Photographs and text explore such inventions as the wheel, gears, levers, clocks, telephones, and rocket engines.

From the Publisher: This book seeks to debunk eleven popular and prevalent myths about Caribbean history. Using archaeological evidence, it corrects many previous misconceptions promulgated by history books and oral tradition as they specifically relate to the pre-Colonial and European-contact periods. It informs popular audiences, as well as scholars, about the current state of archaeological/historical research in the Caribbean Basin and asserts...

"Do you know how many things in your daily life were invented by accident? SANDWICHES came about when an English earl was too busy gambling to eat his meal and needed to keep one hand free. POTATO CHIPS were first cooked by a chef who was furious when a customer complained that his fried potatoes weren't thin enough. Coca-Cola, Silly Putty, and X rays have fascinating stories behind them too! Their unusual tales, and many more, along with hilarious...

"Written by one of the world's great engineers, this book provides the curious with an explanation of how inventions have developed from human needs and desires. Chapters discuss the impacts of inventions in our work, personal lives, societies, and the environment. The text also outlines what steps we need to take to ensure continued success of new inventions, and how to mange them wisely. Based on a Princeton University course for a general audience,...

Presents the stories behind forty things that were invented or named by accident, including aspirin, X-rays, frisbees, silly putty, and velcro.