Moon F.C. Social Networks in the History of Innovation and Invention

Springer, 2014. — 206 p. — (History of Mechanism and Machine Science 22). — ISBN: 9789400775275.This book integrates history of science and technology with modern social network theory. Using examples from the history of machines, as well as case studies from wireless, radio and chaos theory, the author challenges the genius model of invention. Network analysis concepts are presented to demonstrate the societal nature of invention in areas such as steam power, internal combustion engines, early aviation, air conditioning and more. Using modern measures of network theory, the author demonstrates that the social networks of invention from the 19th and early 20th centuries have similar characteristics to modern 21st C networks such as the World Wide Web. The book provides evidence that exponential growth in technical innovation is linked to the growth of historical innovation networks.Introduction: James Watt's Social Network
The Genius Theory of Innovation
Goal of this Monograph
James Watt and the Steam Engine: Genius or Social Network?
Innovation Evolution Models and Network Diagrams
Description of Selected Links in the Steam Engine Network
James Watt's «Epiphany» Story
Links to the Aeronautics Network
History of Innovation Studies
Historical Innovation Networks
Influence Matrices
Introduction to the Theory of Graphs
Growth of a Network Knowledge Commons: Timelines and Social Networks
Mathematical Models for Network Growth
Growth Models and the «S» Curve
Lessons from History Innovation Networks
Self-Organized Critical State Models for InnovationNetworks in the Machine Age: From Leonardo to Clocks to Reuleaux
A Theory of Machines: Kinematics of Mechanisms
Kinematic Chain
Mechanisms
Complex Machines
Leonardo: Engineer or Artist?
Influence Network of Leonardo da Vinci in Machine Design
Theatre of Machines Books
Jacque Besson [c.1540--1573]
Agostino Ramelli [c.1531, c.1600]
Evolution of Machine Engineering
Kinematics of Machines and Franz Reuleaux
«Father» of Kinematics of Machines
The Evolution of Clock Technology Networks
Growth of Kinematics of Machines Nodes: Ferguson's Timeline
Networks of Machine Designers and Builders in the Nineteenth Century
International Expositions
Cheering for LeonardoSocial Networks of the Internal Combustion Engine and Automobile
Growth of Technical Events for the Internal Combustion Engine
The Standard Model for Internal Combustion Engine Innovation
A Network Model for Internal Combustion Engine Innovation
Pre-Lenoir and Otto IC Engines: Linear Growth 1800--1880
The Evolution of the Automobile
The Classic Timeline for the Automobile
The Henry Ford Model A and Model T Automobile Networks
Zipf's law: For Auto MakersSocial Networks in Early Aviation History
A Social Network of Early Aviation
Discussion of Results
Octave Chanute
The Role of Aeronautical Science Nodes
Ballooning Evolution as a Precursor to AviationWireless and Radio Electronics Social Networks
Timeline Avalanche
Selected Links in the Radio Electronics Historical Innovation Network [See Fig. 5-4]
The Edwin Armstrong Sub-Network
Observations About the Radio Innovation Network
Wireless and Radio Books and Magazines
Nicola Tesla and the Claim: «Father of Radio»
Interlinked Innovation Networks
Ørsted and the Early Electromagnetic Theory NetworkSocial Networks in Nonlinear Dynamics, Chaos and Fractals
Introduction to Modern Chaos Theory
Edward Lorenz and Weather Chaos
The Early «Geniuses» of Chaos Theory: The 1970s
Tracing the Social Network for Chaos Theory
Radio and Engine Dynamics Origins of Chaos Theory
Catastrophe Theory and Chaos 1960--1980
Fractals and the Mandelbrot NetworkThe Last Hero-Inventor: A Theory of Innovation?
Willis H. Carrier and the Persistence of the Genius Myth
Air-Conditioning Machines Social Network
The End of the Genius-Inventor and the Rise of a Theory of Innovation
Summary of Innovation Growth Curves
Innovation Growth Models in Economics
Fading Memory in Historical Innovation Networks
The Role of the Genius-Hero in Innovation Networks
The Genius Theory of Innovation
Epiphany Stories of the «Genius-Hero»?
Role of the Media and the Knowledge Commons
The Knowledge Commons
Innovation Networks and the «Paradigm Shift»
A New Approach to the Study of Innovation History
Hallmarks of InnovationSubject Index
Author Index