Publisher's Synopsis
THE object of the present work is to simplify the study of theoretical mechanics as much as possible -- that is to say, it is written specially for students who do not possess more than a smattering of mensuration, geometry, and algebra. The object is good, and is well carried out. There is no royal road to knowledge, or as Whewell puts it, no popular road -- knowledge does not come to the man who sits and waits for it: it must be worked for earnestly and unflinchingly, then it brings a reward with it. But, if there is no popular road, that is no reason why the road should not be made as easy as possible. We know that there are numbers of mechanics -- good "rule of thumb," practical workmen -- who would be very glad indeed to thoroughly understand the theoretical principles underlying their craft, but who are deterred solely by the manner in which that theoretical knowledge is presented to them. Amongst the younger journeymen and the apprentices there is no excuse for not acquiring the information of which their elders have experienced the want, for with the requisite leisure, and with few cares, they are just at the time of life when such knowledge is most easily acquired, and most readily turned to account. Their elders, on the contrary, have, in the first place, not so great an inducement to study; in the second place, they have probably other occupations for their leisure, and more of the cares of life. They are consequently dismayed by the number of subjects they must study before they can hope to comprehend the principles set forth in the more elaborate works. It is for this reason that we welcome all such books as Mr. Twisden's, which seek to render less difficult subjects, a knowledge of which can alone keep British workmen in the van amongst the artisans of the world. Of the book itself, we can say that there is nothing in it which a little determination on the part of a fairly intelligent mechanic will not overcome. Starting is the difficulty, but when this is got over, the rest will be tolerably plain sailing, and pleasurable, from the daily recognition of principles which the student has been unconsciously acquainted with for years. From what we have said, then, it will be understood that the book is well adapted for the use of experienced mechanics, but it will also be found an excellent introduction to the standard works by those students whose business it is to acquire a knowledge of theoretical mechanics. Examples are supplied where necessary, engravings where useful, and a number of questions and answers are inserted at the end of each chapter. Mr. Twisden has succeeded in freeing the subject from much of its difficulty, but it should be remembered that it "is not to be understood without that degree of attention which the very nature of the thing requires."
--English Mechanic and World of Science, Vol. 19
