Work for the workers: engineering mechanics and its instruction, 1800–1830

Abstract

Today it is well-known that the concept of work—force × distance moved along the direction of its application—can play a major role in the formation of mechanics. The full realisation of this fact was achieved by certain of our heroes, especially those with a prime interest in engineering; it is a fine example of engineering influencing the development of science. This chapter is devoted to an account of the principal features of the story, including some of the main applications and case studies in which the concept played a prominent role. There were many other ramifications, throughout mechanics and parts of engineering itself; some of them are described in Gillispie 1971a, Kuhn 1959a and Scott 1970a. A full account, incorporating all the engineering details, would be worth someone’s writing. A shortened version of this chapter has already been published as my paper 1984b.