ACTA ERUDITORUM

[Patrick]

Hi all;
Here is a passage that I decided to try my hand at translating. One thing I have discovered is that Latin, especially old Latin is very difficult to translate! I am sure that my version is rough and is likely very different from what a Scholar would be able to interpret. Probably John Collins will shed light on this in the near future. Still, it was valuable/interesting exercise simply to be able to examine the original documentation from that time. --Patrick

A.E.
1715 p.46
Allowing that so many useless attempts by clever Mathematicians (have) discouraged (the quest for) perpetual motion, (it could be considered that) at length men (were) trying to make
square circles , (thus)not yet put together in the past, (and) which problems until now (caused men to) despair (yet the hope) of a gigantic payment (causes one to) dare once more to undertake (the task).
Perpetual motion constructed (by Mr.) Orffyreus, a man of honor with regard to the skill (of a)
Physician, which (he) professes, & in Chemistry as well as mechanics (which) keeps him going; (at long last has) managed to discover a method devised ( originally by) Dittonus as well as Whistonus Angli, (who have skills) famous & outstanding.
(Whether) Rectangular Circles published by Daniel Waeyvvel Batavus, (effectively) educate(d) him (is) unknown. The GermansÂ’ (is) certainly better; his character (is) not absolutely undeserving (less than) Angli; (but) unfortunately in accordance (with) what has been seen (from) Batavus.
Perpetual motion, with respect to Offyreus (has been) constructed, (and it) seems good (to) many person(s), & (in) fact Mathematicians as well as Mechanical (persons) were surprised that is was allowed to be destroyed. Constructed by the inventor, (he wants to) eagerly keep (it) secret in anticipation of a reward. (Apparently) simple to be assembled, it has been constructed to rotate by itself (around) the axis. Diameter measures five spans (Lipsienses) not exceeding, (width is) 6 inches or less. (It rotates) fifty revolutions in one minute (when it is) released & freely rotates hanging down and without any perceptible external motion drive to make it start, this is completely outstanding & can uniformly/steadily (raise a) weight (of) 60 or even 70 & more pounds up (quite) a height with a lift (that is) powerful. So far this noble invention has been observed and exhibited by the inventor in the district of Dreschwig not far off from where the town of Ciza is situated but at present it is in the process of being moved (to a new location).

[Michael]

Hi Patrick-All

You've got to admt lifting 70 pounds-even if it is around an 8 inch axel is impressive. In case anyone is unsure about the square circle it goes back to ancient Greece. One of the things sought then, as well as trying to find a method to trisect an angle was squaring a circle, to make a square having the same area as a circle, using just a straight edge and a compass. I've done my fair share of trying to trisect an angle. Found many interesting things in the process, but have been unsucsessful. Just a few of the things-along with a Perpetual Motion Machine said to be impossible.

Michael

P.S. What's that part in the beginning, is he refereing to an idea that Bessler got HIS idea from someone else...or someone else did it first?

[John Collins]

Your attempt at translation is very close to the meaning of the original Patrick- well done. I hadn[t forgotten your request for a translation and I was trying to find my version of it to save re doing it. In fact although the Acta looks interesting you will find most of what you seek in your version of my first book, your PDF file. I will post a full translation as soon as I can find it but don't expect to see any additional material.

John Collins

[Patrick]

Hi John;
Thanks for the update. I agree your book is an excellent resource; I would certainly recommend it as a 'must have' reference for anyone seriously interested in having a clear understanding about who Bessler was and what he accomplished. I am putting away my 'paper research' for now and will be trying to spend more time in the shop with 'hands on' tinkering/experimentation.
--Patrick

[Patrick]

Michael;
In reference to your question; it seems that the writer is simply giving his opinion/speculating as to how Orffyreus came up with such an astounding invention. He lists people at the time who were known to have researched Perpetual Motion. The bracketed phrase "(originally by)" is not in the original Latin and I inserted that to add coherent flow to the translation. I should have put "(also researched by)" since obviously the writer is indicating that no one had been succussful up to that point. Hope that helps to clarify that part of the text.
--Patrick