Lyle's Bookshelf

The Science of Synthesis

by Debora Hammond

A "History of Science" treatment of the origins of Systems Science and the General Systems Theory" 2008.09.25

How to Model It: Problem Solving for the Computer Age

by A.M. Starfield, Karl A. Smith, A.L. Bleloch

This unusual book presents simulation modeling as a problem solving technique. Originally published in 1990 the simulation tools described are primitive. However, the authors presentation of the problem solving process and the role of modeling in it is timeless. 2008.09.25

Fleet Fire: Thomas Edison and the Pioneers of the Electric Revolution

by L J Davis

I don't think that the title of this book captures the breadth of history that it captures.  It's about far more than just Thomas Edison in fact it telling the story of the invention of electrical and electronic systems starting with Ben Franklin and continuing through Tesla and Sarnoff.  Strongly biographical, it captures some of the social context and impacts along with the technical threads. 2008.08.22

The Back Of The Napkin

by Dan Roam

Simulation modeling, at least the way I do it, always involves a good bit of visual thinking. Like the author, I'm mostly interested in visual thinking in the context of problem solving and have found few resources with this perspective.  Roam's idea of structuring imagery in a way that connects with the structure of human visual pathways is compelling.