All the Clues on a Detective’s Poster Board

[rocky]

It’s January and time for a fresh review of all the clues.

Detectives use a wall board to sort clues to solve a mystery. I took all of Bessler’s clues and grouped them together in paragraphs rearranging the sentences to make more sense. I printed them in large font on legal size paper and put them on a poster board in my den. Almost every day I sit in my lounge chair looking at it pondering the clue associations to make a working machine. I have been on this quest for over 50 years. I have been to Germany to visit Furstenberg (death), Karlshafen (home), Gera, Draschwitz, Merseburg, Hess Castle (exhibits) and the Kassel museum. How long have you been at it?

Here is my poster board of clues. Would you add other clues or arrange them differently?
-------

Johann Bessler (Orffyreus) 1680-1745 and Witnesses Gravity Engine Quotes

Is there such a thing in nature as perpetual motion, or a perpetuum mobile? Is it possible for human hands to introduce into material bodies, in themselves lifeless, a permanent innate motive force, a constant interchange of rise and fall in all of its parts, of excess and deficient weight? Imagine how a heavy material body, in defiance of its natural tendency to gravitate towards the center of the earth, could be induced to rise once more. The world should see this principle, in itself so simple, and yet at the same time so deeply hidden, of everlasting motion. My invention is not fanciful. After I have gone public, you’ll hear them say: “Just look at the thing and you’ll see that there isn’t much artistry to it.�

For ten years I toiled until I found the way to make 100 machines. Only after all those did I find the Mobile. If I hadn’t undertaken organ-craft, I would probably not have achieved it. I put together in 1711 the very first device which could spontaneously revolve. In Gera on the 6th June in 1712 I set in motion the first exhibit of my Mobile. It was demonstrated on many occasions to renowned mathematicians, engineers and scholars. The machine was even moved about from one place to another.

The causative principle of the movement is its ponderous impetus. It runs according to ‘preponderance’ and turns everything else alone with it. On one side it is heavy and full, on the other side empty and light. It must revolve through my principle of ‘excess weight’, at first slow, then gradually increasing its temp to the accompaniment of a likewise increasing noise caused by the movement of its internal weights, resulting in a living machine. These weights are themselves the perpetual motion device, the ‘essential constituent parts’ which must of necessity continue to exercise their motive force so long as they keep away from the center of gravity.

A work of this kind has as it basis of motion many separate pieces of lead weights. These come in pairs. As one takes up an outer position, the other takes up a position nearer the axle. Later, they swap places, and so they go on changing places all the time, alternately gravitating to the center and climbing back up again. If one weight is giving an upward impetus, another one, at the same time, is giving an equal downward one.

The weights which rest below must, in a flash, be raised upwards. How suddenly the excess weight is caused to rise (as does a weight above the point of application of a lever). A great craftsman is he who can ‘lightly’ cause a heavy weight to fly upwards! Who can make 4 pounds rise as 1 pound falls. One pound can cause the raising of more than one pound. If he can sort that out, the motion will perpetuate itself. But if he can’t, then his hard work shall be all in vain.

We must bear in mind an important point. It is impossible to construct any new machine except by using a certain type of material. The main parts are made of the best iron, steel and brass. A single word could have betrayed my wondrous achievement. Springs of the kind he describes [clockwork] are not to be found in my machine. When he put the wheel onto another support, he pushed down on a spring that gave a loud noise as it expanded upwards. The author concludes from circumstantial evidence that the weights were pierced in the middle and attached by connecting springs. The inventor took out the weights and permitted them to be touched, wrapped in a handkerchief. They were judged to be about 4 pounds each and felt cylindrical and not very thick. He had taken an amount of weight out of the wheel which could have filled a considerable box. He asserts the children in the lane play with his perpetual motion or so-called superior force. His father made many a small toy wheel for him to play with [Hoop and Stick toy].

Many would-be Mobile-makers think that if they can arrange for some of the weights [plural] to be a little more distant from the center than the others, then the thing will surely revolve. I learned all about this the hard way. One has to learn through bitter experience. As long as the upper weight [singular] remains outside the center of gravity, it [singular] exercises motion from which the essentials parts of the machine receive push. These parts are enclosed in a case and are coordinated with one another, and when they come to be placed together, and so arranged one against another so that they never reach an equilibrium which they unceasingly seek in their wondrous speedy flight, one [singular] must apply its weight vertically to the axis to drive loads on the axis.

Once in rotation they gain force from their own fast swinging. There is nothing supercritical about the exact disposition of the weight. If I arrange to have just one cross-bar in my machine, it revolves very slowly, just as it can hardly turn itself at all, but when I arrange several bars, pulleys/pulls and weights, the machine can revolve much faster.

The main mechanisms should remain serviceable for many years. All the inmost parts, and the perpetual-motion structures, retain the power of free movement. In a true Perpetuum Mobile everything must, necessarily, go around together. There can be nothing involved in it which remains stationary on the axle. My axle has many compartments and is pierced all over with various holes. I discovered how man can climb higher on Jacob’s ladder and shun superstition.

On unfastening a bolt, the Gera wheel (4.6 ft. dia. x 4.0 in. wide) immediately began to revolve. The Draschwitz machine (9.3 ft. x 5.6 in.) was secured by a cord to the rim. Upon the cord being released, the machine began to rotate with great force and noise. To stop the wheel required tremendous effort. The Draschwitz wheel rotate with a scratching noise coming from inside and in one minute completed more than 50 revolutions (thus almost marking the seconds). The Merseburg wheel (11.2 ft. x 11.2 in.) clattering noise is caused directly by the real motive power of the machine, and nothing else. The Draschwitz machine did not create a similar noise as it was provided with felt coverings, the Merseburg was bare. One could hear the weights landing on the overbalanced side, as though they were swinging, from which one can assume that the overbalancing was caused by their impact. During rotation, one can clearly hear the weights hitting against wooden boards. I was able to see these boards through a slit. They were slightly warped. At every turn of the Kassel wheel can be heard the sound of about eight weights.

The Gera and Draschwitz wheels turned in only one direction, but the Merseburg and Kassel wheels turned both ways. He set the Mersburg wheel in motion by exerting, on the resting machine, the pressure of two fingers applied until the moment when a single weight inside it was heard to begin to fall. It then began to rotate of its own accord with such force that within a minute it had rotated 40 times. When I turned the Kassel wheel (12 ft. x 18 in.) but gently, it always stood still as soon as I took my hand away. But when I gave it a more forceful push, when I let it go, it acquired in two or three turns its greatest velocity revolving at 26 times a minute.

The secret was communicated to the Landgrave of Hesse, under an oath of silence, and he was allowed to examine the internal structure of the wheel. Afterwards, he was quoted as saying to his ministers, that he believed the machine to be a true perpetual motion machine and it was so simple and easy to construct that he was amazed that no one had managed to invent a similar machine [Jean Bernoulli letter to Willem ‘sGravesande]. I took the liberty to ask the Landgrave, as he had seen the inside of it, whether one of the parts might be suspected of concealing some fraud; on which His Highness assured me to the contrary, and that the machine was very simple [Willem ‘sGravesand’s letter to Sir Isaac Newton]. His Highness, who has a perfect understand of mathematics, assured me that the machine is so simple that a carpenter’s boy could understand and make it after having seen the inside of this wheel, and that he would not risk his name in giving these attestations, if he did not have knowledge of the machine [Joseph Fischer letter to Jean Desaguliers].

Apologia Poetica Little Book Metaphor Clues of Machine Parts

“Those who are keen to ask questions should ask them of this little book. Should anyone wish to speculate about the truth, let him ponder on the rich pageantry of words which I now cause to shower down upon him:

An anvil receives many blows. A driver drives. A runner runs. The seer sees. The buyer buys. The rain drips down. Snow falls. The shotgun shoots. The bow twangs. A great herd of fat, lazy, plump horses wanders aimlessly. The flail would rather be with the thresher than the scholar. Children play with heavy clubs among the broken columns.

Acrobats and shadow-boxers are as fleet and nimble as the wind. The cunning cat slinks silently along and snatches nice juicy mice. The dog creeps out of his kennel just as far as his chain will stretch. He knows how to please by playing with his little toys and knick-knacks. He wags his tail, creeps through the hoop and is rewarded with a pat on his paws by the stiff fops who watch him.

A wheel appears - is it really a wheel, for it does not have a normal rim. Seen sideways or full-face it is as glorious as a peacock’s tail. It spins around whether laden or empty. All things belong to one of the three kingdoms (animal, vegetable or matter) and you have the physical evidence before you. Without such things as sulphur, salt, and mercury all things will come to a standstill - the qualities of the elements are necessary to keep things going. Saturn, Mars and Jupiter are ready to join in any battle.

Even the things we eat do not lose their elemental influence - for it spreads itself through every limb and sinew of our bodies. A crab crawls from side to side. It is sound for it is designed thus. Poltergeists wander freely through locked doors.�

Maschinen Tractate (Treatise on Machines) Drawing Clues

Old German text documents use two letters, “N.B.�, to inform the reader that the following text contains important information. The letters are from the Latin ‘nota bene’, meaning: note well. The cover page note by Bessler on his Maschinen Tractate book has it:

“N.B. May, 1733. Due to the arrest, I burned or hid all the woodcuts that prove the possibility. However, I have left all demonstrations and experiments since it would be difficult for anybody to see or learn anything about a perpetual motion from them or to decide whether there was any truth in them because no illustration by itself contains a description of the motion; however, taking various illustrations together and combining them with a discerning mind, it will indeed be possible to look for a movement and, finally to find one in them.�

Old German drawings with labels use a letter A with a bent horizontal to indicate something special on the part or area labeled. Non-special parts are labeled with a letter A with a straight horizontal. Bessler’s mentor, Count Karl of Kassel, Germany, was one of the first German Freemasons. Masonic lodges in old Germany had many Jewish members. The letter A symbol with a bent horizontal was used by Jews and masons in documents/drawings as a hint for special content. Bessler used the bent A in his MT drawings to show a clue on the page. Note that the bent A letter resembles the interlaced compass and square of the symbol of Freemasonary.

Bessler’s Maschinen Tractate (MT) book was to be printed after he sold his machine. It has a history of machine drawings that he studied and the end of the book had his working machine drawings. But after the scandal of his arrest he knew he would not sell or publish his book. He thought someone in the future might invent his machine so he left clues in the drawings so his original invention would be acknowledged and his name cleared in the history books. It is believed that the last four drawings were of his machine and he removed the four pages and replaced them with one page of mechanical toys and labeled it MT138, 139, 140 and 141. The movements in these toys are a clue to the movement in his working machine.

MT has 141 drawings. Some are deliberately drawn to bring attention to the drawing because it contains a special clue. For example, all wheel drawings rotate clockwise except for 3 drawings that rotate counterclockwise: 13, 15, 113. MT 15 is the only mention in all of his books about ‘the prime mover’. Only the first 54 drawings have text comments and these are the text clues from them:

MT 9 “Nothing is to be accomplished with his thing unless one acts out of my connectedness principle.�
MT 10 “The principle is good, but the figure is not complete until I illustrate it very differently.�
MT 13 “Each weight is separate and free ... something available up by D to always lift up the weight with lightning speed.�
MT 14 “The weights raise up one another ... what to learn from it and how it can be used, will all be treated later.�
MT 15 “This ratchet-wheel ... nothing of the prime mover's source can be seen ... the figure shows the superior weight.�
MT 16 “Shows how the weights are connected and how they raise the internal spheres at A up and around.�
MT 18 “The principle is not to be scorned or disregarded, for it tells more than shows.�
MT 24 “This invention should not to be scorned. It consists of weighted levers and hinged iron rods that fold inward.�
MT 25 “There is more to this than one might think; one must study the diagram extensively. Mark my words.�
MT 36 “Connected and weighted levers, swing by means of a chain over 2 pulleys. One may gather much from this one.�
MT 37 “This belongs among Nos. 14, 15 and 16 and is inserted here, having been accidentally omitted.�
MT 38 “The correct application of the stork’s bills is not shown.
MT 41 “I can assure the reader that there is more to the stork’s bills than is shown.�
MT 51 “Thus by the swinging of the pendulum, a motion is effected but in a faulty manner.�
MT 52 “I will say only this much, no wheel is moved by heavy blows.�
MT113 Only Counterclockwise drawing with labels (after rotating to fix). MT13 and 15 are the only other CCW drawings.
● 113-13=100 matches AP clue: “I made 100 machines. Only after all those did I find the Mobile.â€� Both have bent A’s.
● Only other MT page with 4 drawing numbers is toy page (MT138,139,140,141). [ 138, 13+8, 8 impacts heard ]
● Toy page MT138 figures A&B chain matches elevator chain especially where it shows swinging over fast at the top.
● MT113 tall narrow structure matches MT13 tall narrow pendulum and both vertical structures do not rotate.
● Weights side C move down slowly. Weights on side D climb up slowly and are placed together, one against another.
● Upper weight at top A flies up quickly swinging gaining force (MT18) moving from side D to side C where it could impact rim.
● Square chain pulleys swing weight with greater force than a round pulley; there are two sudden 90 degree swings.

