An in-depth examination of the oldest engineering process, The History of Grinding begins at the start of agriculture and outlines how size reduction developed over the centuries (without completely immersing the reader in technical detail). Great technical achievements have led to the machines of today, which can grind solid particles at the rate of tens of thousands of tons per day. One certainty is the existence of the continuing need for size reduction to develop and fit the lifestyles of people both today and in the future.

Photos and illustrations gleaned from numerous sources, a glossary, reference list, and index enhance the text. Chapters include Size Reduction from the Stone Age to the Space Age; The Science and the Scientists; Hand Stones; Water Wheels, Windmills, and Beyond; Stamp Mills and Crushers; Roller Mills; Tumbling Mills; Fine-Grinding Mills; Classifiers; Explosive Rock Breakage; and Size Reduction in the 21st Century.