Various and Ingenious Machines (2 Vols.)

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.