Applications of mechanical engineering are found in the records of many ancient and medieval societie sall over the world. In ancient Greece, the works of Archimedes deeply influenced mechanics in the Western tradition and Heron of Alexandria created the first steam engine. In China, Zhang Heng improved a water clock and invented a seismometer, and Ma Jun invented a chariot with differential gears. The medieval Chinese horologist and engineer Su Song incorporated an escapement mechanism into his astronomical clock tower two centuries before any escapement can be found in clocks of medieval Europe, as well as the world's first known endless power-transmitting chain drive.

During the years from 7th to 15th century, the era was called the Islamic Golden Age, there were remarkable contributions from Muslim inventors in the field of mechanical technology. Al-Jazari is considered to be the inventor of such mechanical devices which now form the very basic of mechanisms, such as the crankshaft and camshaft. Important breakthroughs in the foundations of mechanical engineering occurred in England during the 17th century when Sir Isaac Newton both formulated the three Newton's Laws of Motion and developed Calculus, the mathematical basis of physics. During the early 19th century in England, Germany and Scotland, the development of machine tools led mechanical engineering to develop as a separate field in engineering, providing manufacturing machines and the engines to power them.

Crankshaft (red), pistons (gray) in their cylinders (blue), and flywheel (black). (Crankshaft [online] Wikimedia [vid. 3.5.2013].)

Chain drive. (Chain [online] Wikimedia [vid. 3.5.2013].)

A camshaft which operates the valves. (Camshaft [online] Wikimedia [vid. 3.5.2013].)

Dear Mr Drake,

I am writing to make a complaint regarding a set of tools I have bought from you. First, there was an online offer of a promotion for this particular set of tools. But I had to pay the full price. I immediately phoned to the manager and he promised me to deal with my complaint as soon as possible. Nevertheless, three weeks have passed and no steps have been taken. I am very disappointed with this attitude. Therefore I have decided to return the set and I would like to ask you for the prompt refund on my account. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Yours sincerely, Jim Smith