Exploring the 7 Fundamental Components of Contemporary Engineering: ‘Nuts and Bolts’

The book "Nuts and Bolts" by structural engineer Roma Agrawal and published by W.W. Norton & Co. is priced at $29.99. This engrossing work effortlessly weaves together stories of perseverance, innovation and scientific discovery, painting a vivid portrait of the world of engineering.

Agrawal's book provides a fresh perspective on the six foundational machines identified by Renaissance engineers and scientists - the lever, wheel and axle, pulley, inclined plane, wedge and screw. Agrawal offers seven elements which she believes are central to modern technology, namely the nail, wheel, spring, magnet, lens, string and pump. Regardless of debates over the inclusion or exclusion of certain objects in this list, Agrawal highlights that the world of engineering is open to everyone.

In her book, each element is delved into in separate chapters. The author presents straightforward explanations of the functional principles of each object, accompanied by hand-drawn diagrams, making the concepts easily digestible for beginners. Agrawal's passion for engineering shines through her vivid prose, and her enthusiasm for the mundanities of engineering is contagious.

Agrawal discusses how each of these inventions function within different technology, including aircraft, bridges, guns, and TV. The narrative is fleshed out with well-known figures like Alexander Graham Bell and unsung heroes who have contributed to the realm of engineering. For instance, the book talks about the ingenuity of Mongolian archers and the influences of Ibn al-Haytham, a 11th century Arab polymath on optics and lens design.

Agrawal's narrative comes alive with personal anecdotes, from her experiences with a blacksmith’s forge and a potter’s wheel to her journey of undergoing IVF. Through the book, readers get to see Agrawal not just as an engineer, but also as a curious child, Indian classical dancer and a mother. This personal touch makes the book surprisingly heartwarming for an engineering book.

This engaging book concludes with a discussion on the pump, focusing on the design and use of breast pumps. While car engines could have been a more conventional example, the story of the breast pump perfectly underscores the importance of user-orientated engineering. Agrawal candidly shares her own struggles with traditional breast pumps, highlighting the need for more empathetic and practical engineering solutions. This is demonstrated by the example of the Elvie breast pump, which is comfortable, efficient and can be used discreetly.

The Elvie breast pump serves as a testament to Agrawal's core message about the significance of engineers understanding the users' needs. This book serves as a reminder of why it's essential for people from diverse backgrounds to contribute to engineering.

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