Preface

1. Introduction

2 . Technology Takes Off

2.1 From Practical Art to Technology

2.2 Construction Becomes Mathematical

2.3 Experimenting with Machines

2.4 Science and Chemical Industries

2.5 Power and Communication

3. Engineering for Information

3.1 From Microelectronics to Nanotechnology

3.2 Computer Hardware and Software

3.3 Wireless, Satellites, and the Internet

4. Engineering in Society

4.1 Social Ascent and Images of Engineers

4.2 Partnership in Research and Development

4.3 Contributions to Sectors of the Economy

5. Innovation by Design

5.1 Inventive Thinking in Negative Feedback

5.2 Design Processes in Systems Engineering

5.3 "Working Together" in Aircraft Development

5.4 From Onboard Computers to Door Hinges

6. Sciences of Useful Systems

6.1 Mathematics in Engineering and Science

6.2 Information and Control Theories

6.3 Wind Tunnels and Internet Simulation

6.4 Integrative Materials Engineering

6.5 Biological Engineering Frontiers

7. Leaders Who Are Engineers

7.1 Business Leaders in the Car Industry

7.2 Public Policies and Nuclear Power

7.3 Managing Technological Risks

Appendix A. Statistical Profiles of Engineers

Appendix B. U.S. Research and Development

Notes

Index

Sunny Y. Auyang, who has worked as a research scientist at Hewlett-Packard and at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, is the author of, most recently, Mind in Everyday Life and Cognitive Science.