Author
Robert P. Multhauf
1919-2004
Robert P. Multhauf (1919-2004) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaBooks by Robert P. Multhauf
The Introduction of Self-Registering Meteorological Instruments
"The Introduction of Self-Registering Meteorological Instruments" by Robert P. Multhauf is a scientific publication written during the mid-20th century. The book discusses the historical development of meteorological instruments that automatically record data, a progression that had significant implications for the field of meteorology. It outlines how the establishment of well-organized observatories in the 1860s contributed to the practical use of these self-registering instruments. In his work, Multhauf traces the development from early manual recording of weather phenomena to the integration of self-registering systems, highlighting key contributors like Galileo and Robert Hooke who laid the foundational concepts of instrumentation. The narrative details various inventions and innovations over centuries, discussing how instruments like the barometer and thermometer evolved into more sophisticated self-registering devices. Additionally, Multhauf explains the impact of technological advancements, such as photography and electromagnetism, on the reliability and accuracy of meteorological measurements, culminating in the modern instruments used in today's weather observation.
Mine Pumping in Agricola's Time and Later
"Mine Pumping in Agricola's Time and Later" by Robert P. Multhauf is a scholarly historical account written in the mid-20th century. This book delves into the development and evolution of mine-pumping technologies from the time of the renowned mining engineer Georgius Agricola through subsequent centuries. It seeks to illuminate the often-overlooked advancements in mining machinery, particularly during the Renaissance and beyond, addressing common misconceptions about the stagnation of mining techniques during this period. In this work, Multhauf explores the technological innovations in mining, focusing on various types of pumps and their mechanical operations as described by Agricola in his seminal work, "De re metallica". He provides an in-depth analysis of early pumping devices like the Stangenkunst, a crank-driven piston pump, and discusses the impact of financial and societal changes on mining practices. The book also examines numismatic evidence, showcasing how detailed mining landscapes on 16th-century coins reflect the prominence of mining activities and the machinery used at that time. Through a combination of historical documentation and critical analysis, Multhauf argues that there were significant developments in mining technology that challenge the notion of stagnation in the field after Agricola’s time.