A short log of technology from wood

Abstract

Wood is rarely considered as a high technology material but, in reality, it is more important than modern examples of, say, semiconductors or optical fibres. A historical list of uses is discussed, with examples from ancient usage for archery to modern furniture, decorative inlays, new variants of heat reflective and building coolant structures, as well as being the basis of many building materials. Dendrochronology of wood grain is extremely valuable in archaeology and dating of musical instruments, such as violins. Trees are similarly a key resource for medical and food stuffs, as well as being a key factor in controlling atmospheric carbon dioxide. A refocus and preservation on forests and tree species is, therefore, an essential factor in combating climate change and decisions of land usage.