"The greatest technical discontinuity in history took place between 1867 and 1914. This era was distinguished by the most extraordinary concatenation of a large number of scientific and technical advances the synergy of which produced bold and imaginative innovations as well as ingenious improvements of older ideas, by the rapidity with which these innovations were improved after their introduction, by their prompt commercial adoption and widespread diffusion, and by the extent of the resulting socio-economic impacts. " "Most of these innovations were greatly improved by subsequent research and development and some were superseded - but no post-WWI period ever equaled the epoch-making impact of pre-1914 technical advances that created the very foundations of modern civilization. This interdisciplinary book systematically traces and explains the genesis, evolution and lasting consequences of this great technical saltation. "--Jacket.