Preface.

he had already made a start during his lifetime, but before he could reach the end, he passed away from death according to God's gracious will. He gave me to understand in time before his blessed departure that he wished to dedicate this work of his to none other than your High and Well-wise selves, and finally requested that I should complete the same and bring it to light. Which, because of our special friendship, I could not refuse him, especially since I also noticed that this second part had gained considerable demand, and would otherwise be of great service to the common good in itself. For since neither man nor beast can live without food and drink, surely nothing will be as necessary in common daily life as mills and all sorts of water arts, by which water is transported and led up to castles, fortresses, cities, houses, and at times to great heights.