an epithet applied to whatever relates to mechanics: Thus we say, mechanical powers, causes, &c. See the articles POWER, CAUSE, &c.

The mechanical philosophy is the same with what is otherwise called corpuscular philosophy, which explains the phenomena of nature, and the operations of corporeal things, on the principles of mechanics; viz. the motion, gravity, arrangement, disposition, greatness or smallness, of the parts which compose natural bodies. See CORPUSCULAR.

This manner of reasoning is much used in medicine; and, according to Dr Quincy, is the result of a thorough acquaintance with the structure of animal bodies: for considering an animal body as a composition out of the same matter from which all other bodies are formed, and to have all those properties which concern a physician's regard, only by virtue of its peculiar construction; it naturally leads a person to consider the several parts, according to their figures, contexture, and use, either as wheels, pulleys, wedges, levers, ferrets, cords, canals, flintners, &c. For which purpose, continues he, it is frequently found helpful to design in diagrams, whatsoever of that kind is under consideration, as is customary in geometrical demonstrations.

For the application of this doctrine to the human body, see the article MEDICINE.

in mathematics, denotes a construction of some problem, by the affluence of instruments, as the duplication 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 different 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 MEC

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.