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; man-made 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.