Principles of Mechanism

First published in 1841, this influential work provided the theoretical basis for the study of machinery and engineering.

First published in 1841, Principles of Mechanism was a key work for engineering and science students for a generation. Willis' classification and nomenclature was adopted by English, French and German engineers for thirty years, and his work, both theoretical and practical, helped shape the academic discipline of engineering.Robert Willis (1800–1875) was a scientist, inventor and architectural historian of international repute. As Jacksonian Professor of Natural and Experimental Philosophy at Cambridge, he demonstrated specially made mechanical devices to huge audiences. First published in 1841, Principles of Mechanism provided the theory behind the demonstrations. He defined mechanism as the means by which any relations of motion could be realised. The book was extremely influential, with all books in English, French, and German on the subject for the next generation adopting Willis' classification and nomenclature. He worked closely with William Whewell, whose Mechanics of Engineering was published in the same year. These two books established the science of mechanism, and provided study materials for the rapidly growing engineering profession. The work became a standard textbook for engineering and mathematics students, with a second edition issued in 1870.