Throughout the 19th century, women inventors developed significant technologies, yet, because of complex cultural barriers and the pervasive image of the inventor as male, their technological contributions have until now been ignored and undervalued. This study, the first to focus exclusively on 19th-century women, explores the fascinating relationship between women and technology. According to a government census, there were nearly 5,000 patents awarded to women between 1790 and 1888; further, many women invented significant technologies but never received a patent. The individual and collective experiences of these women reveal both why gendered assumptions about women and technology persist and why they are assumptions, not reality.

In this masterful biography of the Magellan of modern technology, Victor McElheny portrays a great inventor and entrepreneur in action. Second only to Edison in the number of patents he received (535), Land not only invented instant photography but he built a gigantic enterprise that turned out polarizers, high-speed and x-ray film, identification systems, 3D and instant movies, and military devices for aerial reconnaissance. He developed a new theory of color vision and, during the Cold War, spearheaded the development of the U2 spy plane. McElheny's insights into Land's innovative genius will speak to anyone interested in business, science, photography, or government.

Based on original interviews with surviving participants and the first study of John Mauchly and Presper Eckert's personal papers, "ENIAC" tells the story of the three-year race to complete the world's first computer--and of the three-decade struggle to take credit for it. 10 illustrations.

Meet African american women of science and invention from the early years to modern Times Patricia Bath, M.D. Miriam E. Benjamin Ursula Burns Alexa Canady, M.D. Jewel Plummer Cobb, Ph.D. Ellen F. Eglin Angela D. Ferguson, M.D. Sara E. Goode Evelyn Boyd Granville, Ph.D. Dannellia Gladden Green, Ph.D. Bessie Blount Griffin Betty Wright Harris, Ph.D. Shirley Ann Jackson, Ph.D. Aprille Joy Ericsson Jackson, Ph.D. Mae Jemison, M.D. Marjorie Stewart Joyner, Ph.D. Mary Kenner Reatha Clark King, Ph.D. Annie Turnbo Malone Mildred Austin Smith Valerie Thomas Madame C. J. Walker Jane Cooke Wright, M.D. Roger Arliner Young, Ph.D. Chavonda J. Jacobs Young, Ph.D.

This Biographical Dictionary seeks to put the world of technology in the context of those who have made the most important contribution to it.For the first time information has been gathered on the people who have made the most significant advances in technology. From ancient times to the present day, the major inventors, discoverers and entrepreneurs from around the world are profiled, and their contribution to society explained and assessed.StructureThe Dictionary presents descriptive and analytical biographies of its subjects in alphabetical order for ease of reference. Each entry provides detailed information on the individual's life, work and relevance to their particular field.* in the first part of the entry, the information will include the dates and places of the subject's birth and death, together with their nationality and their field of activity* in the main body of the entry there follows an account of their principal achievements and their significance in the history of technology, along with full details of appointments and honours* finally an annotated bibliography will direct the reader to the subject's principal writings and publications and to the most important secondary works which the reader can consult for further information.Special Features:* The first work in existence to examine technologists in detail* Contains over 1,500 entries giving detailed information* Extensive cross-references enable the reader to compare subjects and build up a picture of technological advance^ * Figures drawn from fields such as Aeronautics, Telecommunications, Architecture, Photography and Textiles