MECCA. See MEKKA.

MECHANICAL, an epithet applied to whatever relates to mechanics.

Mechanical, in mathematics, denotes a construction of some problem, by the assistance 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 algebraical equation, and thus is contradistinguished from algebraic or geometrical curves. Leibnitz and others call these mechanical curves transcendental, and dissent from Descartes, in excluding them from geometry.

Mechanical Solution of a problem is either when the thing is done by repeated trials, or when lines used in the solution are not truly geometrical, or of organical 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. MECHANICS.

Mechanics, from μηχανή, a machine, is the science which inquires into the laws of the equilibrium and motion of solid bodies; into the forces by which bodies, whether animate or inanimate, may be made to act upon one another; and into the means by which these may be increased so as to overcome such as are more powerful. The term mechanics was originally applied to the doctrine of equilibrium. It has by some late writers been extended to the motion and equilibrium of all bodies, whether solid, fluid, or aeriform; and has been employed to comprehend the sciences of hydrodynamics and pneumatics.