Groups of Three
Bessler was very religious and used the trinity (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) group of three as clues:
1. MT has 3 special drawings that rotate CCW and have labels that are backwards or inverted to draw attention as important.
2. Little Book AP295 has three dog sentences fully describing all parts of the machine in metaphors:
● “The dog creeps out of his kennel just as far as his chain will stretch.â€�
● “He knows how to please by playing with his little toys and knick-knacks.â€�
● “He wags his tail, creeps through the hoop and is rewarded with a pat on his paws by the stiff fops who watch him.â€�
3. Little Book AP295 has three group sentences regarding three parts of the machine:
● “All things belong to one of the three kingdoms ( animal, vegetable or matter) and you have the physical evidence before you.â€�
● “Without such things as sulphur, salt and mercury all things will come to a standstill.â€� (3 things)
● “Saturn, Mars and Jupiter are ready to join in any battle.â€� (3 things)
4. Apologia Poetica last page, 239, has side view of wheel with three 27° white cone segments.
5. Das Triumphirende page 4 base portrait has three objects on the table, a vase, skull and book, each at a 27° angle.
6. Das Triumphirende page 5 overlay portrait has three vertical pencils on table matching base portrait left hand three middle fingers.
7. DT page 20 Three references to motive power being one weight at a time causes overbalance:
“As long as the upper weight [singular] remains outside the center of gravity, it [singular] exercises motion from which the essentials parts of the machine receive push.� [Rouse translation]
“These parts are enclosed in a case and are coordinated with one another, and when they come to be placed together, and so arranged one against another so that they never reach an equilibrium which they unceasingly seek in their wondrous speedy flight, one [singular] must apply its weight vertically to the axis to drive loads on the axis.� [Dirks translation]
8. DT page 152 has two groups of 3 large infinite “∞â€� symbols in the artwork.
9. DT last page artwork has 3 horizontal segments. DT 179
10. GB Errata footnote has 3 squiggle artworks. Each has 3 parallel segments on a perpendicular line. GB 37

Word Clues
alternately (adjective) occurring by turns; succeeding each other; one and then the other; to exchange places AP 291
causative (adjective) causing an effect; causing; ie: “fell� is a causative verb meaning “to cause to fall� GB 56
climb (verb) to rise or ascend gradually to a higher point AP 291
compartment (noun) any of the divisions into which a space is partitioned off; a separate part AP 326
connectedness (adjective.) joined, linked or fastened together; united MT 9
constituent (adjective) necessary in forming or making up a whole DT 20
cross-bar (noun) a structural member that crosses other elements; two perpendicular beams crossing at the axis; lazy tongs AP 340
deficient (adjective) less than is usual or required; inadequate in amount GB 52
dynamic (adjective) vigorous, forceful motion AP 290
essential (adjective) absolutely necessary; requisite DT 20
excess (adjective) more than is usual or required; extra; surplus GB 52
fall (verb) to go to a lower place or position, descend GB 52
fanciful (adjective) elaborate, intricate and difficult AP 286
free (adjective) able to move; not held; not kept from motion; loose; separate AP 291
gravitate (verb) to move in accordance with the force of gravity; to fall or sink down GB 52
impetus (noun) a force that stimulates activity; driving force; impulse GB 56
incessantly (adjective) never ceasing, continuing or being repeated without stopping or in a way that seems endless DT 20
induced (verb) to bring an effect in a body by the influence of a force GB 52
inmost (adjective) located farthest within; most intimate or secret; innermost AP 291
interchange (verb) to change places with each other, to put (each of two things) in the other’s place, to alternate GB 52
lightly (adverb) with little weight, pressure, or motion; gently AP 295
main (adjective) the most important; principal part on which subsidiaries or branches depend AP 297
motive (adjective) to cause motion GB 52
pairs (noun) two similar things joined together; made up of two parts that are used together AP 291
pat (noun) a quick, gentle tap, touch or stroke AP 295
perpetual (adjective) continuing indefinitely without interruption; eternal; permanent AP 291
ponderous (adjective) very heavy; unwieldy because of weight; that seems heavy; bulky; massive GB 56
preponderance (noun) superiority in weight, force AP 348
prime (adjective) first in importance or value; principle part; main MT 15
rest (noun) absence of motion; state of being still; immobility; inactivity after work AP 291
rise (verb) to go to a higher place or position, ascend GB 52
separate (adjective) set apart from the rest; not connected with others; having individual form or function AP 291
simple (adjective) having few parts; not complicated; easy to understand PM 137
structure (noun) something built or constructed, the arrangement of all the parts of a whole AP 291
superior (adjective) higher in space; placed higher up; located above; upper MT 15
upper (adjective) in a place above another DT 20
very (adverb) extremely; exceedingly PM 97

All quotes are from John Collins books:
1. 1715 Grundlicher Bericht (GB)
2. 1716 Apologia Poetica (AP)
3. 1719 Das Triumphirende (DT)
4. 1722 Maschinen Tractate (MT)
5. 2006 Perpetual Motion; An Ancient Mystery Solved? (PM)

[Stewart]

Hi Rocky

Another good attempt at piecing the clues together. I think we should just make it clear that the narrative you posted is not one consecutive piece of writing from Bessler, but many quoted sentences stitched together from the various sources and witnesses.

I'm concerned to see the same incorrect translations being repeat once again, when they've been addressed and corrected many times on this forum. If you're serious about wanting to get to the truth of this matter then we really need to eradicate this false information forever, don't you agree? I'm happy to spend the time addressing these clues again and correcting the false translations, but I need to know whether you're receptive to the information and will correct your lists and future posts? Otherwise you appear to be working against my own mission on this forum of trying to provide the most accurate information to people in order to finally solve this thing and prevent many hours of wasted time on red herrings.

I'm hoping we can work through this stuff and finally put some of the nonsense to rest.

I have been to Germany to visit Furstenberg (death), Karlshafen (home), Gera, Draschwitz, Merseburg, Hess Castle (exhibits) and the Kassel museum.

I for one would love to hear an account of your travels around Germany. It must have been a fantastic trip. I'm hoping to follow in your footsteps very soon.

All the best
Stewart

[Tarsier79]

In Rockys defence, it is near impossible for everyone to cross reference every quote and magically find on the forum where it has been corrected. Until a set of reviewed and corrected documents make an appearance, there will continue to be mis-quotes and translation errors.

[justsomeone]

True Tarsier. Stewart it would be wonderful if you started a new thread pointing out all the known mistakes in translations and misquotes. All to be found in one place. It would be great! Thanks in advance. :)

[Stewart]

Yes, I understand the difficulty but I just find it odd that not a single correction has made it on to Rocky's list in all these years.

I'm making good progress with my own translations of GB and AP and hope to have at least one of them published this year but hopefully both, so that should help a great deal.

True Tarsier. Stewart it would be wonderful if you started a new thread pointing out all the known mistakes in translations and misquotes. All to be found in one place. It would be great! Thanks in advance. :)

Ok, how's this for a plan: two topics, one in my forum that I can edit at any time, but I'll also post the same information into general discussion. The list in my forum will be free of any discussion in that topic so the information will remain all in one place, and can be used to update the topic in general discussion at anytime.

If we could make a concerted effort as a forum to correct anyone who posts the false information in future, that would really be a step forward.

I'll make a start later.

Stewart

[Sam Peppiatt]

Rocky & Stewart,

I like the poster board, but the 300 clues are the best. Even if they are misinterpreted, they are right. It would be a mistake to change them.

Sam Peppiatt

[rocky]

John Collins hired Mike Senior to do a literal, not exact, translation of the old German. This is like the bible being translated from Hebrew to Greek to Latin to German then to what I read, English. A lot is lost in translation as my preacher tells us every weekend.

I'm sorry Stewart that you find it odd that I don't have your correct translation in my clue list. The reason is that you wrote me once that I needed your permission to use your translation; something about you were going to publish your version to make money off of it. And there are thousands and thousands of posts on here. I am not going to spend months typing in keywords and doing a search to find the better translation for a clue. What to do? How about having just one topic called "CLUE TRANSLATION" and everyone can put their version there.

Here is an example Stewart where you said Henry Dirks, Glenn Rouse, Andrew Witter and Mike Senior were wrong. Your translation is on the bottom:

Four translations of the same clue paragraph of the Kassel bi-directional wheel that required a push start
Das Triumphirende, 2nd edition, Johann Bessler, Kassel, 1719, pp. 20-21:

1: "The inward structure of the wheel is of a nature according to the laws of mechanical perpetual motion, so arranged that by disposed
weights once in rotation they gain force from their own swinging, and must continue their movement as long as their structure does not
lose its position and arrangement. Unlike all other automata, such as clocks, or springs, or other hanging weights which require winding
up or whose duration depends on the chain which attaches them, on the contrary these weights are the essential parts, and constitute
the perpetuum mobile itself; as from them is received the universal movement which they must exercise so long as they remain out of the
centre of gravity; and when they come to be placed together, and so arranged one against another that they can never obtain equilibrium,
or the punctum quietus which they unceasingly seek in their wonderous speedy flight, one or other of them must apply its weight
vertically to the axis, which in its turn must also move." PV 103 Henry Dirks/Goez and Beauchamp translation 1861
[ "Oddities; A Book of Unexplained Facts", written by Rupert T. Gould in 1928 changed Dirks “vertical� to “right angles�. ]

2. “Except for a small change in the external dimensions of the wheel for raising weights (or so-called "running wheel"), I have organized
everything together in accordance with those structures of the previous machine which I had broken to pieces. These small changes
occurred by chance and do not need to be defended.
Around the firmly placed horizontal axis is a rotating disc (low or narrow cylinder) which resembles a grindstone. This disc can be
called the principle piece of my machine. Accordingly, this wheel consists of an external wheel (or drum) for raising weights which is
covered with stretched linen. The base of the cylinder is 12 Rhenish feet in diameter. The height (or thickness) is 18 inches. The axle
(or shaft) passing through the center is 6 feet long and 8 inches thick cross-sectionally.
The internal structure of this drum (or wheel) consists of weights arranged according to several a priori, that is, scientifically
demonstrable, laws of mechanical perpetual motion. After the wheel completes a single rotation, or after a single force is applied to the
wheel, the motion drives the wheel unceasingly. As long as the wheel’s whole structure does not change, the wheel continues its
revolutions without any further assistance from external motive power. Other automatic machines, such as clockwork, springs, and
hoisting weights, necessarily require an external restoring force.
As long as the upper weight remains outside the center of gravity, it incessantly exercises universal motion from which the essential
constituent parts of the machine receive power and push. These parts are enclosed in a case and are coordinated with one another so
that they not only never again reach an equilibrium (or point of rest) for themselves but incessantly seek with their admirably fast swing to
move and drive on the axis of their vortices loads that are vertically applied from the outside and are proportional to the size of the
housing.
The mechanical wheel not only bears the name of the long sought perpetual motion machine; it deserves to be named for such
motion. It uses one of the best known implements for mechanical power, namely, a true circular wheel which rotates about its central axis.�
DT 20 Glenn Rouse(Al Bacon of Michigan)/Andrew Witter (Ted of Chicago nom de plumes) translation 1998

3. “The internal structure of the wheel is designed in such a way that weights applied in accordance with the laws of Perpetual Motion, work,
once a small impressed force has caused the commencement of movement, to perpetuate the said movement and cause the rotation to
continue indefinitely – that is, as long as the device retains its structural integrity – without the necessity of external assistance for its
continuation – such as the mechanisms which are to be found in other ‘automatics’ – e.g. clockwork, springs or weights that require
rewinding. For this concept, my 'principle of excess weight’ ... these weights are themselves the PM device, the 'essential constituent
parts' which must of necessity continue to exercise their motive force (derived from the PM principle [excess weight]) indefinitely - so long
as they keep away from the centre of gravity. To this end they are enclosed in a structure or framework, and coordinated in such a way
that not only are they prevented from attaining their desired equilibrium or ‘point of rest’, but they must for ever seek it, thereby
developing an impressive velocity which is proportional to their mass and to the dimensions of their housing. This velocity is sufficient for
the moving and raising of loads applied to the axis of rotation.� DT190 John Collins/Mike Senior translation 2005

4. Stewart Hughes of Devon, England, forum topic: Grundlicher Bericht 2008
German:
“The inner structure of this tympanum or wheel is of such a nature, after which a number of weights arranged according to 'a priori' (that is, scientifically demonstrable) laws of mechanical perpetual motion, continuously drive the wheel after/from [a] single received rotation,
or after/from [a] single impressed force of the swing/impetus/momentum, and its revolution must continue so long as that is to say the
whole structure maintains itself, without any further assistance and help [from] external motive forces which would require restitution.�
Latin:
“[The] interior structure [of the] tympanum or wheel is so constructed, in order that weights, arranged according to 'a priori' or scientifically
demonstrable laws of mechanical perpetual motion, may drive the wheel without rest [from a] single received impulse & revolution, and
may cause perpetual motion, as long as of course [the] structure itself [does] not lose its position and order/arrangement; and without any
further help & without another added source of motion which may need to be restored.� forum Stewart

Does anyone else like the idea of a topic "Clue Translation"?

[rocky]

Thank you Stewart for wanting to correct all my bad translations. Here are all of John Collins clues from his books. The clues are by page numbers. I look forward to reading your correct versions.

I had to do posting in 4 Parts as there is a size limit on uploading.

Part 1

Contents
1. 1715 Grundlicher Bericht (GB)
2. 1716 Apologia Poetica (AP)
3. 1719 Das Triumphirende (DT)
4. 1722 Maschinen Tractate (MT)
5. Witness Clues By Dates
6. Unsubstantated Clues
7. Timeline of Events (Bessler Biography)
8. People Involved
9. Glossary of Keywords

1. GB - Grundlicher Bericht 1715 Clues

GB – Grundlicher Bericht (Thorough Report), Bessler, Germany 1715, John Collins/translated by Mike Senior 2005

“Is there such a thing in nature as perpetual motion, or a perpetuum mobile? And that therefore, whether it may be possible for human hands to introduce into material bodies, in themselves lifeless, a permanent innate motive force, a constant interchange of rise and fall, of excess and deficient weight, resulting, as it were, in a living machine ... imagine how a heavy material body, in defiance of its innate natural tendency to gravitate towards the center of the earth, could be induced to rise once more.� GB 52

“And so the sole aim of the present tract is to accompany this present engraving showing the true outward appearance of the genuine Orffyrean Mobile (which at the moment is to be found in the green courtyard at the Sixt Gate in Merseburg) by furnishing a brief report on its discovery, its external constitution, its movement, and its practical benefits, past and future – thereby satisfying the desires of many lovers of curiosities and the practical sciences from many distant regions.� GB 53

“He incurred costs in the perfecting and patenting of his latest, and true, machine.� GB 55
“No signs of any patents and to be honest I don't think Bessler even tried to get one.� forum JC
“I wonder why it would mention patents if there weren't any.....Wagner, it would seem would be all over these
as a part of his cynical attacks.� forum Steve
“The key words here are 'Abnehmung' which means 'undertaking' and 'Verkauffung' which means selling/marketing...
... Abnehmung und Verkauffung dieses seines nunmehro wahrhafftigen Inventi, ... not “patenting�
... [the] undertaking and selling/marketing of this his now genuine invention, ... " forum Stewart, Grundlicher Bericht

“From the beginning he had hoped to show the curious world the progress of his work by means of engravings [MT]. But never, in the face of all these costs and difficulties, did he let his spirits sink, and so finally God blessed him after his ten year long arduous researches. For, in 1712, during his stay at Gera in the Voigtland, he hit upon the genuine Prepondium [AP 348], and so it was that on the 6th June of that year he set in motion the first model of his Mobile, two and a half Leipzig elles in diameter and four inches in thickness, for the very first time. But later it was demonstrated on many occasions in the presence of the Landgrave himself and many others persons of high rank, including renowned mathematicians, engineers and scholars versed in all Nature’s curiosities. The machine was even moved about from one place to another, but never failed to run as designed, and as a result of all this it could clearly be attested that the device’s performance was authentic.�
GB 55 [ 1 ell = 22.3 inches, Gera First Wheel: 2.5 x 22.3 = 55.75 / 12 = 4.6 feet ]

“It later came about the Orffyreus moved to Draschwitz, and once again having settled down there, he began to think it necessary to counter the objections of those people who, whilst convinced of the truth of the principle of Perpetual Motion, were never the less certain that it would not be possible to build a large-scale version of the model. So enlargement became a top priority, and at the end of St.Michael in 1713 the fact was achieved as reported in the Leipzig newspapers of November 1714 and also in other German and French journals. The machine was a wheel provided with an arrangement of light boards to conceal the inner workings; it was very nearly 5 elles in height and 6 inches in width. It revolved with so much velocity that in one minute it completed more than 50 revolutions (thus almost marking the seconds). Unlike the Gera machine, which could only manage to lift a load of a few pounds, the new machine was able to achieve far more. It could drive several presses of considerable weight, or raise a weight of some 40 lbs or more several yards high and, if the circumstances of the place had allowed it, could have actually doubled this performance.� GB 55 [ Draschwitz Second Wheel: 5 x 22.3 = 111.5 / 12 = 9.3 ft ]

