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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; man­made 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.
 BRITANNICA QUIZ
Scientists and Inventors: Fact or Fiction?
Did famed mathematician Blaise Pascal invent an adding machine?
How long was Galileo under house arrest? From atomic bombs to
boat racing, learn more about notable scientists and inventors in this
quiz.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

This article was most recently revised and updated by Adam Augustyn.