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.