This delightful book provides an indepth insight into the scientific breakthrough and brilliant inventions that have shaped our world.

"This book explains the science behind all the machines, gadgets, systems, and processes we take for granted. The perfect book for techies--young or old, male or female--who read Popular Science and Wired or watch "How It Works" and "How It's Made."

Have you ever looked at a car and wondered how it worked? Maybe an airplane piqued your curiosity, or the arches of a particular building, or maybe a piece of technology that you handle daily, such as your phone? Objects, history, places, processes... all fall under the umbrella of "thing." Learn about how these things developed over time and how they impacted the course of human development. From ancient chariots of war, to the telegraph, to the technologies of the future, learn about the mechanics of the world around us. With full color cross sections, this new and revised version of How Things Work updates readers on questions of the ever-evolving world around us. More than 100 "things" are dissected so that one can examine the inner workings from milk production to touch screens. The book is broken categorically into ten sections (Ancient Civilizations, Architecture, Communication, Energy, Everyday Technology, Food Industry, Machines of War, Science, Space Exploration, Transportation), readers are given a complete education on the mechanics of the world around them. Each chapter has eleven subjects that are dissected through diagrams and cross sections with cut away images to show what is really under the surface of each item and process. A thematic index at the end allows one to easily locate all items of interest. The world is a complex and confusing place. How Things Work does it's best to bring down the confusion a little bit.

Million-copy bestselling author of The Elements, Molecules, and Reactions Theodore Gray applies his trademark mix of engaging stories, real-time experiments, and stunning photography to the inner workings of machines, big and small, revealing the extraordinary science, beauty, and rich history of everyday things. Theodore Gray has become a household name among fans, both young and old, of popular science and mechanics. He's an incorrigible tinkerer with a constant curiosity for how things work. Gray's readers love how he always brings the perfect combination of know-how, humor, and daring-do to every project or demonstration, be it scientific or mechanical.In How Things Work he explores the mechanical underpinnings of dozens of types of machines and mechanisms, from the cotton gin to the wristwatch to an industrial loom. Filled with stunning original photographs in Gray's inimitable style, How Things Work is a must-have exploration of stuff--large and small--for any builder, maker or lover of mechanical things.

Have you ever wondered. * How an ATM verifies your identification and account information and dispenses cash in a matter of seconds? * What, if anything, is able to escape from a black hole? * Why workplace surveillance is becoming more common? * Whether human cloning is possible? In this full-color follow-up to the bestselling How Stuff Works, Marshall Brain travels inside your computer, to the depths of diamond mines, across the African plains, and on board an Apache helicopter to explain the magic behind how stuff works. Based on the much-lauded Web site HowStuffWorks.com, this book is your A-to-Z guide to PDAs, MRIs, LEDs, and dozens of other intriguing topics! With More How Stuff Works, you'll never again look the same way at a car wash, clothes dryer, or electronic scanner. * More than 125 captivating articles * Hundreds of full-color photos and illustrations * Fun facts and sidebars * A special chapter on "Police, Military, and Defense" Praise for HowStuffWorks.com: "A+" -Washington Post Online " Top 100 Classics." -PC Magazine "Best Science & Technology Resource." -Yahoo! InternetLife "A-" -Entertainment Weekly "Great Site." -MSNBC "Super Site." -TBS Superstation

'The way things work guidebook' shows you how and why the amazing models you make actually work. Leonard and Mammoth take you through the fundamental principles. Simple explanations make you realize how incredible science really is. From levers and pulleys to pneumatics and robots. A hands-on fully interactive kit plus Pinball Science CD-ROM, a booklet, and activity cards. Construct 12 fantastic working models to bring David Macaulay's remarkable book to life.

An encyclopedia designed especially to meet the needs of elementary, junior high, and senior high school students.