This book explores the history of mechanical engineering since the Bronze Age. Focusing on machinery inventions and the development of mechanical technology, it also discusses the machinery industry and modern mechanical education. The evolution of machinery is divided into three stages: Ancient (before the European Renaissance), Modern (mainly including the two Industrial Revolutions) and Contemporary (since the Revolution in Physics, especially post Second World War). The book not only clarifies the development of mechanical engineering, but also reveals the driving forces behind it – e.g. the economy, national defense and human scientific research activities – to highlight the links between technology and society; mechanical engineering and the natural sciences; and mechanical engineering and related technological areas.

Though mainly intended as a textbook or supplemental reading for graduate students, the book also offers a unique resource for researchers and engineers inmechanical engineering who wish to broaden their horizons.

This book interprets the economic benefits and social benefits brought about by zero waste. Beginning with the general history of waste, its mechanism and different categories, this book first explores waste management and resourcing technology around the world nowadays. It then elaborates on the concept and practices of zero waste, discussing about the relationship between zero waste and eco-design, and about relative international standards. At last, it points out that zero waste could be the pathway from linear economy to circular economy, backed up by theories and practices.

This book explores the history of mechanical engineering since the Bronze Age. Focusing on machinery inventions and the development of mechanical technology, it also discusses the machinery industry and modern mechanical education. The evolution of machinery is divided into three stages: Ancient (before the European Renaissance), Modern (mainly including the two Industrial Revolutions) and Contemporary (since the Revolution in Physics, especially post Second World War). The book not only clarifies the development of mechanical engineering, but also reveals the driving forces behind it – e.g. the economy, national defense and human scientific research activities – to highlight the links between technology and society; mechanical engineering and the natural sciences; and mechanical engineering and related technological areas.

Though mainly intended as a textbook or supplemental reading for graduate students, the book also offers a unique resource for researchers and engineers inmechanical engineering who wish to broaden their horizons.

This book interprets the economic benefits and social benefits brought about by zero waste. Beginning with the general history of waste, its mechanism and different categories, this book first explores waste management and resourcing technology around the world nowadays. It then elaborates on the concept and practices of zero waste, discussing about the relationship between zero waste and eco-design, and about relative international standards. At last, it points out that zero waste could be the pathway from linear economy to circular economy, backed up by theories and practices.