STATICS

, a branch of mathematics which considers weight or gravity, and the motion of bodies resulting from it.

Those who define mechanics, the science of motion, make Statics a part of it; viz, that part which considers the motion of bodies arising from gravity.

Others make them two distinct doctrines; restraining mechanics to the doctrine of motion and weight, as depending on, or connected with, the power of machines; and Statics to the doctrine of motion, considered merely as arising from the weight of bodies, without any immediate respect to machines. In this way, Statics should be the doctrine or theory of motion; and mechanics, the application of it to machines.

For the laws of Statics, see Gravity, Descent, &c.