Preface by Raffaele Pisano -- Introduction -- Chapter 1: Theoretical Framework -- Marxism -- Genetic epistemology -- Ecological economics -- Theory of history and general historiography -- Science historiography -- PART I: The Conceptual Genesis -- Chapter 2: The Conceptual Basis To Work Studies -- Historical character of physical concepts construction -- The evolution of space concepts -- The development of time concept -- The concept of force and its controversies -- The concept of mass -- Chapter 3: The Ideas Of Work And Energy In Mechanics -- General considerations -- The work concept and its formalization -- The development of virtual works principle -- The least action principle -- The energy conservation principle -- Chapter 4: The Rational Mechanics Dilemma -- A brief history of mechanics in physical context -- Mechanics formalization in XVIIIth century -- Lagrangian mechanics -- Laplacian project and rational mechanics -- Empirical knowledge of machines manufactors -- PART II: The Instrumental Genesis -- Chapter 5: Lazare Carnot General Theory Of Machines -- Lazare Carnot: scientific and political career -- Science and French Revolution -- The mechanics of Lazare Carnot -- Work concept in Carnot´s mechanics -- Carnot´s memoir of 1779 -- Carnot´s memoir of 1781 -- Chapter 6: The “Fundamental Principles Of Equilibrium And Motion” Of Lazare Carnot -- Chapter 7: The Metamorphosis Of Work Concept And Its Incorporation To Economic Thought -- The conservation of living forces principle -- Coulomb and the work as a form to overcome a passive resistance -- Navier and work as a mechanical currency -- Coriolis and the work as a measurement of machines´ operation -- Poncelet´s contribution to applied and industrial mechanics -- Chapter 8: Conclusion -- References.