Example Of Essay On Mechanical Engineering Article Summary

In his article "The Evolution and Development of Mechanical Engineering through large cultural areas,” Paz et al. (n.d.) traces the history of mechanical engineering throughout the history of mankind. He asserts that this evolution was fivefold consisting of the prehistoric period, the first civilization, the Islamic world, the Renaissance, and the industrial revolution.
The first stage of mechanical engineering evolution was the prehistoric period. The author asserts that the knowledge of prehistoric mechanisms mainly stems from archeological studies of fossil remains of ancient civilizations such as the bow drilling machine. He, however, agrees that such studies are inconclusive due the fragmented nature of fossil remains that limits the accuracy of their interpretation. The article further suggests that the designs of mechanical tools can be explained biologically by studying the anatomical features of ancient man such as their locomotion.
The second stage of mechanical engineering evolution was the first civilization. Paz et al. asserts that the first civilization showed advanced skill in their mechanical design in making tools such as war machines, textile machinery, agricultural hydraulic machines, and clocks among others. This technology was present in China, some parts of Europe and the Greco-Roman world.
The third stage of mechanical engineering evolution was the Islamic world. The author claims that the spread of Islam during the Middle Ages contributed significantly to the spread of mechanical technology. He further suggests that this medieval age saw the development of more sophisticated machines such as the automatons, water wheels, and the elephant clock. The article notes a renowned Islamic technologist, Al-Jazari, whose mechanical drawings and explanations indicate a high level of skill and precision.
The fourth stage of evolution of mechanical engineering is the Renaissance. Paz et al. asserts that the renaissance period in the fifteenth century was the peak of machine development in Italy and Western Europe. The article attributes this peak to the conducive environment of the time that favored the creativity. Other concepts of machine development such as physics and treatises were encouraged. According to the article, an example of machines used in this period was the mills.
The fifth stage of evolution of mechanical engineering was the industrial revolution. The author asserts that the invention of the steam engine by J. Watt turned the tide of mechanical engineering and revolutionized the agricultural, textile and mining industries. Some of the machines constructed in this era include Hargreaves’ “Spinning Jenny” and the water frame. The article is, however, quick to mention that the industrial revolution did not occur simultaneously in several countries but was adopted at different speed and times by various countries. The author concludes by asserting that mechanical engineering embraced a broad range of subjects after the industrial revolution to modern day such as theoretical studies of mechanical models.

Works Cited

Paz, E. B., M. Ceccarelli, J. L. Sanz, J. E. Otero, P. L. Morgado, A. D. Lantada, P. L. Wina, H. Lorenzo-Yustos, J. M. Munoz-Guijosa, and J. M. Munoz-Garcia. "The Evolution and Development of Mechanical Engineering through Large Cultural Areas." Archivo Digital UPM - Archivo Digital UPM. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Feb. 2015. <http://oa.upm.es/4819/2/INVE_MEM_2008_58272.pdf>.