Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the application of a force to a solid body, and, in particular, for measuring this force, displaced at constant velocity from its point of application, or for measuring the displacement of the point of application of the force, regarded as being constant, or for measuring this force, displaced at a constant velocity from its point of application, after application, during a predetermined period, of a constant force in the opposite direction, comprises: a measuring contact piece, designed to move into contact with the solid body; means for guiding this contact piece; actuating means for causing the contact piece to apply a continuously variable force to the solid body; and a dynamometric cell, fitted between the contact piece and the actuating means, for continuously measuring the force applied between the measuring contact piece and the solid body, the cell being provided with means for transmitting a signal representing the said force.