Theatre of Instruments and Machines

PROP. XXII.

A new and uncommon structure of a machine for driving piles obliquely into the water, so that when driven straight, the preceding piles may obtain more strength for those things which come to be built upon them.

Declaration of the 23rd figure.

I do not think much needs to be said by me in this place, since the figure itself makes itself clear, which is common in its assembly, but differs from others in the ram, because it sits obliquely. And indeed, its utility is not small, since such things are often required.

PROP. XXIII.

A new form, by which the next two machines are joined together by any part of the pile itself, for the perpetual firmness of buildings to be constructed upon them.

Declaration of the 24th figure.

It taught the method of driving piles by the two preceding [figures]. The former for the perpendicular, the latter, however, obliquely. Now it offers the form of the constructed work depicted here, so that, the method being understood, the superior parts may be judged less useless.

PROP. XXV.

A new structure of a tread-mill, for pressing and preparing cloths and paper, and for grinding spices, and for crushing stones laden with metal, so that they may be prepared for smelting, as well as for polishing and sharpening any tools by means of disengaged levers and pestles.

Declaration of the 25th figure.

The force of this motion proceeds from a larger wheel and smaller ones moving it, with one operator straining at the upper part and another at the lower; the rest can be taken from the common machines for grinding gunpowder. But you will note those things that pertain to the elevation of the pestles.

PROP. XXVI.

A new form of mills by which, with a small hand of men, nearly as much flour will be returned as is accustomed to be supplied by two other mills turned by wind or water.

Declaration of the 26th figure.

The understanding of this thing consists in the demonstration. And so, that the parts may be placed before the eyes, you will understand first that the force of the motion proceeds from the whole larger [wheel] being moved, which, aided by others, can contribute much to the utility of the machine. Therefore, in the same plane are the assembly of the mill and the winch tending to the south, of which these are the parts, namely two wheels and an intermediate drum, in which a chain is wound, which surrounds the circumference of the larger wheel in such a way as the ropes are with us in women’s spinning wheels or reels. In the extremities of the axis of the larger wheel are two smaller wheels, one to the east and the other to the west, with handles as in the aforementioned, which all accomplish so much motion that a greater one cannot be. The rest which pertain to the motion are as in common mills, as if any who have seen these will be able to easily perceive them.

PROP. XXVII.

A new method of grinding by which, through the work of two men, without the force of waters or winds, as much wheat flour is deposited as is usually supplied in a suitable place where waters or winds abound.

Declaration of the 27th figure.

In my judgment, the things of which this figured machine consists are clearly placed before the eyes, but nevertheless, it is pleasing to explain. The motion, however, as we have already often said in others, arises from the agitation of the larger wheel, for this is the greatest wheel which is joined to the hub by spokes constituting a pyramid: but you will note from the appearing screw that it serves to raise or depress the millstone, and is fixed and established in place of a hinge, so that, once that screw is placed into the center of the hub of the wheel, it can be turned freely. The whole wheel-work consists of three parts, in the smallest of which appear small keys which are pushed by those little arms which represent the form of a cross, and which are seen on the axis of the wheels; these wheels are distant from each other by 1 measure and 16 palms to the east and west. The rest appear.

PROP. XXVIII.

A new method of constructing a water-mill which will be sufficient for the uses of many, even if less water is available than