The Glass Bathyscaphe

An account of glass prisms, lenses, mirrors, test-tubes and flat panes, from their discovery, through antiquity, the Enlightenment, the scientific and industrial revolutions, to the present day, as well as an absorbing story about the part that glass has

A narrative history of glass from discovery, through antiquity, the Enlightenment, the Scientific and Industrial Revolutions to the present. It charts the history of the technology but also the enabling effects of glass on such aspects of civilization as experimental science, perspective, astronomy, zoology and all manner of scientific instrumentation - plus the central role of window-glass technology in making the colder north habitable. The authors show how the divergence in glass technology between west and east (China and Japan) explains differential aspects of E/W development. The last chapter develops the intriguing thesis that glass is one of the principal factors in the development of western civilization.

Gnnter Dux, Dr. iur., University of Bonn, is Professor Emeritus of Sociology at Freiburg University; Germany. He has published mainly on the sociology of culture, sociology of social and cultural change and sociology of politics. --

A finalist for the PEN/E. O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award The gripping story of the most important overlooked commodity in the world--sand--and the crucial role it plays in our lives. After water and air, sand is the natural resource that we consume more than any other--even more than oil. Every concrete building and paved road on Earth, every computer screen and silicon chip, is made from sand. From Egypt's pyramids to the Hubble telescope, from the world's tallest skyscraper to the sidewalk below it, from Chartres' stained-glass windows to your iPhone, sand shelters us, empowers us, engages us, and inspires us. It's the ingredient that makes possible our cities, our science, our lives--and our future. And, incredibly, we're running out of it. The World in a Grain is the compelling true story of the hugely important and diminishing natural resource that grows more essential every day, and of the people who mine it, sell it, build with it--and sometimes, even kill for it. It's also a provocative examination of the serious human and environmental costs incurred by our dependence on sand, which has received little public attention. Not all sand is created equal: Some of the easiest sand to get to is the least useful. Award-winning journalist Vince Beiser delves deep into this world, taking readers on a journey across the globe, from the United States to remote corners of India, China, and Dubai to explain why sand is so crucial to modern life. Along the way, readers encounter world-changing innovators, island-building entrepreneurs, desert fighters, and murderous sand pirates. The result is an entertaining and eye-opening work, one that is both unexpected and involving, rippling with fascinating detail and filled with surprising characters.

This entertaining and endlessly surprising book takes us on an exploration into every aspect of Japanese society from the most public to the most intimate. A series of meticulous investigations gradually uncovers the multi-faceted nature of a country and people who are even more extraordinary than they seem. Our journey encompasses religion, ritual, martial arts, manners, eating, drinking, hot baths, geishas, family, home, singing, wrestling, dancing, performing, clans, education, aspiration, sexes, generations, race, crime, gangs, terror, war, kindness, cruelty, money, art, imperialism, emperor, countryside, city, politics, government, law and a language that varies according to whom you are speaking. Clear-sighted, persistent, affectionate, unsentimental and honest - Alan Macfarlane shows us Japan as it has never been seen before.

English translation of the Chinese publication Si chou zhi lu shang de gu dai bo li yan jiu, proceedings of the 2004 Urumqi Symposium on Ancient Glass in Northern China and the 2005 Shanghai International Workshop of Archaeology of Glass, with the addition of some new information and six previously unpublished papers presented at the International Congress on Glass held in Kyoto, Japan in 2004.

Step into the mesmerizing world of molten beauty with "Beyond Vessels," a captivating eBook that takes you on a transformative journey through the art and mastery of glass sculpting. Unveil the secrets of this luminescent craft, exploring the full spectrum from its historical roots to the dynamic contemporary scene that continues to enchant collectors and art lovers alike. Discover the powerful emotional resonance of glass sculptures, an art form where light plays with transparency, and silhouettes tell stories. Learn how to shape not just glass, but the very space around it, crafting pieces that hold time still and spark imagination. Your vision will become clear as you delve into the magical process of giving life to fluid forms, where every curve and color holds meaning. Equip yourself with the know-how to navigate the intricate world of glass artistry. Understand the essential tools that make the impossible possible – from the furnace to the marver. "Beyond Vessels" guides you through setting up a safe, functional workspace enabling you to translate your creative inklings into tangible art. Handling glass is a conversation with a volatile yet versatile medium, and this eBook will be your lexicon. Learn the types of glass best suited for sculpting and how they react under the spell of high heat, blending color and texture into expressions of pure artistry. Venture further as you master the awe-inspiring dance of glass blowing. Whether you're taking your first breath into a blowpipe or seeking to refine your skills with advanced techniques, "Beyond Vessels" will elevate your craft. From molten gathering to sculptural revelations, each chapter builds on your knowledge, growing your confidence and competence. From mold-making to kiln-casting, flameworking to cold working, each chapter is a step deeper into the alchemy of glass. Uncover the nuances of color in your work and overcome the inevitable challenges that come with this temperamental medium. Push the boundaries of collaboration, combining minds and materials to create pieces with a life of their own. With practical insight, "Beyond Vessels" will not just guide you in crafting stunning sculptures but also in presenting, marketing, and carving out a distinct presence in the glass art landscape. Embrace your passion, turn challenges into stepping stones, and watch as your art transforms before your eyes. "Beyond Vessels" is more than an eBook; it's a portal to a future where your hands shape light, and your creativity knows no bounds. Join the legion of glass artisans reinventing the ancient craft for an ever-appreciative modern audience. Your journey begins here.

Describes the geological history of sand, examining the science behind the material as well as the human context of sand and how it has played important roles in history, commerce, and imagination.