The English science historian James Burke examines Roman watermill technology such as that of the Barbegal aqueduct and mill, concluding that it influenced the Cistercians and their waterpower, which in turn influenced the Industrial Revolution, in the fourth of his ten-part Connections (TV series), called “Faith in Numbers.”
Excellent series. Made in 1976, the series is still relevant.
Brilliant piece of work. It should have been required reading in every school. The works of David Macaulay are also great for Jr. high students.
As an old-time computer programmer (RPG, COBOL), I thoroughly enjoyed that one as he showed the progression from the Jacquard loom to the then-modern (1976) 80-column punch card. The bit he did showing how Hollerith's machine was used in the 1880 census was a gem.
The whole series was fascinating, and I got a kick out of how often serendipity played a hand in the inventions.
I recorded that Connections series on my very first VCR machine. And still watch it every once in a while although the tape is getting a little sketchy.
I think the series is on sale at Smithsonian.com but costs over $100. It’s too bad it isn’t shown on Tv anymore because Burke really provided great insights on how much of our modern technology was built on the foundations of inventions of the past.
Excellent series. Made in 1976, the series is still relevant.
I found full episodes of this show.
http://www.infocobuild.com/books-and-films/science/connections-1978.html