The varieties of mechanics by 1800 (Q752669)

The paper is devoted to the study of mechanics at the end of the 18th century. A survey of the range of subjects covered by it is given and the main traditions (Newtonian, variational mechanics and energy mechanics) are presented. The author discusses also some philosophical problems of mechanics of that time (in particular the question: truth or hypotheses and the concepts of force). Major French figures and some views evident in certain other countries are noted. At the end some bibliographical questions are considered. An extensive bibliography, mostly of secondary literature is included.