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Cats' Paws and Catapults: Mechanical Worlds of Nature and People
Steven Vogel Manufacturer: W. W. Norton & Company ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback Similar Items:
ASIN: 0393319903 |
Amazon.com
"Life is what biology's all about. Technology is something else altogether. Or so I believed before I got into a kind of biology that's about technology as well as life," begins biomechanics expert Steven Vogel in the preface to Cats' Paws and Catapults. Vogel examines the "mechanical worlds of nature and people" in such chapters as "The Stiff and the Soft" and "The Matter of Magnitude." Lots of line-drawing illustrations help readers understand the examples used to answer questions of animal and machine efficiency, design and repair. Vogel clearly loves the puzzles of biology--why, for instance, do daffodil stems bend at only one precise spot? This book is filled with intriguing answers to such hidden questions, and curious readers will eagerly dive into Vogel's investigations of whether nature or human design is superior and why the two technologies have diverged so much. --Therese LittletonBook Description
Nature and humans build their devices with the same earthly materials and use them in the same air and water, pulled by the same gravity. Why, then, do their designs diverge so sharply? Humans, for instance, love right angles, while nature's angles are rarely right and usually rounded. Our technology goes around on wheels--and on rotating pulleys, gears, shafts, and cams--yet in nature only the tiny propellers of bacteria spin as true wheels. Our hinges turn because hard parts slide around each other, whereas nature's hinges (a rabbit's ear, for example) more often swing by bending flexible materials.In this marvelously surprising, witty book, Steven Vogel compares these two mechanical worlds, introduces the reader to his field of biomechanics, and explains how the nexus of physical law, size, and convenience of construction determine the designs of both people and nature.
Steven Vogel teaches at Duke University.
Customer Reviews:
mechanical engineering by us and by nature.......2007-05-24
A biologist view of design of living organisms.......2006-06-16
Fascinating! How nature and humans make things differently........2005-10-25
Interesting........2002-06-21
I for one would never be critical (as this guy sometimes is) of nature by saying that it never utilises metals or whatever. It doesn't need to - it isn't required. To favour an I-beam over a tree limb is foolish and misguided. Is a piece of metal or lump of concrete alive? Certainly not. The astonishing feature of nature is that it manages to evolve these things, that are inherently living entities, which can grow and replicate themselves with no awareness or foresight!
So the trouble with this book is that it doesn't address the fact that a tree does way more than just support itself: a tree is not just a vertical structure; it is an extremely complex photosynthesis machine. It is self-powered AND self-generating. It would take a tremendous amount of technology to create a very minuscule and seemingly simple creature such as an amoeba, let alone an extremely complex multicellular organism such as a hummingbird - currently, it is totally impossible. Yet nature does it for free and that is some accomplishment.
There are many obvious observations in the book, and in places it can be a little dull. I really don't think there are many people who will thoroughly enjoy this book. Either you'll be the type of person who prefers natural evolution, or you'll prefer technological invention, and so either way half of the book will not be very appealing.
A similar book is called "Diatoms to Dinosaurs". I think that book is a much more interesting read - it is predominantly concerned with nature, not with technology, and some of the examples are just so much more alluring/enticing/intriguing.
