Encyclopedia of 20th Century Technology

(Note: Introduction is taken from uncorrected proofs. Changes may be made prior to publication.)

Technology is a vital subject. It grows continuously. New technologies are introduced, existing technologies evolve, and the outmoded are abandoned. Looking dispassionately at technology, it is always exciting for it is the product of human ingenuity. For the purposes of this encyclopedia, we felt it could not and should not be discussed devoid of its human element. It is breathtaking to consider the panoply of developments which occurred during the last century, but it is necessary to recall that these developments did not take place in isolation. It was our desire to see that events, where possible, were described in context. Thus, you will find names, places, dates, and events critical to the development of a particular technology. The reader will note that some entries contain a surprising amount of information on 19th-century events. This was appropriate, for some 20th-century technologies were firmly rooted in that earlier time and can be best understood in light of the past. To avoid a deadly dull recitation of formulae and regurgitation of dry facts, we sought to give the reader the broadest possible picture.

The encyclopedia was created for the lay reader and students as well as for historians of science and technology. In light of this, we attempted to minimize the use of the jargon that tends to grow around some technologies. Although many of the subjects are highly technical, our belief was that even complicated subjects could be rendered in such a way as to make them comprehensible to a wide audience. In the same way that an electrical engineer might need explanations when encountering genetic terminology, students and non-specialists will also appreciate the clarification. Because of the pervasiveness of the subjects in all facets of our lives, the encyclopedia should be a handy reference tool for a broad range of readers. Our aim was to make the subjects, which many of us deal with daily and do not necessarily grasp completely, readily understood with a minimum need for additional reference. However, should the reader wish to delve further into any particular subject, our expert authors have provided a selection of further bibliographic readings with which to begin.

The scope of the encyclopedia is intended to be international. Discussions were to be as inclusive as possible and avoid focus solely on the events of any one country. Nonetheless, some skewing was unavoidable due simply to the prodigious number of developments that have taken place in some countries.

Acknowledgments

My thanks go to Gillian Lindsey for presenting me with the challenge of filling the void left by Colin's departure. However, the prospect of assuming a role in a project already well underway and natural differences in approach and style were a concern. Nonetheless, the final third of the encyclopedia was crafted in such a way that it blends seamlessly with the sections completed under Colin's careful guidance. This was due in no small part to the untiring efforts of Sally Barhydt, and to her I extend sincere thanks.

William E. Worthington, Jr.