THE MECHANICA NOTEBOOK / SCIENCE & STORIES
The art of understanding.
Six studies in force and motion. Choose a machine to explore its drawing, its principle, and a little of its history.
Opening the notebook…
A NOTE ON THE SCIENCE & DATES
IMA means ideal mechanical advantage. These models assume negligible machine weight and friction; distances in each ratio use the same units. Load arrows show the opposing force acting on the machine. Real mechanisms lose energy to friction and deformation.
Most simple machines have no known inventor or secure invention date. The history notes mark surviving evidence, written records, and later developments.