Playing with Fire - (Transactions of the American Philosophical Society) by David J Rhees & Oliver Hochadel & Peter Heering (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

This collection of historical and scientific studies shows the impressive significance of the invention, development, and use of the lightning rod in the past 250 years. The rod was a device long taken to be a symbol of enlightenment and utility, judged by some people the very first practical application of the experimental physical sciences to truly practical ends; opposition to its introduction was similarly taken to be a sign of superstition. These essays move beyond the lightning rods' storied revolutionary symbolism to explore the range of techniques and experiments that fashioned conductors and their varied meanings. "An intriguing and entertaining history of one of modernity's most cherished technoscientific objects." Illustrations.

Review Quotes

"[A] strong addition to any history focusing on philosophy and science, very much recommended."-- "Wisconsin Bookwatch"

"[F]ascinating...[an] exemplary history of technology."--Iwan Rhys Morus

"A paradigmatic example of how to use historical research to subvert the alleged 'modernity' of a familiar technological artifact."--Graeme Gooday "Technology and Culture"

"Through its broad, interdisciplinary approach, the book will have wide appeal and might serve as an example of any study of a material object in the history of science."--Simon Werrett "Isis"