"Invention by Design"

Paper Summary:

This paper introduces the book, "Invention by Design" by Henry Petroski, published in Cambridge, MA, by the Harvard University Press in 1996. Specifically, it discusses what in the book is relevant to the mechanical engineering program, the author's main points, and whether these points are valid or invalid. It looks at how Henry Petroski's book takes engineering to a level that just about anyone can understand and makes it interesting even to the layperson. This book is not only an excellent introduction to the many facets of engineering; it is also a fascinating look into engineering by example, from the simple paper clip to the complicated Boeing 777 aircraft. It also shows how it is a fascinating look into what makes good engineering and what engineers actually do.

From the Paper:

"Another critical issue in the book is how the case studies are presented. Each study begins with a bit of history, and then moves into the critical issues involved in the design and engineering of the object, such as the sewers of Paris as a precursor to the evolution of water quality engineering. Had the case studies taken a different approach, the book might not have met its goal of "making sense of many of the interrelated aspects of engineering," but because of these critical inclusions, the book not only meets, but exceeds its goals. It is clear that engineering is a vital force in the modern world, and that just about every action the engineer attempts can be critical in some form or another."

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