The Mechanical Powers This section starts on the far left, with Archimedes, the Greek mathematician who is considered to be the father of engineering. On the far left, to represent modern advances and achievements in mechanical engineering is James Watt. The Scottish inventor and engineer's contributions to engineering are said to have been extremely important to the Industrial Revolution both in Great Britain and across the world. Between these two important men are figures using the mechanical forces and applications of the various powers: moving blocks of stone, driving home a wedge and working a wine-press. 1870