“However because of various circumstances, Orffyreus decided to look yet again for a new residence, and hoped to find somewhere more suitable to his requirements, and in particular, more suited to the construction of a still larger machine. He eventually found a place that was just right as mentioned earlier, it was in the so-called Green Court, hard by the sixth gate at Merseberg. It was there that, just before Easter this year, he perfected the machine illustrated on the accompanying engraving [GB 49]. The description which follows is intended to elucidate the engraving in a series of numbered annotations. 1. is the wheel (the Mobile) itself 6 Leipzig elles high and a foot wide, covered with a green lacquered cladding to prevent people from looking inside.� GB 56 [ Merseberg Third Wheel: 6 x 22.3 = 133.8 / 12 = 11.2 ft ]

“The causative principle of the movement, its ponderous impetus, is designed, after much ingenious speculation, to fulfill a certain requirement. (All this is being stated now in order to refute those who maintain that the machine is driven by a strong spring or suchlike device such as is employed by watchmakers.) The requirement was that the machine would revolve in either direction, as desired, without any external help, force or whatever; the actual workings are fully internal,and remain concealed within the machine. The inventor has given his assurance on all these points – a solemn undertaking which can be verified by anyone who is capable of observation of the machine’s performance – the continual interchange of rise and fall in all of its parts, at first slow, then gradually increasing its tempo to the accompaniment of a likewise increasing noise caused by the movement of its internal weights.� GB 56

“The motion is instigated by the lightest possible touch of 2 fingers, and continues, with increasing momentum until something breaks or wears out, or a stronger opposing force is externally applied. With these provisos, indeed, the machine would continue its perpetual course indefinitely.� GB 57

“In Merseburg, an investigation was arranged for 31st October ... Namely, the good Inventor did cause the aforementioned machine, to revolve first in one direction, then in the other. This he did by exerting, on the resting machine, the most trivial of impulses; the pressure of two fingers, with not the slightest undue force, being all that was necessary. This pressure was applied until the moment when a single one of the weights present inside the body of the device began to fall. The machine then gradually began, of its own accord, to revolve faster and faster, soon acquiring a speedy and regular rate of rotation in which it persisted until it was stopped by the application of very considerable effort. It also retained this same speed and regularity of rotation when it was used to lift a chest containing 6 heavy wall-bricks (the total weight being about 70 lbs).� GB 61 [ The Kassel bi-directional wheel slowed under load ]

“For if one considers the above-mentioned sizes and proportions of the three machines constructed by Monsieur Orffyreus (at Gera, Draschwitz and Mersburg respectively), we can see that the first could only lift a few pounds, the second 40 or so, but the third could lift between 70 and 80 lbs.� GB 63

“If, on opening up the machines, it is found that the motive power has ceased without breakdown of structure or material, then the machine shall not be accorded the title ‘Perpetual’, but only ‘Temporary’, like everything previously produced by the opponents of Orffyreus. In other words, Orffyreus will freely admit that it has all been trickery, and will gladly refund the buyer’s money. Furthermore, because he will have been found guilty of a shameful deceit, involving highranking personages, and upsetting the whole world of truth-seekers, he will place his person at the mercy of the legal process. (But none need have any fears on Orffyreus’ behalf, for his machine is true and genuine, and no deception lies behind it.) But, if, on the other hand, it is found, on opening up the machine, that all Orffyreus’ claims regarding the validity of the principle of the Mobile are verified, and that therefore the device is, indeed, exactly as has been claimed, then the buyer, for the 100,000 Reichsthaler which he has pledged, or already paid, will receive the sought-after priceless object, and the potential value inherent therein. The entire secret pertaining thereto will be revealed to him, and passed on to him as his own property. Furthermore, another large-scale wheel will be built, so that the buyer, or his representative, can see and learn how it is made, what the motive power consists of, and what kind of calculations, dimension, materials and sketches etc, are required. GB 65

“He then set it in motion. He did this with little difficulty, moving it by hand until a single weight inside it was heard to being falling; it then began to rotate of its own accord with such force that within a minute it had rotated 40 and more times, and could only be stopped by applying great effort. The inventor also caused the wheel to rotate in the reverse direction. He then attached a rope to the axle – the other end being allowed to hang down out of the window. This far end was attached to a chest full of bricks - about 70 lb weight in all – and this load was raised and lowered several times by the machine. The most noteworthy detail regarding this particular experiment was that the wheel, while under this considerable load, continued to rotate at exactly the same rate as when it was running “empty�.� GB 68 Merseburg Second Certificate by Johann Weise, Chief magistrate


2. AP - Apologia Poetica 1716 Clues

AP – Apologia Poetica (Formal Poetic Defense), Bessler, Germany 1716, John Collins/translated by Mike Senior 2005
Part 1 pages 250-314, Part 2 pages 315-354.
“His father made many a small toy wheel for him to play with� AP 254 [ hoop and stick toy ]

“I was able to study many very secret writings and interesting sources of wisdom.� AP256

“I worked also with sulphur and with gunpowder, and constructed air-guns which shot far and accurately, becoming a very good shot myself.� AP 257 [ Without sulphur, salt, and mercury all things will come to a standstill. AP 295 ]

“I discovered how a man can climb higher on Jacob’s ladder and learn to shun all superstition.� AP 258
[ toy: cascade flip/flop transfer of energy; shun: violates laws of science ]
“wrong translation: the verb used is 'fahren' which means 'to go'/'to drive' not 'to climb'.� - Stewart

“In a distant monastery I happened to notice a spit turning, and immediately fell to wondering how it could carry on doing so,seemingly all by itself. It had the power continuously to rotate, like a clock that could wind itself up. I looked at it most carefully,and took note of its skilful construction, thinking that the effort I put into all this would repay itself, because they are not fools, who live in monasteries!� AP 258 [ Roasting turnspit start of PM obsession ]

“Eventually I came to Prague, and began as early as my first night there to think of the Primum Mobile. For the vision of the roasting-spit would not leave my mind. I thought it might be possible, on mechanical principles, to devise a better machine, and shut myself up to study the matter.� AP 259 [ not magnetic, fluid or air pressure ]

“One day a Jesuit came to see me - perhaps the most learned priest I'd ever met - and soon we were great friends. He pondered long and deep about what I was investigating, and I reciprocated by going with him to his
monastery. I said to him: "Sir, you are looking at a Perpetuum Mobilist!" He said: " I honestly believe Nature would grant such a discovery to someone willing to put enough effort into the search. If you're interested we could join forces together with God, in the hope that He would let us make this discovery.� AP 259

“Are you, my friend, a man of patience, piety, chastity, honour, purity, truthfulness, diligence and reserve? A man for whom a mere clover-leaf could be reward enough?� AP 260
[The official document seals shown in GB pg 47/69 and DT pg 43/131 resemble a 4 leaf clover ]

“He who wishes to make it in this world must often be prepared to use a combination of lateral thinking and initiative! But I say this - despite many a temptation to go too far, I kept a sense of discipline, and everything that took place did so with God's
approval and with a clear conscience. If anyone wants to know when all this took place, the answer is: seventeen hundred and three [1703]. AP 262

“I read that a thing to be prized more than a ton of gold would be the invention of a Wheel which could turn of its own accord. Soon I could focus my attention on nothing else, hoping that through such a device I might become seriously rich. So I left foreign parts for home and found myself a nice place for a workshop. I began to think nothing could go wrong now, but through unwise courses of action nothing I touched seemed to prosper and I achieved nothing. So only then, ignorant oaf that I was, did my thoughts again turn to Heaven, hoping that with due deference I could beg favours from the Lord. In my now frequent prayers I more or less told Him what I wanted from Him! But, since my purpose was so plainly selfish, all of this came to naught.� AP 263

“With God's help I began to realise where I had gone wrong in the world. For the second time in my life I discarded my childish ways. I followed various vows that I had made, yet I felt depressed much of the time. I prayed in this condition to God, to give me guidance regarding the Perpetuum Mobile, which I was beginning to feel enthusiastic about once more. But not a single working wheel could I produce; things were not progressing at all, and I often thought of the old proverb, popular with the Italians, that a Mobile-maker is like a mad March hare.

And I couldn't help thinking, too, that the years were piling up one after another, and I still hadn't got my own little fireside in proper order, while all over the place friends who had sat with me in school, but had been much lower in the class, had good positions. I couldn't see such a thing happening to me for a long time, if ever. Others were rich in possessions, but I was a poor soul who seemed to get closer to ruin the richer I became in knowledge. The old "Jack of all trades" saying rang loud in my ears. I became very fed up with my life, and often wished I was just a simple peasant. Melancholy was often my sole companion. And yet I sometimes took comfort from the constant presence of God within my heart,for with him there is no need for man to torment his soul with sorrows.

A poor wise man is more honoured than any rich man who lacks learning. In a man's head is a treasure richer than any that is kept in a chest, for the latter can soon be stolen, whilst the former is safe from all enemies. Seek first then, the Kingdom of God, for the earthly one will come later of it's own accord. Put aside all cares, be patient and take courage! You know so much, so go forward and create the Mobile. Perhaps God will allow you to invent it, and fathom the mystery of true motive power.

He who seeks shall find - when did anything just fall from the heavens into the laps of the masters of the old? Rarely does the doubter make discoveries, for he holds the Truth to be an impossibility. Just read the words of Mark: "All things are possible to him who shall believe." So - go to it - discover the Perpetuum Mobile!� AP 265 [ Mark 11:24, Luke 11:9 ]

“So, feeling myself to be in a sense like an organist, it is perhaps not surprising that I began to take a great interest in these splendid instruments. Their subtle mechanisms fascinated me. Soon no craft began to give me more pleasure than that of the organmaker. I learned things I had never known before, and they gave me untold joy. I consulted many a volume written by those men of former times who held this art in high regard. And indeed, I found there all I could wish for. If I hadn’t undertaken organ-craft [bell cranks/levers/push-pull rods], I would probably not have achieved the Mobile. It prepared me for the Primum Mobile, and accompanied me on the true path towards it. God chose this noble channel [organ-craft] to send forth my work into the vale of tears that is our world, and bring solace to those who labor. Every land shall marvel when it learns of my invention.� AP 267

“Since I had realised that organ-craft would be of use to me in the quest for my Mobile, I set to work with a will. I made many calculations and constructed many models. Parts from all over the area were collected for making machines. When all the parts were ready, I would fit them together with painstaking care, and when things had reached the point where the wheel should have revolved freely...well, it refused to do so. You can imagine how frustrated I became! I would complain to no-one, but would take solace in thinking about other matters. But no true revolution manifested itself, whatever I did! What's more, funds were getting low, because all the bits and pieces cost no small sum! Often I had to put up with bad food so that the Mobile could be served up the feast it demanded. No one else could possibly have ventured so much as I did in the pursuit of the Perpetuum Mobile. I worked away endlessly, and night and day my head was filled with conjectures. I relished no food; the project was making my head spin. But I always came back again and undertook new experiments. I was ‘perpetually’ devising new ideas in secret, and these I would boldly incorporate into yet another new wheel. This one just had to work... How nicely it stayed put! How much I regretted the time and, especially, the money I'd put into it all!� AP 268

“It would have been difficult, in the face of all this, for anyone to pluck up the courage to make new efforts. The net result of it all was sure to be the same as last time. But I doubt if anyone, in any country, has ever had the patience and diligence I showed in my obsessive fancy. While other people were being carefree, I'd be tearing my heart out. I'd discover something wonderful, on which I'd staked everything, only to be heard loudly lamenting, a few days later, at the thought that the years of work had been fruitlessly expended. I'd be overcome by great sorrow, would go to my bedroom full of anguish and weep bitterly, till finally God took pity on me, showed me his love, and blessed with good fortune my ensuing labours. I had a rare dream, which gave me strength, happiness, air and space. For weeks I forgot the outside world and concentrated on my innermost self. Soon I was free of cares and greatly comforted by a new enlightenment. God had sent Joy after sorrow. For
I put together the very first device which could spontaneously revolve a little. I saw that I had finally made the right choice, and why the earlier ones had been wrong. My heart leapt for joy at the sight of this genuine Mobile. Just as a preacher at the end of his sermon ponders on a mystery too deep for human understanding, he knows that the mystery is well known to God. It was God who made it possible for me, and so it is God alone whom I must praise.� AP 269

“So it was at the house of Richters in the year 1712 I achieved the discovery of the wondrous device that has amazed the world so much. My industry was spared the curses which accompanied the earlier efforts. The machine stood 4.6 feet high [4 inches wide] .. On unfastening a bolt, the [Gera] wheel immediately began to revolve.� AP 270

"The bolts which regulated the motion were screwed into and out of the axle [Draschwitz] by many people, for I allowed all my friends to operate it." AP 272 [ the wheel was mounted within a rectangle frame with threaded bolts having tapered ends going into center ends of the axle which had metal inserts for the bearing and pressure from the bolts would regulated speed ]

“another false rumor had it the [Draschwitz] wheel rotated because there was a cat as shown by the scratching noise coming from inside.� AP 272

“I constructed my great work, the 6-eil [11 ft] diameter wheel [Merseburg]. It revolved in either direction, but caused me a few headaches before I got the mechanism properly adjusted .. People then began to believe that the wheel did not require winding up.� AP 278

"by making the true claim - that no weights hang from the axle of my wheel." AP 278

“My visitors included supporters from the highest ranks, but with them too came base parasites. Some pretended that my secrets were already common knowledge, probably hoping that in this way I would be tricked into delivering my artistry into their greedy hands. But I would often answer them back as if I was a mumbling shepherd. They got no word of truth from me. I got to be very good at hiding the truth. Sometimes I fooled them with mumbo-jumbo such as made-up Latin words, and would then clam up tight again. People would whisper that I had worn myself out with excessive study. Never did I hear a word of praise, though I was criticised left, right and centre. But I never changed, never once wavered, because a single word could have betrayed my wondrous achievement.� AP 280

“Already well over 50 machines, big and small have been made.� AP 282 [ AP page 300, in later years, says 100 machines ]

“My invention is not fanciful .. I have invented something new from commonplace materials.� AP 286

“But he (Wagner) knew all the ins and outs himself. If something went wrong with my machine, I'd mend it by poking around through a tiny hole, to prevent anyone seeing inside.� AP 288

“There's also no trickery going on behind that hole - it's just for inspection purposes.� AP 289

“I hadn't given any thought to the possibility that Wagner might want to cause me harm when he came to visit me at Draschwitz. I received him warmly, but our acquaintance lasted just as long as it took him to swallow his breakfast.
I hadn't seen him before, andI haven't seen him since.� AP 289

“If they were to invent with their own hands a dynamic device such as mine, it would be worth my while to come up with something even more astonishing to confront them with.� AP 290 [ dynamic (adjective) vigorous; forceful ]

“All the inmost parts, and the perpetual-motion structures, retain the power of free movement, as I've been saying since 1712.� AP 291 [ Does this mean there are outmost parts, inmost parts, PM structures, and the supporting frame which is covered? ]
[ He says he has been saying this since 1712. AP was published in 1716. He must have orally said it to visitors since there is no other written statement found of this subject ]
[ these three clues are about Wagner’s comment on Draschwitz machine having one small access hole ]
[ The 5 above clues are about the major clue in Wagner’s Critique - see Witness 1715 section ]

a. “A work of this kind has as its basis of motion many separate pieces of lead [weights]. These come in pairs, such that, as one of them takes up an outer position, the other takes up a position nearer the axle. Later, they swap places, and so they go on and on changing places all the time. (This principle [swapping weight pairs] is in fact the one that Wagner said he owed to me - but I was quite wrongly implicated, as I’d never informed anyone about the matter.)� AP 291 Collins translation
Single weight or pair: As one pair or weight takes up an outer position, the other pair or weight takes position near axle?
MT143 (136 back) shows two pairs of counterbalanced weights, one at axle, one at rim.

