Composite mechanisms are composed of simple mechanisms combined into new mechanisms with improved characteristics and functions. Bearing the benefits of easy manufacturing and low cost, they have in use as early as the south-pointing chariot in ancient China, and notably in Watt s steam engine in England of the late eighteenth century. They are fashionable nowadays and will be just as important in the future. After many years of teaching and research, Yan Zhenying has compiled the most important material, arranged the fundamental theories, tabulated tables, and created examples of his own....