This one-of-a-kind encyclopedia presents the entire field of technology--from rudimentary agricultural tools to communication satellites--in this first-of-its-kind reference source. Following an introduction that discusses basic tools, devices, and mechanisms, the chapters are grouped into five parts that provide detailed information on materials, power and engineering, transportation, communication and calculation, and technology and society, revealing how different technologies have together evolved to produce enormous changes in the course of history. Each chapter summarizes the development of a particular technology emphasizing its relation to the social context of the time as well as its place in current scientific thought.

Introduction: Basic tools, devices and mechanisms / Ian McNeil -- Part one: Materials -- Non-ferrous metals / A.S. Darling -- Ferrous metals / W.K.V. Gale -- The chemical and allied industries / Lance Day -- Part two: Power and engineering -- Water, wind and animal power / J. Kenneth Major -- Steam and internal combustion engines / E.F.C. Somerscales -- Electricity / Brian Bowers -- Engineering, methods of manufacture and production / A.K. Corry -- Part three: Transport -- Roads, bridges and vehicles / Ian McNeil -- Inland waterways / John Boyes -- Ports and shipping / A.W.H. Pearsall -- Rail / P.J.G. Ransom -- Aeronautics / J.A. Bagley -- Spaceflight / John Griffiths -- Part four: Communication and calculation -- Language, writing, printing and graphic arts / Lance Day -- Information: timekeeping, computing, telecommunications and audiovisual technologies / Herbert Ohlman -- Part five: Technology and society -- Agriculture: the production and preservation of food and drink / Andrew Patterson -- Textiles and clothing / Richard Hills -- Building and architecture / Doreen Yarwood -- The domestic interior: technology and the home / Doreen Yarwood -- Public utilities / R.A. Buchanan -- Weapons and armour / Charles Messenger.