b. “A craftwork must drive itself by many individual pieces of lead, which are now always two and two, one thing takes the outward position, so the other goes to the shaft, and so it alternates on and on.� AP 291 Stewart translation

c. “There are now always two and two. Takes one thing the outer position, so will the other (drive/slide/move) towards the axle.� AP 291 Fletcher translation { “I think the "two and two" is interesting, also that he avoids to say that a weight is moving .. a thing is moving, can be a mechanism of 2? So are two pairs working together .. on opposite end of the arm?� - Fletcher }

"anyone who wants can go on about the wonderful doings of these weights, alternately gravitating to the centre and climbing back up again, for I can't put the matter more clearly." AP 291 [ axle center of wheel or center of gravity of the mechanism? ]

a. "I would just like to add this friendly little note of caution: A great craftsman would be that man who can 'lightly' cause a heavy weight to fly upwards! Who can make a pound weight rise as 4 ounces fall, or 4 pounds rise as 16 ounces fall [4 to 1 ratio]. If he can sort that out, the motion will perpetuate itself. But if he can't, then his hard work shall be all in vain." AP 291 Collins translation [ repeated clue on pages 291, 330, 348 ]

b. “He will be called a great craftsman, who can easily/lightly throw a heavy thing high, and if/when one pound falls a quarter, it shoots four pounds up four quarters high. Who on this can speculate, will soon the motion perpetuate, Who however does not yet know this, all that hard work/industry is in vain,� AP 291 Stewart translation, Jan 07 topic: Making weights rise

c. "He’d be called a great artist, Who can easily throw a heavy thing up, And if a pound falls a quarter,
It shoots up four pounds four quarters high. Who can from this aimless search, Soon attain perpetual motion;
Who does not know, however, this yet, All persistence is in vain;" AP 291 Jonathan Jul 04 topic: 4 onces,1 pound

d. “The one can call himself a great artist, who can easily throw a heavy thing high up. And when a pound drops 1/4th it flings up 4 pound by 4/4th.� AP 291 Tinhead/Rainer translation Jul 04 topic: Apologia Poetica

a. "I also think it’s a good thing to be completely clear about one further point. Many would-be Mobile-makers think that if they can arrange for some of the weights to be a little more distant from the center than the others, then the thing will surely revolve. A few years ago, I learned all about this the hard way. And then the truth of the old proverb came home to be that one has to learn through bitter experience. There's a lot more to matters of mechanics than I've revealed to date.� AP 291 JC

b. “Many a mobile maker thinks, if their things just guide themselves out a little further here than there, oh so it will just run.�
- Stewart translation
“I think the "guide themselves" means that he is not contradicting himself when he previously talks about overbalance. He just seems to be warning us away from the simple rolling-ball type designs etc. that most mobilists of the time experimented with. Bessler states quite clearly on a number of occasions that his wheel is overbalanced - that's what causes it to revolve. However, there are two ways to overbalance a wheel as Bill says - one is to move weights in and out between the axle and rim, and the other is to shift weights around the rim. Obviously the part we're all trying to figure out is how to perpetually maintain the overbalance. It's not a contradiction if the shifting, overbalancing weights are not the prime mover; i.e. the wheel is a basic overbalanced wheel, but the prime mover (the thing we are searching for) shifts the weights to cause the overbalance. So Bessler on one hand can say his wheel turns because of shifting overbalancing weights, but can also say that if you are looking at that as the prime mover then you are going to struggle. IMO, as I've said before, I think that once we find the prime mover we'll be able to implement it in various machines, and will be able to turn a wheel by several methods, shifting overbalancing weights being one of them.� Stewart comment

"Even though it be the truest of all possible machines, there's always the danger that a surreptitious shove would knock it out of balance and bring it grinding to a halt." AP 293 [ it rotates because it is out of balance, the shove would balance it? ]

a. Apologia Poem Puzzle - Collins
“Those who are keen to ask questions should ask them of this little book. My deeds will not be revealed prematurely. Should anyone wish to speculate about the truth, let him ponder on the rich pageantry of words which I now cause to shower down upon him!
For greed is an evil plant. An anvil receives many blows. A driver drives. A runner runs. The seer sees. The buyer buys. The rain drips down. Snow falls. The shotgun shoots. The bow twangs. A great herd of fat, lazy, plump horses wanders aimlessly. The flail would rather be with the thresher than the scholar. Children play with heavy clubs among the broken columns.
Acrobats and shadow-boxers are as fleet and nimble as the wind. The cunning cat slinks silently along and snatches nice juicy mice. The dog creeps out of his kennel just as far as his chain will stretch. He knows how to please by playing with his little toys and knick-knacks. He wags his tail, creeps through the hoop and is rewarded with a pat on his paws by the stiff fops who watch him.
A wheel appears - is it really a wheel, for it does not have a normal rim. It revolves, but without other wheels inside or outside, and without weights, wind or springs. Seen sideways or full-face it is as glorious as a peacock’s tail. It turns to the right and to the left; it spins around in any direction, whether laden or empty. All things belong to one of the three kingdoms ( animal, vegetable or matter) and you have the physical evidence before you. Without such things as sulphur, salt, and mercury all things will come to a standstill - the qualities of the elements are necessary to keep things going. Saturn, Mars and Jupiter are ready to join in any battle.
Even the things we eat do not lose their elemental influence - for it spreads itself through every limb and sinue of our bodies. A crab crawls from side to side. It is sound for it is designed thus. Poltergeists wander freely through locked doors. But softly! - speak softly of all these marvels, lest the enemy grows wise! He will drench me with his spittle so that I will lose my temper and in a sudden fit, cast aside the mantle that conceals my wheel. But he shall be thwarted in his desires.� AP 295 Collins translation Little Book
b. Apologia Poem Puzzle - Stewart
“Who indeed is keen to question, question this booklet. &c. My deeds will not [be] revealed before time, yet who wants [to] guess, contemplate, which word-pageantry I now mix/blend into one another: a Gärtner/gardenerG is no fence-breaker a Wagner/wainwrightW wants boreholes/to bore holesB avariceG is a rootW [of] evilB an anvil receives many blows. A driver/carter drives, a runner runs, the rain flows, the snow that falls, the rifle fires, the bow shoots/springs; here wander a large herd [of] very fat, lazy, thick horses, flails/louts want in general [to] be with threshers, not with doctors/teachers; children play on the small columns with loud/many heavy little [Schniebe]-clubs; acrobats Federfechters are [as] quick and nimble as the wind, the cunning cat creeps quietly, and catches nice fat mice, the dog also from the kennels creeps, only so far [as] the chain reaches, the beautiful little treasures and machines he knows to serve/operate very friendly/kindly/nicely, he wags well with his tail, crawls on the belly through the frost/ring, therefore him soon the skinny dolls/puppets also rap quite on the paws; &c. one sees a wheel, and also no wheel, because it has rims and also none, runs without internal and external wheels, cymbal-weight, wind and clock-spring, &c. here it looks half, there it looks whole, it boasts like a peacock's tail, &c.
it moves to the right and to the left, one may wave/beckon/motion him just with fingers, it spreads itself the length and breadth, here it is full, there it is empty; a thing consists of the three realms/kingdoms, you have clear sign(s), without sulphur, salt, mercury also soon a thing must lapse. &c. The elements' qualities are also necessary [for/to] all things; Saturn, Mars, Jupiter are nicely prepared for all wars. &c. The thing also, (from which one feeds) through intestine and marrow and bones goes; &c. A crayfish/crab crawls forwards and backwards, and is healthy (well prepared.) Poltergeists freely walk frequently through locked doors;� AP 295 Steward translation topic: AP - Part I, Chapter XLVI (46) Steward later said clubs is marble game
c. Apologia Poem Puzzle - Rufus Gartz
It was translated using the "Dictionary of the English and German Languages, 1901 edition, published by Thieme-Preusser in Hamburg, Germany". Where a word has two meanings then both are shown separated by a /. Where a word translates to a phrase then it is shown in ' ' quotation marks e.g laufer lauffet = 'one is let go/escape'. I took the liberty of defining the X marks as a new paragraph.

Those who are keen to ask questions should ask them of this little book. My deeds will not be revealed prematurely. Should anyone wish to speculate about the truth, let him ponder the rich pageant of words which I now cause to shower down upon him!

The mean/greed is the root evil/negative. An anvil gets many impacts. A carrier carries, 'one is let go/escape'. The Seer sees, the buyer/purchaser bought, The rain 'begins to flow', the snow that falls; The box/gun shoots, the curve quickens; Here wanders/strays one/a large herd/flock Very fat, column, depth horses; This flail wants generally/commonly 'to be' threshed, not with the doctor be. The 'childish playing' over then columns with only weight/gravity edge-'to make rough' Airtight-jumper feather/'light spring'-fencer/fighter be Swift and quick like the wind. This cunning cat glides quietly, And catches his fat mouse. The hound/dog also out the iron creeped, but only 'about' this chain reaches. This beauty cloaked/shaded and mechanism white/blank it is very friendly to work/operate 'it is' shaken well with its toil Creeped out that middle/internals through/across the tear/crack/opening 'For it'/that them almost this aridity/dryness trick/prank Also nearly over this scrawled thread/weaving;

I see a wheel, and 'not any'/'not just a' wheel, Because 'to provide a wheel' and also 'not any'/'not just a' had/'done what was needed'. Turns without inner and outer wheels, without 'Cymbala hoisted weights', winch/winder and watch-spring,

Here seen half, there seen whole; It boasts like a peacock tail.

It turns 'to the' 'right hand' and 'to the' 'left hand'; I 'be allowed' it just/only with fingers beckon. It widens/broadens itself this long and diagonal, Here is it full, there is it empty; A thing stood out then three 'to reach'/'to extend'; It had/have hand-grabbed proof/sign/drawing, Without brimstone/sulphur, salt, quicksilver/mercury. Also soon a thing away obliged/compelled.

The elemental qualities Also/'as well' every thing be needing. Saturn, Mars, Jupiter be to every 'to get' willing be.

That thing also, ('from which' I myself fed) Through internals/intestines and border/marrow and leg/trip driven/driving;
One crabs forward and backward crawling And it sound (well prepared/designed) The ghostly-crashing freely "walks leisurely/'at a slow pace' " For/as frequently through closed doors.� AP 295 Rufus Gartz topic: Apologia Poetica Translation

d. Apologia Poem Puzzle - Ralf
The stinginess/miserliness/love of money is an evil root/radix. An anvil gets a lot of blows/hits/shocks. A wagoner/carter/driver rides/drives, a runner/rotor/grinder runs/works; the seer/beholder sees/beholds/looks/spots/views/checks, the buyer/vendee buys/purchases, (89) The rain flows, the snow falls; The gun/can/bushing shoots, the bow/arc/crescent-shaped-object accelerates/moves quickly; here moves a large herd/group/flock [of] very fat, lazy, thick horses; The flails/boors want in secret to be at/with the threshers, not the doctors/physicians/scholars. The children play on the columns/pillars with lots of/louder heavy/hard Schniebe-käulgen [in the] Air-jumpers/jacks feather/spring-fencers are spry/fast and rapid/brisk like the wind[ing/thread?].

The smart cat slinks/tiptoes/sneaks/creeps and catches/snatches fine fat mice. The dog creeps/slinks also out of the hut/kennel/house, but only as far as the chain/thread/string reaches/permits. The beautiful treasures/estimate and machines/mechanisms he knows to operate/serve them very well/friendly. He wags/waggles/waves well/deliberately/probably with his tail crawls/creeps/slinks on the belly through the hoop/tire/bracelet/rime, for that/therefore soon the scrawny/slim jacks/poppets also hit/tap/knock/thump [him] on the paws; X

One sees one wheel, and also no wheel[a not/un-wheel?], because it has rims/felloes and also none at the same time. [it?] Runs/works without inner and outer wheels, cymballa-shaped weight, wind[ing/thread?] and clock-spring/feather, X
Here you see it half/in half/in part, there you see it complete/entire/whole; It brags/boasts/shows off like a peacock-tail. X
It runs/works to the right and to the left [-wards/-hand sides]; one only needs to wave/beckon with the fingers/pegs/hand. The length and width broadens itself, here it is full/complete, there is is empty/blank/barren;

A thing is made up/built/consists of/out of the three realms; [there] you have [my/the/your] obvious/tangible/handy/seizable cues/signs/gestures, Without sulfur/brimstone, salt, mercury/Mercur soon a thing is bound to lapse/flow away, too. X The qualities of the/these elements are required/needed for every thing. Saturn, Mars, Jupiter fine/pretty/swell are willingly ready for every[-one's?] war. X The thing, too (on/by which one nourishes/feeds) through intestines/bowels and pith/core and legs drives/is driven [goes right through]; X A crab/cancer/crawfish creeps/crawls/slinks forward and backwards/on its back and is wholesome/well/healthy (well done/prepared.) The poltergeists[rumble/scuffle-ghosts/spirits/specters] are roaming/walking around freely on occasion/often through locked/closed doors/doorways.� AP 295 Ralf topic: Apologia Poetica Translation

e. Apologia Poem Puzzle - Oystein
“Greed is the root to evil. An anvil get many hits. A carter carts, a runner runs; The seer sees, the buyers buyes;
The rain flows, the snow falls; The socket shoots, the curve shoots up; Here walk a big herd Very much fat, decayed, thick horses; The "punks" wants generally to be on the doorstep, not with their teachers. The children play on the boxes With louder heavy marbels.

Aerial jumpers and showfighters are Fast and swiftly like the wind. The clever cat quietly creep, And catches fine fat mice. The dog also from the hut creeps, However, only so far the chain reaches. The nice treasures and machines If he knows how to behave very nice; He waves his tail Creeps on the belly through the dust / frost / snow. Then he soon shakes dry And as proper, the paws shakes.

One sees a wheel and also no wheel, Because it has rims and also none. Runs without inner and outher wheels,
Hanging weighs, wind and watch spring. Here seen half, there seen completely; It shows off like a peacock's tail.
It runs to the rights and to the lefts; One may wave to him only with fingers. It spreads out the length and across;
Here it is full, there it is empty.

