Lost Inventions explores the fascinating history of technological progress by examining innovations that vanished from our collective memory. It delves into the lost potential of forgotten technology, investigating why certain advancements disappeared despite their revolutionary possibilities. The book also considers instances of technology suppression, where progress may have been deliberately hindered. From flexible glass to self-repairing Roman concrete, each chapter offers a compelling case study of innovation history.
The book challenges the traditional view of technological advancement as a linear process, revealing a more complex narrative influenced by social, economic, and political factors. The author presents these investigations within their original historical contexts, analyzing the circumstances that led to both invention and subsequent disappearance. It progresses from introducing the concept of technological loss to showcasing specific examples and examining broader themes of rediscovery.
