Popular Mechanics (PM) started off in January 1902 when Henry H. Windsor published the first issue. The original title was Popular Mechanics- Written so that you can understand it. This phrase sums up the intent of the publication. Windsor envisioned a source on technology and science written in a way that everyday people could understand. Popular Mechanic's wide popularity is closely related to the incredible amount of invention and discovery which has taken place over the past 95 years. PM has chronicled the advent of radio, flying machines, X-Rays, automobiles and countless other developments in technology.(1)
For the first two years, Popular Mechanics was published as a weekly journal. It featured a large collection of technological pieces from other works, along with commentary from Windsor, the editor. Images abounded in PM; a large illustration graced the cover, and the inside was full of pictures. It was Windsor's belief that illustrations helped build the stories he was trying to tell. Within one year the magazine had a circulation of 20,000, and by 1909, it had reached 200,000.(2)
The feedback Windsor received helped him to develope the magazine. Popular Mechanics started to shift from the intensely technical content to more general information which would be useful around the house. Projects detailed in PM began to encompass a wide range of skill levels at any age. The advertising changed to include common household products. This reflected the growing audience of general consumers, showing the change in readership.(2)
Popular Mechanics encouraged enterprising individuals in the mechanical fields with its Industrial Award Plan, started in 1924. The magazine published industrial problems submitted by companies offering cash for the best solution submitted. PM has continued to encourage private ingenuity to this day.(2)
PM has been at the forefront of technological journalism throughout the 20th century. Reporters from PM have been on the cutting edge of many new stories. World-famous inventors have been common contributors to the pages of PM, describing their innovations and technology in general. PM has been the authority on many types of technology through the years.(3) In fact, the federal government asked Popular Mechanics to stop reporting on atomic energy during WWII because the magazine had been able to keep up so well.(4)
Today, Popular Mechanics still carries on the tradition handed down from Henry H. Windsor. It has remained a source of information about technology and science for the regular person. Even though the title was shortened years ago, it could still very easily read "Popular Mechanics - Written so you can understand it."(5)
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