Famously packed with information on the inner workings of everything from windmills to Wi-Fi, this humorous book guides readers through the fundamental principles of machines and shows how the developments of the past build the world of tomorrow. The revised edition of Macaulay’s classic book embraces the latest developments, from touchscreens to 3-D printers. And, of course, each scientific principle is brilliantly explained—with the help of a charming, rather slow-witted woolly mammoth.

What possible link could there be between zippers and plows, parking meters and meat grinders, jumbo jets and jackhammers, electric guitars and eggbeaters? Macaulay explains them all. An illustrated survey of significant inventions, a glossary of technical terms, and an index close the book.