New library books

A short history of technology. T. K. Derry and T. I. Williams. Oxford University Press, 417 Fifth Ave., New York 16, N.Y., 1961; 782 pages, $8.50. This 1-volume work, although not an abridgment of the 5-volume History of Technology edited by Charles Singer, is nevertheless derivative. The emphasis here is on the relationship of the history of western civilization to its technological development up to 1900. The year 1750 is used as an arbitrary division of two parts and a general historical survey precedes each part. Chronological tables that are included correlate events in technological and general history. Two indexes are used, persons and place names being separated from the subject. A selective bibliography is included for each chapter.