1. Without tools, no machines -- 2. machine elements and elementary machines -- 3. From hand tool to industrial robot -- 4. Prime movers 1 : muscle, water, wind -- 5. Prime movers 2 : steam and combustion engines -- 6. Prime movers 3 : electricity -- 7. The genesis of control systems -- 8. Computers -- 9. The machine : our daily companion -- Bibliography -- Index.