Meanings of mere application in English

So would the mere application of force at the proper point.

First, it must not be a mere application or variation of an existing trade.

We may therefore safely conclude that the mere application of caustic to the tip does not prevent the radicles from bending.

What should we say to a method of being suckled by the mere application of the mouth to a teatless breast?

Cogitat, ergo est is true, because it is a mere application of the logical rule: Quicquid in genere est, est et in specie.

Alexia had never given it much credence, but seeing Ivy, through the mere application of fish-riddled inanities, tame a man like that was quite remarkable.

Mere application of the term unduly flattered his dull associate.

I cannot understand how mere applications can shake confidence?-Well ,theydo, because they are only made when there is a chance of their being granted.