Depending on the nature or structure machines can be classified into simple and complex types. Simple machines or tools used by man can be traced back to around two million years ago. They comprised of tools such as hand axes etc. Complex machines of that age were those that are referred to as prime movers. They used some natural force to perform manual or related work. The first example of this sort of machine was the Persian Wheel which was used to convert the flow of water into energy.
Man's foray into complex machines was mostly driven by war and conflict. The term engineer was for ages associated only with the work of technicians who built and operated siege engines and implements of war.
Man's foray into complex machines was mostly driven by war and conflict. The term engineer was for ages associated only with the work of technicians who built and operated siege engines and implements of war.