Mechanical engineering a historical perspective

Abstract

Engineering as implied by the modern usage of the term is of comparatively recent origin. But if one were to define engineering as using natural resources for the service of man, then it can be considered to be over thousands of years old. The hydraulic civilization of the Sinhala Kings can best be defined as a product of Engineering. The Great Wall of China, the Pyramids of Egypt have been “Engineered” by humans for whatever purpose that was deemed necessary at those ancient times. What name we give these builders today is a matter of opinion. Do we call them Engineers? Can a large tank like the Parakrama Samudra be built today without having Engineers of all the present day specializations, namely Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, Agricultural, Materials, Chemical, Textile etc. We may have to add to this already long list, as Telecommunications, Computer Engineering, Defense Engineering are without doubt absolutely necessary to complete any modern project with speed and economy.