The Theater of Hydraulic Machines, Volume II

As for the arts original: "Künste." In this context, this refers to the "mechanical arts," including engineering, craftsmanship, and technology, as much as the liberal arts., such a deficiency did not arise because the ancient Germans original: "Teutschen." This refers to the Germanic tribes of antiquity. were so unskilled as to be unable to grasp or execute anything. No, not at all: rather, their own deep-rooted habits and simple way of life original: "schlechte Lebens-Arth." In the 18th century, "schlecht" often meant "plain," "unrefined," or "lowly" rather than "evil." were the cause. While they applied themselves to the highest degree to virtue, truth, and bravery, they sought neither high honor, wealth, splendor, nor luxury; they were content with meager food, housing, and clothing, and defended original: "defendiret," from the Latin defendere. their lives and freedom with very poor armor and weapons, yet did so to the very last drop of blood.

For as soon as they were attacked by foreign nations—especially by the Romans, who were provided with strong armor, good weapons, and other necessities to defeat an almost half-naked enemy—they soon proved that they were also people who had wits in their heads original: "Witz im Kopff." Here meaning innate intelligence, ingenuity, and tactical sense. and were capable of matching, if not surpassing, others. As a result, they later established themselves in such a position that they not only stood their ground against other nations, but even took upon themselves the highest dignity in the world—the Holy Roman Empire original: "Römische Käyserthum." The German emperors considered themselves the direct successors to the Roman Caesars.—and under such protection and establishment acquired everything that can adorn a Christian and refined nation original: "polite Nation." Referring to a "polished" or civilized society with organized laws, arts, and sciences.. The greatest contribution to this was the uncommonly great and high care of Charles the Great Charlemagne (742–814 AD)., or the first of this name and the first German Emperor, who,