| Abstract: | After an exploration of some of the basic categories attending mechanics, Newtonianism, and physics, a survey is given of the range of subjects covered by mechanics at the end of the 18th century, and the three main traditions operative in the subject are stressed. A few major French figures of that time are then noted, and also some views evident in certain other countries. The appendix of the paper is concerned with bibliographical questions; and an extensive bibliography, mostly of secondary literature, is appended. |
