Includes bibliographical references and index.

Preliminary Material / Bryan Lawton -- List of Figures / Bryan Lawton -- List of Tables / Bryan Lawton -- Acknowledgements / Bryan Lawton -- Preface / Bryan Lawton -- Chapter One Machine Elements / Bryan Lawton -- Chapter Two Power Transmission / Bryan Lawton -- Chapter Three Power, Food and Slavery / Bryan Lawton -- Chapter Four Muscular Work and Power / Bryan Lawton -- Chapter Five Muscle Technology / Bryan Lawton -- Chapter Six Waterpower / Bryan Lawton -- Chapter Seven Wind and other Power Sources / Bryan Lawton -- Chapter Eight Characteristics of Transport / Bryan Lawton -- Chapter Nine Land Transport / Bryan Lawton -- Chapter Ten Theory of Land Transport / Bryan Lawton -- Chapter Eleven Water Transport / Bryan Lawton -- Chapter Twelve Ship Technology / Bryan Lawton -- Chapter Thirteen Undersea and Aerial Transport / Bryan Lawton.

This two-volume work describes the early history of mechanical engineering from prehistory, when mining and agriculture first appear, to the beginnings of industrialisation. The old definition that if it moves it’s mechanical is used and consequently the books are divided into four major sections: power generation and transport in the first volume; manufacturing technology and weapons technology in the second volume. Background chapters to each section broadens the text and depth is added by analytical appendices describing the principles of operation, optimum operating conditions, and the limits of performance of historically important machinery; all presented in easily understood graphical format. The text is profusely illustrated by over 800 figures and should be of value to historians, industrial archaeologists, and engineers.

English

Description based on print version record.