MECHANICAL, in mathematics, denotes a construction of some problem, by the assistance of instruments, as the duplicature of the cube and quadrature of the circle, in contradistinction to that which is done in an accurate and geometrical manner.
Mechanical Curve, is a curve, according to Descartes, which cannot be defined by any algebraic equation; and so stands contradistinguished from algebraic or geometrical curves.
Leibnitz and others call these mechanical curves transcendental, and dissent from Descartes, in excluding them out of geometry. Leibnitz found a new kind of transcendental equations, whereby these curves are defined: but they do not continue constantly the same in all points of the curve, as algebraic ones do. See the article TRANSCENDENTAL.
Mechanical Solution of a problem is either when the thing is done by repeated trials, or when lines used
Mechanical in the solution are not truly geometrical, or by organic construction.
Mechanical Powers, are certain simple machines,
which are used for raising greater weights, or overcoming greater resistances, than could be effected by the natural strength without them. See MECHANICS.