In Cowan's "Social History of American Technology", on the forth page, the author discusses society's scorn for early doctor's use of tools as "unprofessional". Public perception on this issue has changed so incredibly since the invention of the blood pressure cuff and now it seems just the opposite.  Mechanical and technical skills appear to be critical in the success in nearly every industry and occupation with companies spending millions to further educate their employees about new technology and systems as they become available.  I just found this contrast eyecatching, as I had never thought about the scorn of tools in professional industries as a part of our past.  -Adam Shlossman

In Cowan's "Social History of American Technology", on the forth page, the author discusses society's scorn for early doctor's use of tools as "unprofessional". Public perception on this issue has changed so incredibly since the invention of the blood pressure cuff and now it seems just the opposite.  Mechanical and technical skills appear to be critical in the success in nearly every industry and occupation with companies spending millions to further educate their employees about new technology and systems as they become available.  '''I just found this contrast eyecatching, as I had never thought about the scorn of tools in professional industries as a part of our past'''.  -Adam Shlossman

I also thought the discussion about the scorn for medical implements kind of funny -- if one remembers that the simple tools used by early war doctors (i.e. Revolutionary and Civil) and how the only knockout drug was a swig of strong liquor, it becomes less funny and more depressing. And yes, there has been a great turnaround in the way we view doctor's tools. In fact, we tend to trust them more then the actual doctor. --- Jeff P.

I also thought the discussion about the scorn for medical implements kind of funny -- if one remembers that the simple tools used by early war doctors (i.e. Revolutionary and Civil) and how the only knockout drug was a swig of strong liquor, it becomes less funny and more depressing. And yes, there has been a great turnaround in the way we view doctor's tools. In fact, we tend to trust them more then the actual doctor. --- Jeff P.

Later on in Cowan's book he discusses an extended debate between top politicians like Jefferson and Hamilton about the desires of God for technology.  This debate is portrayed as a rather widespread and fueled affair.  I was curious, did many debates such as this get the founding fathers of America talking theologically?  We have heard the bible discussed with regard to slavery but this seems suspiciously absent from many of early America's political reasoning. - Adam Shlossman

Later on in Cowan's book he discusses an extended debate between top politicians like Jefferson and Hamilton about the desires of God for technology.  This debate is portrayed as a rather widespread and fueled affair.  I was curious, did many debates such as this get the founding fathers of America talking theologically?  We have heard the bible discussed with regard to slavery but this seems suspiciously absent from many of early America's political reasoning. - Adam Shlossman