Impossible Engineering: Technology and Territoriality on the Canal du Midi

The Canal du Midi stands as a monumental achievement of 17th-century engineering, defying the technological and territorial constraints of its time. This study reveals how its construction was not merely an exercise in technical innovation but also a strategic tool for asserting political power and reshaping Gaul's landscape. By analyzing archival records, the research demonstrates the canal's role in transforming local governance and epistemic credibility, challenging traditional narratives of French territorial expansion. The approach combines historical analysis with critical examination of engineering practices, offering new insights into the intersection of technology, politics, and territorial identity during this pivotal period.

Mukerji (book author), C., & Long (review author), P. O. (2015). Impossible Engineering: Technology and Territoriality on the Canal du Midi. Aestimatio: Critical Reviews in the History of Science, 8, 16–22. https://doi.org/10.33137/aestimatio.v8i0.25939