A thing exists of three empires; Without sulphur, salt, Merkurius. Soon a thing must pass. Of the elements qualities Also to every thing are needed. Saturn, Mars, Jupiter looks nice In all wars they are willing. The thing also (from what man feed itself) Go through Bowel and ?body and soul? ; A crayfish forward and backwards creeps And is healthy for you (properly prepared). The Poltergeists freely walk From time to time through closed doors.� AP 295 Oystein translation topic: Apologia Poetica Translation


“If I were to sell my art one could run to craftsmen who in the space of 4 weeks could build what I can scarcely build in 6
months.� AP 297

“I would have to ensure that the main parts are made of the best iron, steel and brass, even if a considerable amount of money is involved. Then it will stay sound for a long time! AP 297

“The main mechanisms, if built properly, should remain serviceable for many years. But, if something does go amiss, it won’t cost much in the way of money, time, trouble or difficulty. Mostly, in fact, it could be put right within the hour.� AP 297

“One can go on working comfortably in winter with my wheel singing away merrily. When other machines are snowed up, mine will go on and on. Hard frosts may reign over there - but here the summer lightning flashes!� AP 298

“Day and night I toiled with hardly any respite, searching all the time, until I found the way to make 100 odd machines. Only after all those did I find the Mobile I had thirsted after. As for myself, the first ten years of my labors were completely wasted.�
AP 300 [ Special drawings MT113 minus number MT13 = 100, both are odd numbers ]

“It ought to be made completely clear to everyone that there is no possibility of anyone being cheated in this matter, so I'll do the decent thing and not avoid the issue. When all the money - every bit of it - that may be agreed has been paid, all the secrets of its artistry will be revealed. Nothing will be hidden away "under the bench!" Afterwards the money will be mine and the secret will be the buyer's. Of course, if my work should then turn out to be as my enemies describe it in their ceaseless chatter (ie. its motive power is not inherent; it has to be initially wound up; it doesn't run as long as its materials endure etc) - then the buyer can snatch back his money, and have my head chopped off! I shall then deservedly be covered in shame, derision and scorn; and all liars shall be rewarded. The evil hostile beasts will be able to clap and cheer in delight. See now, dearest World, has a man ever before entered into so solemn an undertaking as this? The man who wilfully refuses to conclude from all the above that my conscience is clear and honourable is not worthy that the door to my art's secrets should ever be unlocked for him.� AP 302

“When revealed, you will hear the wretches say: - "Just look at the thing properly, and you'll see that there isn't much artistry to it.� AP 308

“It took a tremendous amount of calculation before I was able to devise this machine! It took a great deal of time before it was all properly figured out! It's reached the stage now where even a poor workman could put the thing together without a lot of head-scratching; and get it completed almost before you could notice. The design has, in fact, progressed to the point where there is nothing supercritical about the exact disposition of the weights - an ounce more or less, here or there, makes not a scrap of difference to the Wheel, which will hold its course serenely without "turning a hair".� AP 308 (last quote from AP Part 1)

“What exactly is a Perpetuum Mobile? Wagner says it should keep on revolving and not come to a standstill as long as the materials it’s made of shall last. If it should be able to do this - without any clockwork, weights to be pulled up, or springs - then it must indeed be the true device which many really ingenious minds, using their great talents, have sought, and yet have never found. Yes, just this very wonder-device, which no one has ever succeeded in finding despite the passage of many thousands of years, Orffyreus has, with God’s help, discovered it.� AP 317 (first quote from AP Part 2)

“Just because my wheel has weights, I’m not to be trusted? Learn to draw a distinction between various kinds of weights! Listen – my weights are not like those in turnspits and clocks. They don’t need to be raised up – it’s a different arrangement altogether from what you see in mill-wheels, turnspits and clocks.� AP 324

“I will pledge my blood, my life, my head, that my wheel does not require winding up, as Wagner claims it does. It's all very well for him to chatter on so scornfully, but if he had to wager his head, his writings would become much more protectively cautious, as a safeguard against him coming off second best! Life's a thorny road, and we'd soon see Wagner's head falling off his shoulders if he entered into this wager with me. Don't you realise that people are likely to laugh at your frivolous fancies? I trust in God, and whether he makes me poor or rich is all one to me - I am content.� AP 324

“Now look Wagner, you claim to have devised a Wheel which has a divided axle. You claim my wheel is the same. Ask any of those who have groped inside my Wheel and grasped its axle – and you will be assured that my axle is not like that. Rather it has many compartments and is pierced all over with various holes.� AP 326

“He [Wagner] writes that if anyone with mechanical knowledge were to step forward and place his ear to my device, he would easily unravel its structure. Indeed, he goes babbling on that the clattering inside the machine is there just to prevent anyone from becoming acquainted with the movement. The clattering was not ‘pro forma’ (just for appearance sake).� AP 326

“I’ll gladly give you [Wagner] money for you to construct your machine, just like mine. Suspicion will no longer fall on you. Don’t you realize what I’ve invented, and that already a year ago there were water-mills up and running to my design at Merseburg?� AP 327

“Wagner describes how he thinks my machine is constructed; he babbles about ‘excess weights’ being snatched along, by means of ‘internal motive power’, in a frequently-repeated cycle of up and down movements. According to him, nature dictates that things gravitate downwards. But the weights which rest below must, in a flash, be raised upwards, and it is this that Wagner cannot force himself to accept.� AP 329 [ rest means not moving ]

“Wagner says nothing can be achieved with ‘mechanical implements’, the gist being that my Mobile must be impossible because I designed it to be driven by some ‘mechanical power’. But did I not, in Part One [AP 291], devote more than one line to a discussion of the type of ‘excess impetus’ that people should look for in my devices? Once more I will humbly extol the virtues of this passage to my next worthy reader. Even Wagner will have heard that one pound can cause the raising of more than one pound. He writes that, to date, no one has ever found a mechanical arrangement sufficient for the required task. He’s right! So am I, and does anyone see why? What if I were to teach the proper method of mechanical application? Then people would say: ‘Now I understand!’� AP 330 [ repeated clue on pages Part 1: 291, Part 2: 330, 348 ]

“God decreed that it should be the most unlikely person such as I, who would crack open the hardest nut of all, which no scholar had ever been able to do. Now there's a secret here which I'll freely disclose - if Wagner, the great scholar, had come up with the Mobile, God wouldn't have been given any credit, as it would all have been put down to - scholarship. But God deigned instead to turn to a poor peasant who amounts to nothing! And yet from nothing, God has created something! Is not honour due alone to the Almighty Creator?� AP 337

"Wagner says that my machine does not derive its motive force from the noisy weights. He declares that the mechanism that causes all the clattering is not the thing which causes the rotation of my Wheel. The clattering noise you refer to is, I assure you, a phenomenon caused directly by the real motive power of the machine, and nothing else. You also wish me to inform you why the Draschwitz machine did not create a similar noise. The two machines worked on quite different principles. The Draschwitz one turned in only one direction, but the Merseburg one turned both ways. The former [Draschwitz] was provided with felt coverings, the latter was bare. I have many other machines of various types - some, for instance, with weights, others without." AP 339

"If I were to place, next to a 12-Ell wheel, one of 6-Ells, then, if I wanted to, I could cause the smaller one to revolve with more force and useful power than the large one. I can make 2, or 3, or even more wheels all revolving on the same axis. Further, I make my machines in such a way that, big or small, I can make the resulting power small or big as I choose. I can get the power to a perfectly calculated degree, multiplied up even as much as fourfold.� AP 340

a. “If I arrange to have just one cross-bar in my machine, it revolves very slowly, just as if it can hardly turn itself at all, but, on the contrary, when I arrange several bars, pulleys [Züge] and weights, the machine can revolve much faster." AP 340 Collins
several (adj.) more than two but not many; of a small number; few
pulley (n.) a wheel with a grooved rim in which a pulled rope or chain can run to change the direction of the pull and thereby lift a load
Züge (n.) wheel, pulley, pull, tug, tension [ Old German ]
b. “Because if I make here already in a work so to speak only one cross, So will one see it quite slow. Barely turn itself around; However, if I prepared Many crosses, pulls and weights, So the work can move much faster� AP 340 Steward translation
“In my opinion when Bessler says in AP: "Viel Creutze/ Züge und Gewichte/", the 'Creutze' refers to 'cross-pulls' or 'crossbars', the 'Züge' refers to 'pulls' or 'ropes', and 'Gewichte' means 'weights'.� Steward comment

"If God allowed me a long enough life I could make my wheel go really slowly, with a gentle rhythm, and it would still be able to raise even greater weights! I don't want to go into the details here of how suddenly the ‘excess’ weight is caused to rise. You can't comprehend these matters, or see how true craftsmanship can rise above innate lowly tendencies (as does a weight above the point of application of a lever)." AP 343

“If Wagner possessed a machine such as mine, people would have greatly admired it, but his "Waggoner's Wheel" wasn't worth going to see. Mine would have travelled a thousand miles before his left the town!� AP 328

“A mere turnspit is what he’s [Wagner] talking about. My Mobile is free of all such nonsense. Springs and weights of the kind he describes [wind up] are not to be found in my machine.� AP 346

"In a true Perpetuum Mobile everything must, necessarily, go round together. There can be nothing involved in it which remains stationary on the axle." AP 347 [ contradicts special drawing MT13 stationary structure unless it sways ]

"Jump up and down with gusto yourself, then, Wagner - then start tearing your hair out, because you'll soon find, you splendid mechanic, that this is a nut you can't crack! If one weight is giving an upward impetus, another one, at the same time, is giving an equal downward one." AP 347

“But, fly-wheels are not to be sniffed at! Anyone who sets about with such devices, is not on the right track at all. The wheel’s own inner force must come into being without external momentum being applied by such devices. It must, simply put, just revolve, without being wound-up, through the principle of 'excess weight', as I describe in Part 1 [AP 291].� AP 348

“My Wheel is the true device, and is indeed, a genuine Perpetuum Mobile. None better will ever be found upon this earth, for without the principle that I alone possess, there can be no real perpetual motion. Whoever seeks another method is deceiving himself, for my device does not need winding; it runs according to “preponderance� [superiority in weight, force], and turns everything else along with it; so long as its material shall endure, it will revolve of its own accord. On one side it is heavy and full; on the other [side] empty and light, just as it should be.� AP 348

“Should my device turn out to be as you enemies of mine say it is, you can chop my head off and carry all your money back home with you, wherever you come from! But, should the machine prove to be as I have announced it to be, I'll keep my life and your money, and you can carry my Mobile home!� AP 349

"It’s well known that countless people throughout all ages have sought the secret of perpetual motion, but no one (part from myself) has ever found it. What were they seeking? All the wise ones were looking for the same principle (of excess weight) that I have described, and they sought it in things that were already familiar to them. They sought to bring a wheel into a state of motion, such that, without the need for winding, its innate virtue would keep it revolving as long as its materials might last." AP 351

Apologia last page Bible Quote
Matthew. XV. v.16 “ ‘And are ye yet without understanding?’ Were I to reveal my art, the Devil might enslave you.�


AP Wheel and DT Vase/Skull/Book
Bessler’s wheel is narrow in width but wide in diameter. The small area could hold a long lever. This view of the AP white segment shows a white dot as the fulcrum hinge point of a long lever (white area) that drops suddenly from 3 o’clock to near
4 o’clock. Bessler said his wheel contained more than one cross-bar. If there were 3 crossbars, then each having four arms would be 12 arms matching the 12 clock hour positions as shown in MT21 and MT135. The 12 clock positions are 30° apart but the angle shown here is 27°. The missing 3° would hold the anvil impact board as in MT18 (“the principle is not to be scorned or disregarded�) and described in Little Book (“an anvil receives many blows’). This also matches Christian Wolff observation (“On the periphery of the wheel, during rotation, one can clearly hear the weights hitting against wooden boards. I was able to observe these boards through a slit.�). Bessler wrote: “How suddenly the excess weight is caused to rise (as does a weight above the point of application of a lever)." and �My axle has many compartments.� The lifting end of the long lever could be in one of these compartments. The AP wheel drawing has 3 white segments and their angle matches the angle of the 3 items on the table in the DT base portrait. The vase is leaning 27° from the vertical and the skull and book are tilted 27° from the horizontal.

Bessler only mentions cross-bar twice and only defines it in MT drawing 21:
1. “If I have just one cross-bar in my machine, it revolves slowly, but when I arrange several bars, the machine revolves faster." AP 340
2. “This figure has hanging levers, A, which are internally applied to the cross-bars at B, thus making side C lighter.� MT21
AP three white segments could be arms of 3 cross-bars. MT21 and MT135 each has 3 cross-bars:
1. 12 to 6, 9 to 3 o’clock. AP drawing bottom white segment could be one arm of 1st cross-bar at 6 o’clock.
2. 1 to 7, 10 to 4 o’clock. AP drawing left white segment could be one arm of 2nd cross-bar at 10 o’clock.
3. 2 to 8, 11 to 5 o’clock. AP drawing right white segment could be one arm of 3rd cross-bar at 2 o’clock.
DT Overlay portrait has microscope above 3 vertical pencils as clue to examine closely:
● Horizontal pencil could be axle of wheel.
● Right pencil is the longest to show no tilt as it could be vertical arms of 1st cross-bar from 12 to 6 o’clock.
● Middle pencil is shorter to represent 30° tilt from vertical for 2nd cross-bar arms from 1 to 7 o’clock.
● Left pencil is shortest to represent 60° tilt from vertical for 3rd cross-bar arms from 2 to 8 o’clock.
DT Base portrait left hand 3 middle fingers match 3 vertical pencils:
● Thumb and little finger are apart to represent axle of wheel. Other three fingers match vertical pencils.
● Index finger is 60° off table matching left pencil.
● Middle finger is 30° off table matching middle pencil.
● Third finger is 0° on table matching right pencil.
Little Book AP295 has three dog sentences fully describing all parts of the machine in metaphors:
● “The dog creeps out of his kennel just as far as his chain will stretch.â€�
● “He knows how to please by playing with his little toys and knick-knacks.â€�
● “He wags his tail, creeps through the hoop and is rewarded with a pat on his paws by the stiff fops who watch him.â€�
Little Book AP295 has three group sentences regarding three parts of the machine:
● “All things belong to one of the three kingdoms ( animal, vegetable or matter) and you have the physical evidence before you.â€�
● “Without such things as sulphur, salt and mercury all things will come to a standstill.â€� (3 things)
● “Saturn, Mars and Jupiter are ready to join in any battle.â€� (3 things)

[rocky]

Part 2

3. DT - Das Triumphirende 1719 Clues - Written in German and Latin

DT – Das Triumphirende (The Triumphant Orffryrean Perpetual Motion), Bessler, Germany 1719, Collins/Mike Senior
Little Book in AP has text metaphors to explain the wheel's design. Bessler portraits in DT has graphic metaphor clues.

