Healther M.-L. Miller is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Anthropology at the University of Toronto. Her academic interests include the social and political structure of state-level societies, particularly in South Asia, as well as the archaeological study of technology and material culture.
"""As an introduction to archaeological studies of technology in an era of over-specialization, Millers pan-technology book is a welcome addition to our arsenal of teaching tools. By describing different technologies, she provides a worthy sequel to Otis T. Masons The Origins of Invention. Millers book is well written, informative, and speaks to contemporary issues in the study of technology."" --Michael Brian Schiffer, University of Arizona ""Writing in a cogent and engaging style, Miller leads us step-by-step through the intricacies of a breathtaking array of technologies and brilliantly captures how the material 'things' people make and use are embedded in their social lives."" --Rita P. Wright, New York University"