A woodcut decorative headpiece shows two reclining figures, perhaps putti or nymphs, flanking a central circular medallion. The medallion holds an image of a pyramid or obelisk on a pedestal, all surrounded by lush foliage and reeds.

Preface.

Most honored reader, according to your station!

This book bears the title of Theatrum Machinarium, in German: Theater of Lifting Devices, which is to say, an instruction on machines, not only for moving and transporting loads with them, but also for raising them to a height. For although this part of mechanics is called by the learned Ars manganariorum the art of the pulley-makers (from mangano a piece of wood used in a pulley system), I have nevertheless preferred to use a more common word. Even if this should not be in such frequent use, the word Machinarius engineer/machinist, which denotes an artist who knows how to invent and propose all sorts of machines, is sufficiently well known. And since this work is so important that most people, when they use the words mechanics or machine without any other addition or epithet, understand it merely as lifting devices, it is reasonable that the word Machinarium theatrical collection of machines applies to this part on account of its excellence. Therefore, the utility and advantage of this part of mechanics is so great and already so well known that I have no cause to report anything further about it. Yet I wish to say briefly this much: namely, how I have included herein a fair number of the newest and most distinguished machines