The document introduces the principle of virtual work which states that for a system of bodies in equilibrium, the net work done by external forces during an arbitrary virtual displacement is zero. It describes how the principle can be used to solve problems involving the equilibrium of machines. It also discusses potential energy and how the stability of equilibrium positions can be determined from the second derivative of potential energy with respect to position. Several sample problems demonstrate applying these concepts to determine forces, positions of equilibrium, and stability.