Technology, the application of scientific knowledge to the practical
aims of human life or, as it is sometimes phrased, to the change and
manipulation of the human environment.
The subject of technology is treated in a
number of articles. For general treatment, see technology, history of; hand
tool. For description of the materials that are both the object and
means of manipulating the environment, see elastomers; industrial
ceramics; industrial glass; metallurgy; mineral deposit; mineral processing; mining; plastic.
For the generation of energy, see energy conversion; coal mining; coal utilization; petroleum production; petroleum refining. For treatment of food
production, see agriculture, history of; agricultural economics; beekeeping; beer; cereal
farming; coffee; commercial fishing; dairy
farming; distilled spirit; food preservation; fruit
farming; livestock farming; poultry farming; soft
drink; tea; vegetable farming; wine.
For the techniques of construction technology, see bridge; building construction; canals and inland waterways; dam; harbours
and sea works; lighthouse; roads
and highways; tunnels
and underground excavations; environmental works. For the manufacture and
design of the means of transportation, see aerospace industry; automotive industry; ship construction. For communications
technology, see broadcasting; computer science; information processing; photography; printing; photoengraving; typography; telecommunication. For the processes and
products of other manufacturing industries, see adhesive; clothing and footwear industry; dye; explosive; floor covering; forestry; chemical industry; man-made fibre; surface coating; papermaking; soap
and detergent; textile.
For medical applications of technology, see diagnosis; therapeutics; drug; medicine, history of; pharmaceutical industry. For military
applications, see military technology. For treatment of the
organization of technological systems, see automation; engineering; production system; systems engineering; work, history of the organization of.
