Questions how anthropomorphic human computer interface design should be. Observes: the impulse to anthropomorphize technology has been longstanding, employed with artifacts besides computers; evolution of technologies proceeds through an introductory phase wherein a culture becomes acclimatized to the new technology; and the perception of…

Uses metaphorical analysis to determine whether or not Max Planck invented the quantum postulate. Demonstrates how metaphorical analysis can be used to analyze the rhetoric of revolutionary texts in science. Concludes that, in his original 1900 quantum paper, Planck considered the quantum postulate to be important, but not revolutionary. (PA)

Pinpoints Cola Rienzi as an important figure in the history of professional writing. States that he combined a passion for classical rhetoric and literature with extensive training in legal documentation to create and sustain a messianic regime in 14th-century Italy by imitating ancient Roman memos and reports in his written edicts. (PA)

States that, beginning in the 1850s, authors of American and British scientific/technical publications began to integrate photographs into their texts, with these images often functioning as claims for truth. Presents a technological, cultural, and rhetorical history of published photographs based upon 23 images selected from a review of 40…

Offers personal reflections of a professor's long career in technical writing. Looks primarily at technical writing in the university, where most technical writers are now trained and where most theory originates. Recognizes that many improvements in the field have happened because the use of computers makes revision and production of copy easier.…

Reports that, since its beginnings in 1973, the Council for Programs in Technical and Scientific Communication (CPTSC) has grown into a 200-member-strong organization with members from schools, corporations, and 3 foreign countries. Recounts the history of the organization and gives its precepts. (PA)

Finds that, as a task, technical communication has not changed at all in the United Kingdom and Europe, and that, as a professional occupation, it has evolved slowly. Suggests that, as a procedure, however, technical communication has changed dramatically, mostly because electrical and electronic equipment has made life easier for technical…

Considers that, since the textbook is the main teaching tool for instructors, typically teachers select a text based on how well it supports their views of and approach to the subject. Examines pre-1970 texts to see how technical writing has been taught over the years. Examines such features as author's background, contents, assumed reader, and…

Shows the path to professionalization through four phases of ornithological discourse history, drawing upon articles in "The Auk," published from 1890-90. States that, originally a single discourse form, the personal narrative of natural history served ornithological science. Finds that a gap between science and public understanding was reinforced…

Discusses the results of a study concerning the relationship between agent, author, and matters of fact in the doctrine and practice of classical empiricism in the late 17th century. States that the historical study of empiricism provides a critical perspective on positivism and on social constructivism. (PA)

Argues that exploring the written work of William Stillman of Rhode Island could help balance the appraisal of 19th-century American technical communication. Reviews the writing and graphics in his "Miscellaneous Compositions" (1851) and patents from 1836 and 1839. Concludes that Stillman had an unusual ability to mimic the biological methods in…

Examines self-help medical literature in 19th-century Canada. Shows that while authors repeatedly called for "plain" language in contrast to mysterious terminology employed by medical practitioners, comparison of their style with that of medical textbook authors reveals few real differences. Concludes that the posture adopted by Canadian self-help…

Explores William Harvey's work, "On the Motion of the Heart and Blood in Animals." Highlights Harvey's fear of publication and his strategies for reducing resistance to his ideas. Underscores his use of circular references, metaphors, and organizational techniques that enhance and demonstrate his underlying thesis. (SG)

Disputes assertions by some academics that Chaucer was the first technical writer in English. Suggests that numerous examples of technical prose predated Chaucer's works. Argues that technical writing historians will find it more profitable to investigate the tradition of English practical prose than to find further firsts for their field. (SG)

Suggests ways for researchers in recent technical communication studies of historical medical texts to overcome specific problems. Discusses five steps for conducting sound historical research within the context of related fields of inquiry. (NH)