Four translations of the same clue paragraph of the Kassel bi-directional wheel that required a push start
Das Triumphirende, 2nd edition, Johann Bessler, Kassel, 1719, pp. 20-21:

1: "The inward structure of the wheel is of a nature according to the laws of mechanical perpetual motion, so arranged that by disposed
weights once in rotation they gain force from their own swinging, and must continue their movement as long as their structure does not
lose its position and arrangement. Unlike all other automata, such as clocks, or springs, or other hanging weights which require winding
up or whose duration depends on the chain which attaches them, on the contrary these weights are the essential parts, and constitute
the perpetuum mobile itself; as from them is received the universal movement which they must exercise so long as they remain out of the
centre of gravity; and when they come to be placed together, and so arranged one against another that they can never obtain equilibrium,
or the punctum quietus which they unceasingly seek in their wonderous speedy flight, one or other of them must apply its weight
vertically to the axis, which in its turn must also move." PV 103 Henry Dirks/Goez and Beauchamp translation 1861
[ "Oddities; A Book of Unexplained Facts", written by Rupert T. Gould in 1928 changed Dirks “vertical� to “right angles�. ]

2. “Except for a small change in the external dimensions of the wheel for raising weights (or so-called "running wheel"), I have organized
everything together in accordance with those structures of the previous machine which I had broken to pieces. These small changes
occurred by chance and do not need to be defended.
Around the firmly placed horizontal axis is a rotating disc (low or narrow cylinder) which resembles a grindstone. This disc can be
called the principle piece of my machine. Accordingly, this wheel consists of an external wheel (or drum) for raising weights which is
covered with stretched linen. The base of the cylinder is 12 Rhenish feet in diameter. The height (or thickness) is 18 inches. The axle
(or shaft) passing through the center is 6 feet long and 8 inches thick cross-sectionally.
The internal structure of this drum (or wheel) consists of weights arranged according to several a priori, that is, scientifically
demonstrable, laws of mechanical perpetual motion. After the wheel completes a single rotation, or after a single force is applied to the
wheel, the motion drives the wheel unceasingly. As long as the wheel’s whole structure does not change, the wheel continues its
revolutions without any further assistance from external motive power. Other automatic machines, such as clockwork, springs, and
hoisting weights, necessarily require an external restoring force.
As long as the upper weight remains outside the center of gravity, it incessantly exercises universal motion from which the essential
constituent parts of the machine receive power and push. These parts are enclosed in a case and are coordinated with one another so
that they not only never again reach an equilibrium (or point of rest) for themselves but incessantly seek with their admirably fast swing to
move and drive on the axis of their vortices loads that are vertically applied from the outside and are proportional to the size of the
housing.
The mechanical wheel not only bears the name of the long sought perpetual motion machine; it deserves to be named for such
motion. It uses one of the best known implements for mechanical power, namely, a true circular wheel which rotates about its central axis.� DT 20 Glenn Rouse(Al Bacon of Michigan)/Andrew Witter (Ted of Chicago nom de plumes) translation 1998

3. “The internal structure of the wheel is designed in such a way that weights applied in accordance with the laws of Perpetual Motion, work,
once a small impressed force has caused the commencement of movement, to perpetuate the said movement and cause the rotation to
continue indefinitely – that is, as long as the device retains its structural integrity – without the necessity of external assistance for its
continuation – such as the mechanisms which are to be found in other ‘automatics’ – e.g. clockwork, springs or weights that require
rewinding. For this concept, my 'principle of excess weight’ ... these weights are themselves the PM device, the 'essential constituent
parts' which must of necessity continue to exercise their motive force (derived from the PM principle [excess weight]) indefinitely - so long
as they keep away from the centre of gravity. To this end they are enclosed in a structure or framework, and coordinated in such a way
that not only are they prevented from attaining their desired equilibrium or ‘point of rest’, but they must for ever seek it, thereby
developing an impressive velocity which is proportional to their mass and to the dimensions of their housing. This velocity is sufficient for
the moving and raising of loads applied to the axis of rotation.� DT190 John Collins/Mike Senior translation 2005

4. Stewart Hughes of Devon, England, forum topic: Grundlicher Bericht 2008
German:
“The inner structure of this tympanum or wheel is of such a nature, after which a number of weights arranged according to 'a priori' (that is, scientifically demonstrable) laws of mechanical perpetual motion, continuously drive the wheel after/from [a] single received rotation,
or after/from [a] single impressed force of the swing/impetus/momentum, and its revolution must continue so long as that is to say the
whole structure maintains itself, without any further assistance and help [from] external motive forces which would require restitution.�
Latin:
“[The] interior structure [of the] tympanum or wheel is so constructed, in order that weights, arranged according to 'a priori' or scientifically
demonstrable laws of mechanical perpetual motion, may drive the wheel without rest [from a] single received impulse & revolution, and
may cause perpetual motion, as long as of course [the] structure itself [does] not lose its position and order/arrangement; and without any
further help & without another added source of motion which may need to be restored.� forum Stewart

a. “Consider now a disc or narrow cylinder revolving about its horizontal axis rather in the manner of a grindstone; if you call this a ‘wheel’ then that is also a description of the main part of my machine. This wheel consists of a tympanum or drum, covered externally with stretched canvas, 12 Rhenish feet in diameter, and 15 or 18 inches wide. The axle, which passes through the centre of the wheel, is 6 feet long and 8 inches in diameter, and in its movement is supported at each end by an almost one-inch thick steel bearing. The bearings taper somewhat, and the arrangement has been designed in such a way that the rotational movement of the entire vertically suspended wheel can be slightly modified by the application on each side of small weights, as the appended plans at the end of the treatise clearly demonstrate.� DT 190 Collins translation

b. “For as a grindstone may be called a wheel, so may the principle part of my machine be named. The outward part of this wheel is drawn over or covered with waxed linen, in the form of a drum. This cylindrical basis was 12 Rhenish feet in diamenter, the thickness from 15 to 18 inches, the middle axle 6 feet long and 8 inches in thickness. It is supported in its movement on two pointed steel balance-pegs, each 1 inch thck; and the wheel is vertially suspended. The movement is modified by two pendulums, as shown in the engraving at the end of this book.� - PMV2 pg 103 Dirks translation

“And in truth it now seems to me that the time is long overdue, now that I have achieved my goal, once known only to God, that I and the world should see this principle, in itself so simple, and yet at the same time so deeply hidden, of everlasting motion, described in total detail and in mathematical simplicity, in praise of God’s boundless wisdom, and for the benefit of the entire world.� DT 209

“Do we not see that certain people are able to bring the Earth’s treasures out of the dark depths to the light of day? Others then purge these with fire, without perceiving the dangers and difficulties experienced by the first group. Yet others take these treasures, after they have been purged and refined, and, without in any way participating in the foul drudgeries of the first and second groups, fashion them, with indescribable skill, for the benefit of mankind. But we do not see the jewellers, the goldsmiths, silversmiths, coppersmiths and blacksmiths cursing and slandering the miners and foundry workers for the necessary work they had to do on the material they require for their arts; and this is in stark contrast to the fate I had to suffer subsequent to my excavation of, bringing to light of, and refining of, a Mechanical Principle which will be to the benefit of everyone, and to the great advantage of, innumerable enterprises.� DT 210

“A Perpetual Motion mechanism is nothing other than a machine made of material, therefore heavy, substances and parts. We must bear in mind an important point. Namely, that there is one vital, self-evident proviso attached to the extraordinarily simple and clear definition which we have given. For it is impossible to construct any new machine except by using a certain type of material.� DT 214

I shall then also be able to give full satisfaction to all those connoisseurs and admirers of natural and mathematical curiosities, through the publication of the complete history of the invention, illustrated with many graphic diagrams showing both the true solution of the P.M, problem, now discovered in its most complete possible form by me, and realised in a variety of different designs, and also about one hundred previous ideas which were erroneous, and, to my cost, actually modelled by me (the so-called Pseudo P.M.). DT 221

“The motive force, the ability to move itself and drive other objects makes up the FORM of the device .. the essence. As an example of the ideas I am discussing, consider the case of two small metal spheres, one of iron and one of lead. For both of them, their FORM consists in their regular sphericity. But we find that placed in a furnace, one loses its shape quicker than the other. Therefore the greater or lesser "meltability" of such spheres is not the result of "sphericalness" - common to both - but of the physical characteristics of the two materials. And it is this "material accident" which is the FORMAL CAUSE of the difference." DT 221

"The case is no different from that of a leaden or even waxen sphere. They are both as perfectly deserving of the description "sphere" as is an iron one, despite the fact that the latter [iron] will withstand fire and other attacks better than the two former [lead & wax]. For form gives the essence of the thing." DT 222

�This was 6 ells in diameter, and could raise into the air a weight of roughly 70 lbs. It could revolve in either direction, and was also capable of being “translocated� – i.e. it could be lifted from its original bearings and placed on to another set, continuing to revolve as before, without the slightest diminution in the force, rapidity or evenness of its motion.� DT 236 Merseburg 1st Testimonial Certificate

"then set it in motion - it [Merseburg] is essentially a roughly 6 ell diameter wheel, about a foot in width. He did this with little difficulty, moving it by hand until a single weight inside it was heard to begin falling; it then began to rotate of its own accord with such a force that within a minute it had rotated 40 and more times, and could only be stopped by applying great effort." DT 237 Merseburg 2nd Testimonial Certificate

“Namely, the good Inventor did cause the aforementioned machine, essentially a Wheel six ells in diameter and one foot in thickness, and situated, to being with, at the same spot and resting in the same framework as it had been since its arrival, to revolve first in one direction, then in the other, on several occasions – indeed as often as the Commissioners and other spectators requested it. This he did by exerting, on the resting machine, the most trivial of impulses; the pressure of two fingers, with not the slightest undue force, being all that was necessary. This pressure was applied until the moment when a single one of the weights present inside the body of the device began to fall. DT 239 Merseburg 3rd Testimonial Certificate Oct. 31, 1715

“A brief extra portion of DT not in John's publication accidentally omitted. It is a poem of a Dutch witness name Meetsma. He went to see the wheel but found it closed in a room. He describes the sound as gently knocking (aardiglick gestooten).
- Damian (besslerwheel forum member DrWhat 1/5/09

DT 141 Spring Powered Roasting Spit inspired Bessler on quest for Gravity Engine
Label ‘b’ is the square key winder for the coiled spring in each container. Label ‘c’ is the fusee, a grooved cone
upon which the cord from the spring container was unwound to equalize the force of the spring.

This Merseburg Wheel engraving appears in GB page 49 and DT page 144 with 24 items labeled.
But the label descriptions are different in the two books:

GB Explanation of the Engraving DT Explanation of the Engraving
1. The size, width, height and circumference of the Machine. 1. Diameter of main wheel.
2. The thickness or profile of the machine within which the art is concealed. 2. Width of main wheel.
3. The main shaft upon which the machine is mounted and runs. 3. Main axis of machine.
4. The wooden posts upon which the machine is suspended and can run. 4. Framework of boards which support the wheel.
5. The place for the pounding or stamping. 5. Framework for stamping-mill.
6. The four stampers themselves, which are lifted twice. 6. Four stampers which are raised alternately.
7. Signifies the arms on the shaft and the stampers. 7. Eight arms from the main axis to raise the stampers.
8. The 2 pendula to equalize both sides. 8. Pendulums on each side to to keep machine running true.
9. The wooden strips which are attached to the forcer or piston. 9. Levers for moving the pendulums.
10. The pistons themselves, or pegs, for screwing into the shaft. 10. Cranks and pivots which are part of the pendulums.
11. The weights which are located on the pendula. 11. Weights at ends of pendulums.
12. Two posts for the guardrail, door and one pendulum’s hook. 12. From which the pendulums hang vertically.
13. Is a crosspiece for one end of the pendula. 13. Horizontal hanging for pendulum.
14. An iron screw to which the rope is attached. 14. Iron screw on axle for fixing rope to.
15. Here the rope is wound around the shaft. 15. Place at which rope winds on to axle.
16. Is the rope being pulled upwards. 16. Indicates total length of line or rope.
17. A pulley on the floor, under which the rope passes. 17. Pulley attached to floor, round which the rope passes.
18. A hole in the post through which the rope passes. 18. Hole in board through which rope passes.
19. The window in the room that the rope ascends to. 19. The rope passes through the window.
20. The other pulley over which the rope passes down. 20. Pulley outside window, round which the rope passes.
21. Wooden structure above the yard, to which is attached a pulley. 21. Small wooden beam on which the pulley turns.
22. The chest of stones lifted through this mechanism. 22. The chest, full of stones, which the wheel raises.
23. A handle with which the machine is brought to a halt. 23. Wooden lever to bring machine to rest.
24. The lock and chain with which the mechanism is disabled. 24. Padlock and chain for securing the machine.

“One thing that seems to have been ignored in all accounts of the Orffyrean machine by witnesses or Bessler himself is the inclusion in the above-mentioned diagram, of a pair of large counter-weights on the end of pendulums which are connected to the journals on the ends of the axle. The inventor says that they are designed to slow rotation and give it more uniformity. But, he says, these can be dispensed with.� PM 84 Collins comment

This Kassel Wheel engraving appears in DT page 153 with 20 items labeled.
External Appearance Of Castle Weissenstein Machine
a. To show diameter, circumference and width of wheel.
b. Four forks, screwed into the main axle, to work the Archimedes screw.
c. Wooden hooks to raise stampers off main axle.
d. Stampers, and mechanism for raising them.
e. Rope for working hydraulic screw.
f. Square “wheel� on screw, over which the driving-rope passes. (this unusual square pulley matches MT 113)
g. The hydraulic screw itself, driven by the Perpetual Motion wheel.
h. The container full of water which the screw empties.
i. Inlet part of hydraulic device.
k. Exit part of hydraulic device. (no ‘j’ in German alphabet except for person’s names)
l. Water-chute into which hydraulic screw discharges.
m. Water leaves chute and enters container.
n. Showing how the lifting attachments to the axle are made.
o. Shows bucket full of water being raised by wheel.
p. Pendulum for use when machine is to be operated slowly.
q. The water descends via a funnel through a hole in the floor.
r. It then debouches from the funnel into a channel.
s. Channel leads out through the window of the lower storey.
t. Water exits from channel here.
10. Shows open nature of framework of machine. - DT 248 (English Translation)

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4. MT - Maschinen Tractate Book

After Bessler sold his machine he wanted to published a history of perpetual motion machines and include his working machine drawings. He never sold his machine so he never published this book. When Bessler died, his wife turned his possessions over to the state. Glen Rouse, a writer (pen name Al Bacon) from Michigan, with his interest in Bessler found:

“Extract from the Inventory of the Estate of the Deceased Commercien-Rath Orffyreus {Johann E.E. Bessler (1680-1745)}:
41. A box full of woodcuts for the Great Treatise.
Specification - original manuscripts from Orffyreus literary estate:
1. 219 pieces: printed sketches for wood engravings.� – forum topic: Bessler’s Inventory After Death

Rouse had a friend named Irv Thomas who was touring Europe in 1991 stop at Kassel to check these possessions. Thomas went to the Kassel University Library (“Murhardsche Bibliothek�) which is near the Kassel Science Museum (“Hessisches Landesmuseum�). In a thick stack of Bessler’s documents he found exactly 141 machine drawings. He paid the museum to photocopy them and have them mailed to Rouse. Rouse shared the drawings with John Collins who had Andrew Witter translate the drawing text, and Collins published Bessler’s Maschinen Tractate (Treatise on Machines) in 2005.

