In Praise of Medieval Tinkers
Carl Stephenson
The subject of technology, it has long been agreed, is vital interest to the economic historian, as well historian science. latter connection my ignorance such that I can do no more than make a few hesitant observations, largely inspired by very competent adviser. In former should presumably speak with greater assurance, because own research for good many years concerned medieval society. But regard difficult problem technological advance and its significance, must confess ask questions answer—as will be seen from what follows. Such faced anyone who considers history an antiquarian hobby. For phase historical investigation important development industrial society in which we live ? Precisely where taking mankind nobody knows. We historians—medievalists others—must at least remark novelty try better understand explaining origins.
The Journal of Economic History