The book starts with the law of forces, free-body diagrams, basic information on materials strength including stresses and strains. It further discusses principles of transmission of power and elementary designs of gears, spring, etc. This part concludes with mechanical vibrations, — their importance, types, isolation and critical speed.

The second part, Thermal Engineering, deals with basics and laws of thermodynamics; pure substances and their properties. It further includes laws of heat transfer, insulation, and heat exchanges. This part concludes with a detailed discussion on refrigeration and air conditioning.

Part three, Fluid Mechanics and Hydraulics, includes properties of fluids, measurement of pressure, Bernoull's equation, hydraulic turbine, pumps and various other hydraulic devices.

Part four, Manufacturing Technology, mainly deals with various manufacturing processes such as metal forming, casting, cutting, joining, welding, surface finishing and powder metallurgy. It further deals with conventional and non-conventional machining techniques, fluid power control and automation including hydraulic and pneumatic systems and automation of mechanical systems.

Part five, Automobile Engineering deals with various aspects of IC and SI engines and their classification, etc. Four- and two-stroke engines also find place in this section. Next, systems in automobiles including suspension and power transmission systems, starting, ignition, charging and fuel injection systems.

The last section deals with power plant engineering and energy. It includes power plant layout, surface condensers, steam generators, boilers and gas turbine plants. It concludes with renewable, non- renewable, conventional and non-conventional sources of energy, and energy conversion devices.