a book you must read.......2000-10-14
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CATS' PAWS AND CATAPULTS: MECHANICAL WORLDS OF NATURE AND PEOPLE
Steven Vogel Manufacturer: W. W. Norton & Company, Inc. ProductGroup: Book Binding: Hardcover ASIN: B000NXDPAQ |
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Leaves from a Grass House
Don Blanding Manufacturer: Petroglyph Pr Ltd ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback Similar Items: ASIN: 091218017X |
Book Description
When Don Blanding discovered Hawai'i back in the 1920's Hawai'i discovered its poet laureate. For many people his poems about Hawaii keep alive their romantic dreams of a paradise in the Pacific. Born in Oklahoma, Blanding lived from 1894 to 1957. His great love for Hawaii and its people is reflected in his poetry. This was his first book, originally self-published in 1923. He went on to author numerous books and later toured the country reading his poetry and sharing his experiences in Hawai'i.Customer Reviews:
Don Blanding's first book is a gem!.......2003-11-06
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The Hawaiian Grass House in Bishop Museum (Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum Special Publication)
Catherine C. Summers Manufacturer: Bishop Museum Press ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback ASIN: 0930897277 |
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Grasses of Hawaii
Peter P Rotar Manufacturer: University of Hawaii Press ProductGroup: Book Binding: Unknown Binding ASIN: B0006BUD9Q |
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Grasses of the Hawaiian ranges (Bulletin / Hawaii Agricultural Experiment Station)
Leo David Whitney Manufacturer: Hawaiian Agricultural Experiment Station ProductGroup: Book Binding: Unknown Binding ASIN: B000867UDG |
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The influence of genetic and environmental factors on invasiveness in fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum) in Arizona, California, and Hawaii : (Dissertation)
Jessica Poulin Manufacturer: ProQuest Information and Learning ProductGroup: Book Binding: Digital ASIN: B000EOTPMG Release Date: 2006-02-21 |
Book Description
Citation Details
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My Little Grass Shack in Kealakekua, Hawaii (Sheet Music)
Bill, Harrison, Tommy and Noble Johnny Cogswell Manufacturer: Miller Music Corporation ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback ASIN: B000NF0X4A |
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Back in the saddle: the grass is greener at Parker Ranch.(Big Island)(Parker Ranch Inc.): An article from: Hawaii Business
David K. Choo Manufacturer: Hawaii Business Publishing Co. ProductGroup: Book Binding: Digital ASIN: B00082GFHM Release Date: 2005-08-01 |
Book Description
This digital document is an article from Hawaii Business, published by Hawaii Business Publishing Co. on August 1, 2004. The length of the article is 638 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.
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Effects of non-native grass invasion on aboveground carbon pools and [An article from: Forest Ecology and Management]
C.M. Litton , D.R. Sandquist , and S. Cordell Manufacturer: Elsevier ProductGroup: Book Binding: Digital ASIN: B000P6O8L6 |
Book Description
This digital document is a journal article from Forest Ecology and Management, published by Elsevier in 2006. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Media Library immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.
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The grass ain't always greener. (Industry Focus: Nonprofits).: An article from: Hawaii Business
Cathy S. Cruz Manufacturer: Hawaii Business Publishing Co. ProductGroup: Book Binding: Digital ASIN: B0008DFRHK Release Date: 2005-07-31 |
Book Description
This digital document is an article from Hawaii Business, published by Hawaii Business Publishing Co. on May 1, 2003. The length of the article is 735 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.
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Hawaiian Culture is Much More Than a Grass Skirt Now.: An article from: Fund Raising Management
Alvin H. Reiss Manufacturer: Hoke Communications, Inc. ProductGroup: Book Binding: Digital ASIN: B0008H9ZSS Release Date: 2005-07-28 |
Book Description
This digital document is an article from Fund Raising Management, published by Hoke Communications, Inc. on May 1, 2000. The length of the article is 2129 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.
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Access Sydney 2e (Access Sydney)
Access Press Manufacturer: Collins ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback ASIN: 0060560460 Release Date: 2004-04-13 |
Book Description
Down Under never looked better! ACCESS Sydney highlights the popular sights and reveals the well–kept secrets of New South Wales' capital city – from Circular Quay to Sydney & Darling Harbours, from the Royal Botanic Gardens to the once infamous Kings Cross, this fully redesigned and updated second edition will have everyone saying "G'day, mate"!
Australia's oldest and largest city is also the country's most vibrant and sophisticated. The remarkable natural beauty of its aquamarine harbour, the luxury of 34 golden beaches and waterside suburbs filled with eucalyptus trees and bird life, teamed with the relatively balmy climate for 8 months of the year makes this spectacular city one of the fastest rising international destinations for travellers around the world.
Now, ACCESS Sydney will introduce readers to gregarious Sydneysiders, flamboyant and innovative cuisine, a host of architectural and cultural wonders and much more as it leads travellers street by street into the throbbing heart of this magnificent city. This long–awaited 2nd Edition of ACCESS Sydney will also include a special section for gay and lesbian travellers.
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Access Sydney
Manufacturer: HarperResource ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback ASIN: 0062772635 |
Book Description
The 21 detailed neighborhood maps in this guide will help you immediately locate the hotels, restaurants, shops, and sights in Sydney.
Pack lightly and carry the best travel guides going: ACCESS. Arranged by neighborhood and featuring color-coded entries keyed to easy-to-read maps, ACCESS guides aredesigned to help you explore a neighborhood or an entire city in depth. You'll never get lost with an ACCESS guide in hand, but you may well be lost without one. So whether you are visiting Las Vegas or London, you'll need a sturdy pair of walking shoes and plenty of ACCESS.
