re _appliances_ for
traction, but they are not _tools_. _Mechanism_ is a word of wide
meaning, denoting any combination of mechanical devices for united
action. A _machine_ in the most general sense is any mechanical
_instrument_ for the conversion of motion; in this sense a lever is a
_machine_; but in more commonly accepted usage a _machine_ is
distinguished from a _tool_ by its complexity, and by the combination
and coordination of powers and movements for the production of a result.
A chisel by itself is a _tool_; when it is set so as to be operated by a
crank and pitman, the entire _mechanism_ is called a _machine_; as, a
mortising-_machine_. An _apparatus_ may be a _machine_, but the word is
commonly used for a collection of distinct articles to be used in
connection or combination for a certain purpose--a mechanical equipment;
as, the _apparatus_ of a gymnasium; especially, for a collection of
_appliances_ for some scientific purpose; as, a chemical or surgical
_apparatus_; an _apparatus_ may include many _tools_, _instruments_, or
_implements_. _Implement_ is for the most part and _utensil_ is
altogether restricted to the literal sense; _instrument_, _machine_, and
_tool_ have figurative use, _instrument_ being used largely in a good,
_tool_ always in a bad sense; _machine_ inclines to the unfavorable
sense, as implying that human agents are made mechanically subservient
to some controlling will; as, an _instrument_ of Providence; the _tool_
of a tyrant; a political _machine_.

* * * * *

TOPIC.

Synonyms:

division, issue, motion, proposition, subject,
head, matter, point, question, theme.

A _topic_ (Gr. _topos_, place) is a _head_ of discourse. Since a _topic_
for discussion is often stated in the form of a _question_, _question_
has come to be extensively used to denote a debatable _topic_,
especially of a practical nature--an _issue_; as, the labor _question_;
the temperance _question_. In deliberative assemblies a _proposition_
presented or moved for acceptance is called a _motion_, and such a
_motion_ or other matter for consideration is known as the _question_,
since it is or may be stated in interrogative form to be answered by
each member with a vote of "aye" or "no;" a member is required to speak
to the _question_; the chairman puts the _question_. In speaking or
writing the general _subject_ or _theme_ may be termed the _topic_, tho
it is mor