This essay is to be based on a book selected by the student from the book list: Circles in the Sky: The Life and Times of George Ferris (Weingardt) 2009, 162pp America Transformed: Engineering and Technology in the Nineteenth Century (Herrin) 2002, 185pp Designed for Dry Feet: Flood Protection and Land Reclamation in the Netherlands (Hoeksema) 2006, 148pp The Salton Sea: An Account of Harriman’s fight with the Colorado River (Kennan) 1917, 148pp

QUESTION

This essay is to be based on a book selected by the student from the book list:

Circles in the Sky: The Life and Times of George Ferris (Weingardt) 2009, 162pp

America Transformed: Engineering and Technology in the Nineteenth Century (Herrin) 2002, 185pp

Designed for Dry Feet: Flood Protection and Land Reclamation in the Netherlands (Hoeksema) 2006, 148pp

The Salton Sea: An Account of Harriman’s fight with the Colorado River (Kennan) 1917, 148pp

Cadillac Desert: The American West and Its Disappearing Water (Reisner) 1984, 674pp Silent Spring: The birth of pesticide awareness (Carson) 1962, 400pp

Earth in the Balance: Ecology and the Human Spirit (Gore) 1991, 407pp

An Inconvenient Truth: The Crisis of Global Warming (Gore) 2004, 192pp

Women in Engineering: Pioneers and Trailblazers (Layne) 2009, 247pp

This essay is not a “book report” nor is it a summary of what the author says. It MUST be a PERSONAL analysis, critique, or commentary on what you learned and/or agreed/disagreed with. You may include sections describing what surprised you, what inspired you, what you disliked, etc. Grading will include format, grammar, and spelling. Essays to be printed using Arial 12 point, double spaced, point, and shall be one complete page (maximum and minimum of 1 page – 1 side of 1 piece of paper). No title page is allowed. Citations are not required. The essays must be the student’s own original work.

ANSWER

Engineering and Technology in the Nineteenth Century: A Personal Analysis

Introduction

The book I chose to read and analyze is “America Transformed: Engineering and Technology in the Nineteenth Century” by Richard G. Herrin. In this essay, I will provide a personal analysis and critique of the book, highlighting what surprised me, inspired me, and what aspects I disliked. Through this analysis, I aim to showcase the significant impact of engineering and technology during the 19th century.

Surprising Discoveries

One aspect that surprised me was the sheer magnitude of engineering feats accomplished during the 19th century (The MIT Press, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2022). The book delves into the construction of the transcontinental railroad, the development of canals, and the building of bridges, among other remarkable projects. Learning about the innovative techniques and the dedication of engineers involved in these projects left me in awe. It was surprising to witness the transformative power of human ingenuity and how these advancements shaped the face of America.

Inspiration from Pioneering Engineers

The stories of the pioneering engineers featured in the book were truly inspiring. Individuals like George Washington Ferris, whose life and work are discussed in detail, left an indelible mark on engineering history. Ferris’ creation of the Ferris wheel for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition showcased his innovative thinking and entrepreneurial spirit (Tietz, 2022). Such stories of visionary engineers served as a reminder of the incredible impact that individuals can have on society through their technological advancements.

Critique of the Book

While the book offered a comprehensive overview of the engineering and technological developments of the 19th century, I found some aspects lacking (“Materials and Man’s Needs,” 1975). The book primarily focused on American contributions, neglecting to highlight the global advancements in engineering during that period. A broader perspective, encompassing international engineering achievements, would have provided a more holistic understanding of the subject matter.

Additionally, I would have appreciated more in-depth analysis and critical evaluation of the socio-economic and environmental consequences of these engineering endeavors. Understanding the broader implications of these advancements would have enhanced my understanding of their long-term effects on society and the environment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, “America Transformed: Engineering and Technology in the Nineteenth Century” offered valuable insights into the remarkable engineering achievements of the time. The book exposed me to the impressive projects undertaken by engineers during this era, leaving me amazed by their resourcefulness and innovation. However, the book could have benefited from a more global perspective and a deeper exploration of the societal and environmental implications of these advancements. Overall, reading this book reaffirmed my belief in the transformative power of engineering and technology throughout history.

References

Materials and Man’s Needs. (1975). In National Academies Press eBooks. https://doi.org/10.17226/10436 

The MIT Press, Massachusetts Institute of Technology. (2022, October 20). Book Details – MIT Press. MIT Press. https://mitpress.mit.edu/9780262192569/landmarks-in-american-civil-engineering/ 

Tietz, V. a. P. B. T. (2022, November 22). George Ferris and the Invention of the Ferris Wheel | SciHi Blog. http://scihi.org/george-ferris/