World of Glass

Author: Michael Frayn
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-09-01
Features: When people see that due to a of heat, sand and dust melt into a metal-like form, it is covered with blemishes and rough, filled with impurities and dim, at this moment, who can imagine that in this indescribable object, there are so many convenient factors, which will eventually constitute most of the blessings of this world? However, it is precisely one such process that teaches humans how to obtain an object that is both highly durable and highly transparent, capable of receiving sunlight and resisting wind and cold, allowing the gaze of philosophers to extend to new areas of objective existence, sometimes fascinated by infinite material creation, sometimes by the infinite submission of animals, and even more so, it can compensate for the decline of nature, assisting the elderly with auxiliary vision. Glassworkers work in this way, whether they are aware of it or not. They make the enjoyment of light convenient and prolonged, make the path of science smooth, make people's happiness reach its peak and never decline; they also allow students to contemplate nature, allow beautiful people to appreciate themselves. Glass is one of the most important events in human history, and this book is a comprehensive description of the development and influence of glass. The author reviews the history of glassmaking and its applications, from the discovery of glass in ancient times to the Roman civilization, the European Renaissance, the Enlightenment, the Industrial Revolution, and up to the present. The two authors not only trace the technological history of glass but also reveal the significant impact of glass on all aspects of Western culture. For example, with glass windows, cold Northern Europe became suitable for habitation and civilization. Without glass, it would be difficult for us to understand the movement of celestial bodies. It would be even harder to understand the mysteries of microorganisms. Our painters would not have perspective techniques, and our ships would not have precise navigation. Airplanes and cars would not be produced, and it is even possible that electricity would not appear.