Customer Reviews:
Access Sydney is an easy, accurate resource.......1999-12-11
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Information Security and Privacy: Second Australasian Conference, ACISP '97, Sydney, NSW, Australia, July 7-9, 1997 Proceedings (Lecture Notes in Computer Science)
Manufacturer: Springer ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback ASIN: 3540632328 |
Book Description
This book constitutes the refereed proceedings of the Second Australasian Conference on Information Security and Privacy, ACISP'97, held in Sydney, NSW, Australia, in July 1997.The 20 revised full papers presented were carefully selected for inclusion in the proceedings. The book is divided into sections on security models and access control, network security, secure hardware and implementation issues, cryptographic functions and ciphers, authentication codes and secret sharing systems, cryptanalysis, key escrow, security protocols and key management, and applications.
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Public Inconvenience: Access and Travel in Seven Sydney Suburbs.
John. BLACK Manufacturer: Urban Research Unit/ Research School of Social Sciences, Australian National University, 1977. ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback ASIN: 0909778159 |
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The Sydney Access: Terrorists Attack Down Under
W.H. Mefford Manufacturer: AuthorHouse ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback ASIN: 1418493007 |
Book Description
Two terrorists' plots...one target...the clock is ticking for Russian President Vladimir Putin. He is about to deliver one of the most important speeches of his career at the famous Opera House in Sydney, Australia...but terrorists have other ideas. Investigators in the United States, Turkey, Russia and Australia rush to piece together details of two separate murderous plots, one from the ground, one 911-style from the air. Racing the clock to uncover the plans are three very different men who have never met...they have exactly forty-eight hours to stop the madness Down Under...and time is running out!
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No access without preservation.(Preservation Management for Libraries, Archives and Museums)(Book review): An article from: The Australian Library Journal
Gillian Oliver Manufacturer: Thomson Gale ProductGroup: Book Binding: Digital ASIN: B000TSBWTQ Release Date: 2007-07-16 |
Book Description
This digital document is an article from The Australian Library Journal, published by Thomson Gale on February 1, 2007. The length of the article is 432 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.
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A Wheely Good Access Guide to Sydney Australia.: An article from: Palaestra
Manufacturer: Challenge Publications Limited ProductGroup: Book Binding: Digital ASIN: B0008H9O3E Release Date: 2005-06-01 |
Book Description
This digital document is an article from Palaestra, published by Challenge Publications Limited on March 22, 2000. The length of the article is 1233 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.
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Access Sydney (Access guides)
John Melick Manufacturer: Access Press ProductGroup: Book Binding: Unknown Binding ASIN: B0006R79KQ |
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Access Sydney 2e
Access Press Manufacturer: Collins ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback ASIN: B000OEYA8K |
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Cultural crossroads: A collection of papers from the conference "Cultural Crossroads--Ownership, Access, Identity", Sydney, 24-26 November 1997 (Conference papers / Communications Law Centre)
Manufacturer: Communications Law Centre ProductGroup: Book Binding: Unknown Binding ASIN: 1875538224 |
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Dancing in Red Shoes Will Kill You
Dorian Cirrone Manufacturer: HarperTeen ProductGroup: Book Binding: Hardcover Similar Items:
ASIN: 006055701X Release Date: 2005-02-01 |
Book Description
I hadn't really thought of my breasts as "problem breasts." It made them sound like children who wouldn't behave. No bra was going to keep these babies a secret. And those tips for the full-figured girl in the magazines? Please. Even NASA couldn't design a tank suit to camouflage my proportions.
Kayla Callaway has been studying ballet since she learned to walk, and her heart is set on a future in the dance world. She's sure she'll get a solo part in Cinderella, the spring ballet at her high school.
But when the parts are finally posted, Kayla is shocked that she's only landed a role as a stepsister -- and an ugly one, at that! The brutal truth: Ballet and big boobs don't mix. Suddenly Kayla's dream for the future has become a real-life fractured fairy tale.
To make matters worse, bloodred pointe shoes with threatening messages start popping up all over school. When Kayla learns that she'll be wearing red pointe shoes in the ballet, she wonders if the messages are meant for her. But who are they from? And more important -- what do they mean?
Customer Reviews:
Quirky Fun.......2005-05-17
Buy This Book!.......2005-03-15
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Dancing in Red Shoes Will Kill You
Dorian Cirrone Manufacturer: HarperTrophy ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback ASIN: B000OEN63U |
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Dancing in Red Shoes Will Kill You
Dorian Cirrone Manufacturer: HarperCollins ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback ASIN: B000OEP8TK |
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