“I have in mind a great ‘Treatise on Mechanics’ which I plan to publish, with many hundreds of machines and drawings that could be printed at my home. ‘In this tract it will be possible to trace my perpetual motion machine through all the stages of its development. It would include my perpetual motion machine revealed completely through all stages of its construction, which would eliminate any need for him to contribute anything else. N.B. Sufficient guarantees would be included. In the event that my perpetual motion machine was sold before my treatise was published, my project would still be finished and the treatise published. However, the machine that had been sold would not be included in the treatise, because I want to sell just one kind of machine, not all of them. I have many different kinds of machines all running on different principles. - PM 124 (letter to Schumacher – Czar Peter The Great’s librian) [ He wanted to sell his highest horsepower machine ]

“The possibility that his secret might be uncovered had obviously occurred to Orffyreus. He seems to have kept his machines permanently disassembled except when being exhibited. Thus even though he was arrested, no complete machine was found and his wheel’s hidden mechanism remained hidden. Further precautions were taken later because on the front cover of his Maschinen Tractate, are written the following words in his own handwriting:� - PM 150 Collins comment

Old German text documents use two letters, “N.B.�, to inform the reader that the following text contains important information. The letters are from the Latin ‘nota bene’, meaning: note well. The cover page note by Bessler on his Maschinen Tractate book has it:

“N.B.. May, 1733. Due to the arrest, I burned or hid all the woodcuts that prove the possibility. However, I have left all demonstrations and experiments since it would be difficult for anybody to see or learn anything about a perpetual motion from them or to decide whether there was any truth in them because no illustration by itself contains a description of the motion; however, taking various illustrations together and combining them with a discerning mind, it will indeed be possible to look for a movement and, finally to find one in them.�

“When he died, the machine was found to be in pieces. Knowing of his thirst for fame and fortune, is it likely that he would have gone to his grave without leaving some means of obtaining posthumous recognition? Would he have written on his Maschinen Tractate the information that although the actual relevant drawings were missing, someone with an acute mind could, by studying the remaining illustrations arrive at the solution to perpetual motion? The tract is supposed to contain 141 engravings. Bessler only had comments on the first 56 engravings. Intriguingly the final page contains four small engravings which appear to be out of character with the rest of the book. All the other pages contain drawings of theoretical machines, but the last page contains illustrations of children’s toys, and the numbers 138,139,140 and 141 have been added in handwriting at the bottom. It is as if having removed the important pages revealing the secret of his machine, the inventor has inserted alternative engravings all on the one page, with the message that study of several different drawings will eventually reveal the secret. This last page may contain a clue to the secret mechanism.� - PM 163 Collins comment

MT Drawing Analysis

Labels in the machine drawings are used to designate parts or areas of the machine. The German alphabet is 24 letters, missing J and U because the ‘I’ and the ‘J’, and the ‘U’ and the ‘V’, are interchangeable. However the letter ‘J’ is used in proper names as in Johann’s case.
Old German drawings with labels use a letter A with a bent horizontal to indicate something special on the part or area labeled. Non-special parts are labeled with a letter A with a straight horizontal. Bessler’s mentor, Count Karl of Kassel, Germany, was one of the first German Freemasons. Masonic lodges in old Germany had many Jewish members. The letter A symbol with a bent horizontal was used by Jews and masons in documents/drawings as a hint for special content. Bessler used the bent A in his MT drawings to show a clue on the page. Note that the bent A letter resembles the interlaced compass and square of the symbol of Freemasonary:


Of the 141 printed drawings, only the first 104 have the Drawing Number in the Woodcut engraving. All of these 104 Woodcut engraving numbers have the same font except for 52, 72, 92 and 102 where the 2 looks like a Z.

MT has 141 drawings. Some are deliberately drawn to bring attention to the drawing because it contains a special clue. For example, all wheel drawings rotate clockwise except for 3 drawings that rotate counterclockwise: 13, 15, 113. Bessler uses clues in groups of three in many places (AP white segments wheel drawing, AP Little Book, AP repeated clue in 3 places, 3 CCW MT drawings). MT 15 is the only mention in all of his books about ‘the prime mover’. Only the first 54 drawings have text comments and these are the text clues from them:

MT 1 “The horizontal line must be sufficiently inclined so that as one ball rolls toward the center from the rim,
the other one rolls out to the rim from the center.�
MT 9 “Nothing is to be accomplished with his thing unless one acts out of my connectedness principle.�
MT 10 “The principle is good, but the figure is not complete until I illustrate it very differently.�
MT 13 “Each weight is separate and free ... something available up by D to always lift up the weight with lightning speed.�
MT 14 “The weights raise up one another ... what to learn from it and how it can be used, will all be treated later.�
MT 15 “This ratchet-wheel ... nothing of the prime mover's source can be seen ... the figure shows the superior weight.�
MT 16 “Shows how the weights are connected and how they raise the internal spheres at A up and around.�
MT 18 “The principle is not to be scorned or disregarded, for it tells more than shows.�
MT 24 “This invention should not to be scorned. It consists of weighted levers and hinged iron rods that fold inward.�
MT 25 “There is more to this than one might think; one must study the diagram extensively. Mark my words.�
MT 36 “Long, connected and weighted levers, swing by means of a chain over 2 pulleys. One may gather much from this one.�
MT 37 “This belongs among Nos. 14, 15 and 16 and is inserted here, having been accidentally omitted.�
MT 38 “The correct application of the stork’s bills is not shown.
MT 41 “I can assure the reader that there is more to the stork’s bills than is shown.�
MT 51 “Thus by the swinging of the pendulum, a motion is effected but in a faulty manner.�
MT 52 “I will say only this much, no wheel is moved by heavy blows.�

The 3 Special MT CCW Drawings

13 – This is the first special CCW drawing with many things drawing attention to it:
● It is a reversed mirror image.
● “This would be very good for running if something was up by D to always lift up the weight with lightning speed." MT13 text
● 1st drawing with a bent A label, a symbol to denote a clue on the page. The part labeled A is a bar structure with free movement that stays vertical while the wheel rotates around it on an inner roller bearing. A heavy crescent bottom weight keeps it upright. This is the only drawing with a roller bearing and it matches the cryptic AP last page drawing of the wheel that shows a roller bearing. It also matches drawings on GB pages 47/69 and DT pages 43/131. It also explains the Draschwitz access hole Wagner reported in his 1715 critique because you could rotate the access hole over a free movement structure to repair it.
● 1st drawing with more than one part labeled.
● 1st drawing where a part (A) is not described in accompanying text and letter A is obscure and hard to see.
● 1st drawing that has labels drawn backwards – text description next to drawing is normal.
● 1st drawing of counterclockwise movement. MT15 and MT113 are only other CCW drawings.
● Only drawing with free movement structure, part A, riding the axle; stays vertical while the wheel rotates around it.
15 – This is the second special CCW drawing and the only mention in any book of the “prime mover�. It has no labels.
● It is a reversed mirror image.
● “This ratchet-wheel derives from the previous model, except that the tensions are somewhat longer and have an additional special
weight at the outer ends. From this drawing alone, however, nothing of the prime mover's source can be seen or deduced although
the figure shows the superior weight." MT15 text
● This is the only mention of term ‘prime mover’ in all of Bessler books and that it is not seen.
● The other drawing on this page, MT16, is CW with first appearance of bent A’s labeling an area instead of a part.
● 1st drawing showing sliding rods with fixed weight pairs; two on each side of axle.
● Only mention of gearless ratchet-wheel.
113 – This is the third special CCW drawing. It has no text description. There are 4 drawings on the page.
● It is the only upside inverted image.
● The other 3 drawings on this page, MT110-112, are normal.
● 113-13=100 matches AP clue: “I made 100 odd machines. Only after all those did I find the Mobile.â€� AP 300, 113 is an odd number.
● Only other page with 4 drawing numbers is toy page (138,139,140,141).
● MT113 is rightmost drawing of 4 on its page and it matches rightmost drawing of toy page of chains especially at top.
● The square chain pulleys swing the weight with greater force than a round pulley; there are two sudden 90 degree swings.
● MT113 tall narrow structure matches MT13 pendulum and both vertical structures do not rotate.
● The weights on side C move down slowly. The weights on side D climb up slowly and are placed together, one against another.
● The upper weight at top A flys up quickly swinging gaining force moving from side D to side C where it could impact like MT18.
● MT15 shows the weights connected together, they are close to the axle on right side, far away on left side, quickly rise at top
● Kassel wheel drawing has 2 unusual square pulleys on wheel axle and Archimedes screw matching MT113 pulleys. DT 250

MT Drawing Comments


Bessler MT drawing comments are found at besslerwheel.com/wiki and in John Collin’s MT book. Both are translated by Andrew Witter with the book being the more accurate version.

1 - no labels. He comments that weights work in pairs; one goes to rim as one goes to center.
“Even a new student of mechanics will realise that nothing can be achieved with such a construction if left just as it is. The horizontal line
must be inclined so that as one ball rolls toward the center from the rim, the other one rolls out to the rim from the center.�
2-8 no labels. No important text clues.
9 - no labels. 1st drawing showing weights connected; his connectedness principle.
“nothing is to be accomplished with his thing unless one acts out of my connectedness principle.�
10 - no labels. He repeats how his connectedness principle is good but needs different mechanics.
“The principle is good, but the figure is not yet complete until I illustrate it very differently.�
11 - no labels. He says he needs to show his correct version of his connectedness principle.
“There is more in it than meets the eye, as will be seen when I disclose the correct principle.�
12 - 1st drawing with a part labeled, a straight A.
“Drawing number 12 is the first to label the parts with letters, and it is interesting to point out that the letter ‘A’ appears in two guises;
sometimes, as here with a straight cross-bar, and sometimes with a bent one. This appears to be a deliberate variation, and I think is
intended to be a hint as to some part of the mechanism.� MT John Collins comment
MT 1-11 have no labels so MT 12 draws attention as first with a label, a part that is used to lift the weights, A.



13 - See Special Drawing section above
14 - no labels. Attention is drawn to MT 12-13 as drawings on each side, 1-11 and 14-15, have no labels.
1st drawing showing weight pairs sliding on a non-moving rod.
“the weights raise up one another ... what to learn from it and how it can be used, will all be treated later."
15 - See Special Drawing section above
16 - labels AA, 2nd drawing with a bent A, labeling two areas of the machine: A at top and A at right side.
“shows how the weights are connected and how they raise the internal spheres at A up and around."
37 - labels AABB with 2 straight A’s. Springs. Parts B not mentioned in accompanying text.
“This belongs among Nos. 14, 15 and 16 above and is inserted here, having been accidentally omitted. Connected to each other with
belts, AA are movable levers, which have an oval spring attached to the heavier side at their hinge point. With this spring the lever can
pull other oval springs toward it and extend them away from itself by the same method. These springs should be considered a question
rather than a fact.�
17 - no labels. 1st spring model.



18 - no labels. 2nd spring model. The principle is centrifigral force adding to the impact.
“the principle is not to be scorned or disregarded, for it tells more than shows.�
First of two drawings with impact anvils for swinging arms.
19 - no labels
20 - labels A, 2nd drawing with a bent A showing an area, the descending right side at 3 o’clock.
Bent A clue showing long levers and small lever with weight swinging 180°. Similar to MT 36.
21 - labels AAAAABBBCC with 1 straight A and 4 bent A’s.
1st drawing with straight and bent A’s.
Text says part A’s are hanging levers, 1 o’clock is straight A, 2/5/8/10 o’clock are bent A’s.
Text says part B’s are cross-bars, 3 B’s at 1st B 12/3/6/9, 2nd B 1/4/7/10, 3rd 2/5/8/11 o’clock.
Text says area C’s are the ascending left side of machine. Only MT text that defines cross-bar.
“This figure has hanging levers, A, which are internally applied to the cross-bars at B, thus making side C lighter.�
“If I arrange to have just one cross-bar in my machine, it revolves very slowly, just as if it can hardly turn itself at all, but, on the contrary,
when I arrange several bars, pulleys and weights, the machine can revolve much faster." AP 340 Collins translation
22 - labels ABBBBCCCDDDEEE with 1 bent A at axle. 1st drawing with pulleys, cord pulleys.
“This lever-devices seem to look good. The large levers, B, hang from the centre [axle], A. Pulleys are attached at C, and over these
pass cords to the levers’ weights, D, which are pulled, thus supposedly making side E heavier. I have misgivings about many of the
intentions in this, and as for the rest I do not yet wish to make my thoughts known.�
23 - labels AAAABBBBCDDDEF with 4 bent A’s. 1st drawing with weight-wheels.
“B, is a small wheel made of lead or iron instead of a weight. Side C appears to be the heavier, and the wheel-weights, B, are intended to
rise up and around a curved groove, D, so that side E becomes lighter.�



24 - no labels.
“This invention should not to be scorned. It consists of special weighted levers and some hinged iron rods that close between the
levers and can fold inward. There is more to explain about it before you understand its good qualities.�
25 - no labels, has hinged iron rods.
“There is more to it than one supposes; one must study the diagram extensively. This is similar to the previous model except that it is drawn somewhat differently and with longer rods; there is something misleading because the folding rods should not project so far out but must bend further inward. There is more to this than one might think. Mark my words.�
26 - labels ABBCCDDE with 1 straight A. 2nd drawing with weight-wheels.
"A are levers which are interrupted at B and equipped with weight-wheels at C. The weight-wheels run in a channel E and are attached
to the cords D. As the diagram shows, one side is heavier than the other. There is more to be sought in this problem.�
27 - labels ABBCCDDEE with 1 bent A. Part E not mentioned in accompanying text.
"A are the levers interrupted at B and having a heart-weight at C, and D are the straps, or cords, and chains. One can see what the device
might do if many such models were arranged side by side on one axle.� [DT portrait pencils side by side]
28 - labels ABCDEFgHi with 1 bent A.
29 - labels ABCDEFgHi with 1 bent A. Part i not mentioned in accompanying text.
30 - labels ABCDEFgHiKLM (no J) with 1 bent A.
31 - labels AACCDDEE with 2 bent A’s. Label B is missing but the text says the axle is B. 1st drawing with weight arm pulleys, cord pulleys.
"This is a figure with two reversed long levers A at the ends of which are weights. The levers are connected to the center of the axle at B
by means of a cord which raises the upper levers C C. By means of the cord D the lower levers E are raised toward the axle. There is
more to this invention than the mere drawing."
32 - labels ABBCCDDEEFF with 1 bent A. Parts E and F not mentioned in accompanying text. Weight arm pulleys.
33 - labels ABBCC with 1 bent A. Part C not mentioned in accompanying text. Weight arm pulleys.



34 - labels ABBCCDDEFFg with 1 bent A. Weight arm pulleys.
Labels EG misleading as they are near the pivoting pulley wheels with a weight on end of a rod. Cords on each.
“A shows the machine in profile. B are the long levers to the two ends of which C, are attached two weights. By means of the cords D,
the upper weights E, are raised up and outward [toward the rim]; and by means of other cords F, the lower weights G, are raised upward
and inward toward the centre [axle].� - Collins [alternately gravitating to the centre and climbing back up again." AP 291]
35 - labels 1 straight A. Part A not mentioned in accompanying text. Weight arm pulleys.
36 - labels AABBCDDE with 2 bent A’s. Label C hard to see. Weight arm pulleys.
“The intention of this figure is clearly shown. A and A, show the 2 long, connected and weighted levers, which swing another weighted
lever D, from below up to E, by means of a chain over 2 pulleys at B and B. The additional drawing shows a distant view of the device.
One may gather much from this one.�
● MT18 and 36 are the only drawings showing a lever with a pivot point at the axle that swings to hit an anvil at the rim.
● MT36 shows a locking device at the anvil to hold the long weighted lever arm.
● Only drawing with chain pulleys. He is giving a clue that a chain connects two pairs of counterbalanced weights.
● The drawing shows a ghost image of CDE on the left side implying a duplicated mechanism on the opposite side.
Label C in white font on the axle next to the right side of the weight arm pulley is hard to see and not mentioned in the
accompanying text. There is also a label D in white font on the axle for a second weight arm but no pulley, impact bumper
or latch is shown. It looks like a hint for a counterbalance weight as in MT142 demonstration page 2 drawing.
37 - labels AABB with 2 straight A’s. Moved after MT 16 as he said: “belongs among Nos. 14, 15 and 16 above and is inserted here, having
been accidentally omitted.�
Interesting that MT 37 was placed here next to MT 36 “One may gather much from this one� and MT 38 about storkbills.



