ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the new approach, historical mechanisms, from a general perspective by explaining the basic idea of repetitive patterns in history and then, subsequently, the application of scientific theories and practices in order to reveal similar patterns throughout history. This forms a basis from which one draws parallels from science and applies them to the study and writing of history, in the discovery of patterns to be found in the rise and fall of empires. The chapter suggests the idea to integrate natural scientific methods into the study of history several times in the past; however, the attempts provided little evidence in support of the approach and thus never fully established themselves within the discipline of history. 'Historic mechanisms' can often be beneficially illustrated with images from the natural sciences, to provide greater understanding of complex systems and patterns within history.
