PREFACE 
| THe subject of Applied Mechanics is one which covers a very wide field, 
and it would not be possible adequately to cover the ground in a single 
volume. In the present work the author has attempted to compress into 
one volume of moderate dimensions sufficient material for a two years’ 
course in the subject. To carry out this object the author has endea- 
voured to be as clear and concise as possible, and he has written the text 
on the assumption that the student will spend a considerable time in 
working out the numerous exercises which are given. _ 
The illustrations, which are very numerous, have all been specially 
prepared for this work, they have been made as small as possible 
consistent with clearness, and they have been set up with the text in 
i such a manner as to be in close connection with it and to economise 
___ Space as much as possible, 
- 
_ A special feature has been made of the exercises, which will be found 
in groups in the various chapters. Of the 780 exercises given, 600 are 
/ original, and the author has given as much attention to these as to the 
text. The remaining 180 exercises have been selected with great care 
3 from the examination papers of various examining bodies. Many of the 
___ exercises will be found to amplify the text, and thus add to the scope of 
the book. = 
The author would here desire to impress upon the student the great 
- importance of working a large number of exercises. A student may 
Pcie, imagine, after hearing a lecture, or after reading the text on a part of 
the subject, that he knows it thoroughly, and that he may therefore 
os ~ leave it, but he will generally find, if he proceeds to apply his knowledge 
to a practical example, that some important point has escaped his 
attention or has not been thoroughly understood. This applies to the 
_ clever student as well as to the student of ordinary ability. Besides, the 
working of exercises is essential for thoroughly impressing the subject on 
his mind. Another matter of very great importance to the student is 
the cultivation of neatness and accuracy and the systematic arrangement 
of his work. 
The majority of the exercises given involve numerical answers, and 
these will be found at the end of the book. Some teachers who may use 
this book in their classes may object to their students having the answers 
v 
