what is the meaning of pre mechanical age?

Answer 1

I have not heard of the expression "Mechanical Age". There have always been mechanical devices. What they may be referring to is "pre" the Industrial "Age" or the Industrial Revolution. The Industrial Revolution is the roughly 100 year period described by English historian Toyanbee during which the mechanization of British textile mills and other manufacturing enterprises were being accomplished by the conversion to steam power. The first practical steam engine was patented by the Scottsman, James Watt in 1769.
Of course the mechanizations of ships and the development of the steam locomotive were to be included. That 100 year period was generally from the middle of the 1700's to the middle of the 1800's by Toyanbee's account. However, it has continued and expanded greatly and certainly was not confined to England Those steam power devices that were new during those times have long since been replaced by much better engines and much more complex technology.