Tool
A tool or device is a piece of equipment that provides a
mechanical advantage in accomplishing a physical task. The most basic tools are simple machines. For example, a crowbar simply functions as a
lever. The further out from the pivot point, the more force is transmitted along the lever. When particularly intended for domestic use, a tool is often called a utensil.
Philosophers once thought that only
humans used tools, and often defined humans as tool-using animals. But observation has confirmed that
monkeys,
apes and other
animals, mostly
primates, but also some
birds , and
sea otters can use tools as well.
Quotations
Get out your calculators. (Before the Lateralus chorus kicks in live.)
Hello, we're Tool. Just a reminder for those of you who are too fucked on acid to remember.
I am not a scientologist nor should anyone else be.
I hate children. I like to smack them around and kick them.
I want you to take these feelings home with you, and remember them, and create something positive with them.
It's all about change and evolution individually as well as universally. It's also about unity (on Ænima).
More Quotes >>
Encyclopedia
A
tool or
device is a piece of
equipment that provides a
mechanical advantage in accomplishing a physical task. The most basic tools are simple machines. For example, a crowbar simply functions as a
lever. The further out from the pivot point, the more force is transmitted along the lever. When particularly intended for domestic use, a tool is often called a
utensil.
Philosophers once thought that only
humans used tools, and often defined humans as tool-using animals. But observation has confirmed that
monkeys,
apes and other
animals, mostly
primates, but also some
birds , and
sea otters can use tools as well. Later, philosophers thought that only humans had the ability to
make tools, until
zoologists observed birds and monkeys
making tools.
Non-physical entities such as
process , information architecture,
creativity and
learning itself are all invaluable tools that we humans use to better ourselves individually and collectively . Certainly, the term "tool" should not be limited strictly to physical objects, but also cognitive methodologies as described below.
Most
anthropologists believe that the use of tools was an important step in the evolution of mankind. Humans evolved an opposable thumb and an increase in intelligence .
Most tools can also serve as
weapons, such as a
hammer or a
knife. Similarly, people can use weapons, such as
explosives, as tools.
Tools can also be purely cognitive, such as a written language.
Functions of tools
Many tools or groups of tools serve to perform one or more of a set of basic operations, such as:
- Cutting
- Concentrating force
- Guiding
- Protecting
- Seizing and holding
Tool substitution
Often by design or coincidence a tool may share attributes with one or more other tools in terms of their basic functionality. In this case, some tools can substitute for other tools, either as a make-shift solution or as a matter of practical efficiency. "One tool does it all" is a motto of some importance for workers who cannot practically carry every specialized tool to the location of every work task. Tool substitution may be divided broadly into two classes: substitution "by-design", or "multi-purpose", and substitution as make-shift. In many cases, the designed secondary functions of tools are not widely known. For example, many wood-cutting hand saws integrate a carpenter's square by incorporating a specially shaped handle which allows 90° and 45° angles to be marked by aligning the appropriate part of the handle with an edge and scribing along the back edge of the saw.
Multi-use tools
- Lineman's pliers incorporate a gripper and cutter, and are commonly used secondarily as a hammer.
- Hand saws often incorporate the functionality of the carpenter's square in the right-angle between the blade's dull edge and the saw's handle.
History
Use of tools started at the beginning of the
stone age. Humans have fabricated knives, amongst the oldest tools, since that time.
Mechanical devices, though known to
Alexandrian Greeks, experienced a major expansion in their use in the
Middle Ages with the systematic employment of new energy sources: water and wind .
Machine tools occasioned a surge in producing new tools in the
industrial revolution. Advocates of
nanotechnology expect a similar surge as tools move down-scale.
See also
References
