Preface.

Mining machines will be amply supplemented, in which no machine will be presented except those found in nature, accurately measured and calculated, according to both power and effect. That is: one will demonstrate what the machine should do according to theory original: "Theorie", and what, conversely, happens in practice original: "in praxi". Particularly, many experiments original: "Experimenta" regarding the application of water to the wheels, regarding narrow and wide pipes, and the like—which have hitherto been held back for lack of funds, opportunity of location, and water-fall—will be included; for I have therefore resolved to conduct special experiments and to personally inspect all such works, so as to omit nothing that might serve to improve the nature of machinery and promote the public good. I acknowledge myself all the more obligated to this, since His Roman Imperial Majesty, along with His Royal Majesty in Poland and Electoral Highness of Saxony This refers to Emperor Charles VI and Augustus II the Strong, who were Leupold’s primary patrons. have most graciously provided me with very generous assistance, without which high Imperial and Royal Grace, much would have remained undone due to costs that are far too great and unbearable for a private individual; I hope, however, now to be placed in such a position that, if God grants me grace, life, and health, I may successfully carry out such a costly work that seems impossible to many. Should anything remain left out or undiscussed, or have been forgotten due to a lack of sufficient requirements or haste—in that, alongside many other overburdening duties, I must personally attend to and work on even the smallest things—or if some errors have crept in, I intend to replace and improve them in the future. Therefore, I once again most dutifully ask all those who find such things, or know of an improvement, to communicate them; for I acknowledge that I am human, and therefore can make mistakes and cannot know everything. For the rest, I wish that the kind reader may receive this work of mine with as good an intention as it was written, and that the benefit may be as great as I hope. In the meantime, I will not cease, as long as some strength and breath remain in my weak bodily machine Leupold uses a common Enlightenment metaphor here, viewing the human body as a biological machine., to serve the public according to the ability granted to me.

Leipzig, March 30, 1725.