Introduction for An Introduction to the History of Structural Mechanics

This article introduces the history of the structural mechanics of its author by means of philosophical considerations concerning the explanation of physical laws of force and their corollary in material rigidity. It approaches complex, constructive examples using the classic laws of statics and mechanics. Four themes are discussed: the resistance of solids; the statics of arches, domes, and vaults; structural mechanics; and the principles of statics.