section_path: Physics/Mechanics/Anticipating the concept of work
section_name: Anticipating the concept of work
paragraph_text: Anticipating the concept of work
  
  Although the concept of work (in physics) was not formally used until 1826, similar concepts existed before then. In 1637, Descartes wrote:
  
  Lifting 100 lb one foot twice over is the same as lifting 200 lb one foot, or 100 lb two feet.