cloth binding with gilt spine lettering remains sharp with no visible wear, and the interior is bright and unmarked throughout. No ownership marks, writing, or blemishes noted. The book grades Near Fine, with only the slightest signs of handling, if any. The original dust jacket is present, unclipped, and equally well-preserved. It shows only minimal edge wear - light softening at the extremities but no chips, tears, or significant rubbing. The copyright page states 'First Edition,' and the number line reads '1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0,' confirming a first printing. An important contemporary contribution to the philosophy of science, The Knowledge Machine has been widely discussed for its clear prose and provocative thesis, making it appealing to collectors of modern scientific thought, philosophy, and first editions of influential nonfiction. Michael Strevens is a professor of philosophy at New York University specializing in the philosophy of science, explanation, and complex systems. Educated at Rutgers University, he has taught at institutions including Stanford and Iowa State and received a Guggenheim Fellowship in 2017. His work focuses on how scientific reasoning operates in practice, and The Knowledge Machine is his most widely read and influential book.

London, Institution of Mechanical Engineers, 1885. 8vo. Original printed wrappers. Contained in the April issue of Proceedings of The Institution of Mechanical Engineers, pp.167-197, with 8 plates. The whole issue offered here. Custom cloth box with gilt leather title on spine. First edition. Maxim's first announcement of his invention of the automatic machine-gun using the energy from the recoil force to eject each spent cartridge and insert the next one, Maxim came up with the single-man operated machine-gun. Earlier types of machine-guns, as the Gatling and Gardner, consisted of multiple barrels and were powered by the manual turning of a crank, which made them very heavy and caused them to require several men in order to operate them. The invention of the Maxim-mechanism allowed for a single-barrel construction, and the new machine-gun could potentially be operated by just one man, which thus led to the modern automatic machine-gun. Scarce.