38 - labels AAABBCDE with 1 straight A and 2 bent A’s. Storkbills.
“the correct application of the stork's bills is not shown.�
39 - labels ABCDE with 1 bent A. Cord pulleys, Storkbills.
“No. 39. This is a very special style of the stork's-bill invention.�
40 - labels AAABBBCDDDEEFg with 2 straight A’s and 1 bent A. Storkbills. Parts B not mentioned in accompanying text.
“This is a somewhat different stork’s-bill invention.� - Collins
41 - labels AABBCCDDEF with 2 bent A’s. Storkbills. Parts A-F not mentioned in accompanying text.
“the present horizontal application of the stork's bills is always better than the vertical application.
I can assure the reader that there is more to the stork's bills than is shown.�


42 - labels ABBBBCCDDEF with 1 bent A. Storkbills. Parts A-F not mentioned in accompanying text.
The storkbills work in pairs connected by 2 rods through 2 holes in the axle. AP said holes in axle.
43 - labels 2 straight A’s. Parts A not mentioned in accompanying text.
44 - labels ABCDEFFgHi with 1 bent A.
45 - labels ABCDDE with 1 bent A. Part B not mentioned in accompanying text.
46 - labels ABCDEFgHiKLM with 1 bent A.
47 - labels ABCDDEFggHiKL with 1 bent A. Storkbills. Cord pulleys.
Upside down ‘47’ on dark post at bottom between K’s, normal ‘47’ on dark post below upside down ‘47’.
Unlike other woodcuts this has no large number 47 to identify drawing.
48 - labels ABCDEF with 1 straight A.
49 - labels ABCC with 1 bent A. Drawing has error with second C at bottom; text describes it as area D.
50 - labels ABBCDDEEFF with 1 bent A. Parts F not mentioned in accompanying text.
51 - labels AABCDEFgHiK with 2 bent A’s. Pendulum label is bent A. Part C not mentioned in text draws attention to page.
“Thus by the swinging of the pendulum, a motion is effected but in a faulty manner.� [ he knows the correct manner ]
52 - labels ABCDDEE with 1 straight A. Flywheel. Cord pulleys.
“I will say only this much: no wheel is moved by heavy blows.�
53 - labels ABCDEFg with 1 bent A.
“No. 53. This is a pendulum model. A is a weighted lever with pawls at B, that move the axle at C, by means of a ratchet wheel. On the axle are 2 arms that are intended to raise the rod D, by means of the horizontal arm. At the top D, moves a right-angled lever, which in
turn moves the rod, E. E moves another right-angled lever and thereby raises the rod F, which raises the main lever A. G is a balance beam by which all the lifting is accomplished. I saw this product of imagination along with many other such devices sketched in a machine book at the home.�
54 - labels ABCDEFgH with 1 bent A. Storkbill. Parts A-H not mentioned in accompanying text. Last drawing with text comment.
“No. 54. This is simply a demonstration of how one might raise the large lever of the previous model by means of stork's bills. The letters
are self-explanatory.�
55 - labels AAABBCCDDEEE with 1 straight A and 2 bent A’s. No more accompanying text until Toy page.
56 - labels ABCDEFgHi with 1 bent A.
57 - labels ABCDEF with 1 bent A.
58 - labels ABCDEFgHi with 1 bent A.
59 - labels ABCDDEEFF with 1 bent A.
60 - labels AABBCCCDD with 2 straight A’s.
61 - labels ABBBCCCCCCDDEFgHHH with 1 straight A.
62 - labels ABCDEEFg with 1 bent A.
63-64 no labels
65 - labels AABB with 1 straight A and 1 bent A.
66 - labels ABBCCD with 1 bent A.
67 - labels ABDE with 1 bent A. Missing label C.
68 - labels AABBCD with 2 bent A’s.
69 - labels ABCDE with 1 bent A.
70 - labels ABCDE with 2 bent A’s.
71 - labels AAAABBBBCCDDDD with 4 straight A’s.
72 - labels AAABB with 2 straight A’s and 1 bent A.
73 - labels AABBCCDDEEF with 2 straight A’s.
74 - labels AABBCCDEFFgHi with 2 straight A’s.
75 - labels AABBCDDEFgH with 2 straight A’s. Cord pulleys.
76 - no labels
77 - labels ABCDEFg with 1 bent A.
78 - labels ABCDEFgHi with 1 bent A.
79 - labels ABCDEF with 1 bent A.
80 - labels ABCDEFgH with 1 bent A.
81 - labels ABBCDEEFFgg with 1 straight A. NB (note well) symbol
82 - labels ABBCCDDEEFF with 1 bent A.
83 - labels 1 straight A and 2 bent A’s. Storkbills.
84 - labels ABCDEFFg with 1 bent A. Storkbill.
85 - no labels
86 - labels AABCCDEFg with 2 bent A’s.
87 - labels ABCDEF with 1 bent A.
88 - labels ABBCCDDEEFg with 1 straight A.
89 - labels ABBCDEF with 1 bent A.
90 - labels ABCDEFFggH with 1 bent A.
91 - labels ABCDD with 1 bent A. Mystery shapes in dark box.
92 - labels ABCDE with 1 bent A.
93 - labels ABCDE with 1 straight A.
94 - labels ABBCDEEFFggHiK with 1 bent A.
95 - labels 1 bent A.
Mystery area between bottom of wheel and table.
96 - labels ABCDEFgHi with 1 bent A. NB. (note well) symbol
97 - labels ABCDEF with 1 bent A.
98 - labels ABCDEFg with 2 bent A’s.
99 - labels ABCDEFgH with 1 bent A.
100 - labels ABCDEFgHiKLMNOP with 1 bent A.
101 - labels ABCDEFggHiK with 1 straight A.
102 - labels ABC with 1 bent A.
103 - labels ABCCCCEFF with 1 bent A.
104 - labels AABBCDE with 2 bent A’s. Last woodcut with its number.
105 - labels ABCCDEFgHiiKK with 1 bent A.
106 - labels ABCD with 1 bent A.
107 - labels ABCDEF with 1 bent A.
108 - labels ABBCCCCDDDEEEF with 1 bent A.
109 - labels AABBBBCCCCDDEFFggH with 2 bent A’s.
110 - labels AABCD with 2 straight A’s.
111 - labels AABCD with 1 straight A and 1 bent A.
112 - labels ABBCD with 1 straight A.


Special Drawing #3
113 - See Special Drawing section above
114 - labels ABBCDDDDEEFFFFggggggHiK with 1 bent A.
115 - labels ABCDDDDEEFg with 1 bent A.
116 - labels ABCCDD with 1 bent A. Designs on container.
117 - labels ABCDEFgHhiK with 1 straight A.
118 - labels ABBBCCDE with 1 straight A hidden in funnel design.
Mystery objects in funnel and base (number 17).
119 - labels ABCDEFg with 1 bent A.
120 - labels ABCCDDEFg with 1 bent A.
121 - labels AABBDEFFHiKLMOOPPPPqRRSTVWXXyZZ with 1 straight A, 1 bent A.
Missing labels C, g, N because on the scan they are too far into the left spine of book. Only A-Z drawing
122 - labels AABBCCDEFgHiKK with 2 bent A’s.
123 - labels ABCCDEEFgGiKKLLMN with 1 straight A.
124 - labels ABBCDDEEFgHi with 1 bent A.
125 - labels ABBCCDDE with 1 bent A.
126 - labels ABCDD with 1 straight A.
127 - labels ABBCCDDEFg with 1 straight A.
128 - labels AABCDE with 2 straight A’s.
129 - labels ABCDEFgHi with 1 straight A. Letter D is backwards, reversed mirror image.
Unusual no bent A with letter D reversed. Only MT13 has other reversed letters.
MT13 and MT129 have reversed D at same location at top of machine.
130 - labels ABCD with 1 straight A.
131 - labels ABCDDDD with 1 bent A.
132 - labels ABC with 1 bent A.
133 - labels AABCDDEEFFgH with 2 bent A’s.
134 - labels AABBCCCCDDEFF with 2 bent A’s. Cord pulleys.

Drawing 135 Drawing 142 Drawing 136 Drawing 143 Drawing 137 Drawings 138-141
Right Page 555 Left Page 555v Right Page 556 Left Page 556v Right Page 557 Right Page 558
Back of MT 135 Back of MT 136

135 - labels ABC with 1 bent A. Inventory page 555.
135 rear has inventory page 555v, no labels, you can see A from other side of paper. Collins labeled it MT142.
It is the first demonstration page of unknown principle.
Each lever end has a traingler braced arm that has a disk with a loose weight on it.
136 - labels AABCCCCDDDDEF with 2 bent A’s. Inventory page 556.
136 rear has inventory page 556v – Bessler text: “Demonstration: Pounds (weights) in Equilibrium�. Collins labeled it MT143.
It is the second demonstration page of equilibrium in a pair of pair of weights.
The geared weight levers when horizontal can be easily switched from side to side with little force.
A close up on top of page shows gearing of each pair.
The Toypage Woodcutters is also a pair of pair of weights that are in equilibrium through a lever instead of gearing.
137 - no labels, there are hidden objects in above block: rod and identical doughnut shapes. Collins said nothing on back of page.


138,139,140,141 - labels ABCCDDE Toy page with 1 straight A.
A - Side view of hinged linked chain. It is also the pattern of the ribbon holding the Jacob’s Ladder toy blocks together.
“I discovered how a man can climb higher on Jacob’s ladder and learn to shun all superstition.� AP 258
[ toy: cascade flip/flop transfer of energy; shun: violates laws of science ]
“wrong translation: the verb used is 'fahren' which means 'to go'/'to drive' not 'to climb'.� – Stewart
Chain matches MT113 square pulleys and chain.
“The dog creeps out of his kennel just as far as his chain will stretch.� AP295
B - End view of same hinged linked chain. Top link shows it is hinged and moves to sides. The design is found in wood snake toys.
C - Hammer toy with 2 weights alternating hitting anvil. Left weight down. Right weight up.
D - Hammer toy with unusual body spirals like a helical coil spring. Left weight is up. Right weight is down.
E - Stork’s Bill toy, also called Lazy Tongs or Student Forceps. It extends and retracts with less friction than a pantograph.
Unlike a pantograph or scissors jack, its cross links get smaller from the handle.
There is a 5th toy drawn at the bottom not part of the woodcut. The written comment begins with the number 5.
“5. Children's game in which there is something extraordinary for anyone who knows how to apply them in a different way.�
The 5th toy is a Tippe Top whose heavy bottom flips over to the top when spun then flips back when spin stops.
110,111,112,113 is only other single page with four machine numbers and 113 is inverted.

MT Drawing Summary
3 Drawings with counterclockwise rotation: 13, 15, 113.
1 Drawing with free movement internal structure: 13
1 Drawing with upside down letter labels: 113 (113-13 = 100 matching quote, secret found after making 100 machines)
4 Drawings with abnormal labels: 13 (mirror image), 47 (inverted), 113 (inverted), 129 (mirror image).
1 Drawing with label letters A - Z: 121.
1 Drawing with misleading labels (E&G): 34.
2 Drawings with Latin Nota Bene notation (Note Well): 81(straight A), 96.
16 Drawings with letters not discussed: 13,27,29,32-33,35-37,40-45,50-51,54.
23 Drawings with no labels: 1-11,14-15,17-19,24-25,63-64,76,85,137.
12 Drawings with straight and bent A’s: 21,32,38,40,41,55,65,72,83,109,111,121,
30 Drawings with only straight A’s: 12-13,26,35,37,43,48,52,60-61,71,73-75,81,88,93,101,105,110,
112,117-118,123,136,127-130,138.
72 Drawings with only bent A’s: 16,20,22-23,27,28-34,36,39,42,44-47,49-51,53-54,56-59,62,66-70,
77-80,82,84,86-87,89-92,94-100,102-104,106-108,113-116,119-120,122,124-125,131-134.
52 Straight A’s found in all drawings.
105 Bent A’s found in all drawings.
30 Drawings with straight A as a Part label: 12,21,26,37,40-41,48,52,55,60-61,71,75,81,83,88,93,101,
105,110-112,117,121,123,126-130.
8 Drawings with straight A as an Area label: 35,38,43,65,72-74,109.
67 Drawings with bent A as a Part label: 13,21,23,27-33,36,40-42,44-47,49-51,53-59,62,66,68-69,77-80,
82-84,86-87,89-92,95-97,99-100,102-104,106-107,109,116,118-122,124-125,131-134.
17 Drawings with bent A as an Area label: 16,20,22,34,38-39,65,67,70,72,98,108,113-115,135-136.
6 Drawings with springs: 17-18,37,47,60-61.
8 Drawings with gears: 44-46,55,62,90,109,123.
3 Drawings with ratchets: 15,51,53.
22 Drawings with cords: 9-12,14-17,22,29-35,37-39,47,75,83,134.
11 Drawings with chains: 30,36,48-50,103,109-113.
2 Drawings with hinged folding rods: 24-25.
2 Drawings with hinged folding levers: 26-27.
5 Drawings with weight arm pulleys: 31-35.
7 Drawings with round pulleys: 22,39,47,52,75,83,134.
9 Drawings with square pulleys: 48-50,103,109(hexagon),110-113
16 Drawings with cord/chain only pulleys: 22,39,47-50,52,75,83,103,109-113,134.
9 Drawings with conveyer belt/chain with buckets or arms: 48-50,103,109-113. (paternoster/elevator)
1 Drawing with cord/chain pulleys and weight arm pulley: 36. (text says learn much from it)
1 Drawing with weight-wheels in a guide track: 26.
9 Drawings with storkbills: 38-42,47,54,83-84. (No drawing has a pantograph mechanism)
4 Drawings where font in Woodcut number is different (x2 is xZ): 52, 72, 92, 102. (Each is only woodcut on page)
(one drawing, MT 88, upper right corner index number 574, shown twice in Collins 2007 book pages 122 and 123; publishing error)

[rocky]

Part 3

5. Witness Clues By Dates

1714 - Gottfried Teuber letter to Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz (Draschwitz) January
1714 - Apr. Teuber letter Leibniz about Draschwitz wheel. PM 51
1715 - Acta Eruditorum (Learned Transactions) magazine article by Professor Christian Wolff (Draschwitz) January
1715 - Leipzig Post Zeitungen, published for week of 24th - 30th (Merseburg) June
1715 - Acta Eruditorum, city of Leipsic magazine article by Johann Mencke (Merseburg) October
1715 - Christian Wolff letter to Leibniz (Merseburg) December 19
1715 - Critique 1 by Christian Wagner, printed in Leipzig by Johann Gottlieb Bauchen (Merseburg)
1716 - Critique 2 by Christian Wagner, printed in Leipzig by Johann Christian Martini, Nicolai Street (Merseburg)
1716 - Aug. Leibniz letter to Ershine (personal physician to Peter the Great, Czar of Russia). PM 52
1717 - Acta Eruditorum magazine article (Merseburg)
1717 - Pamphlet published by Bessler (Kassel) November
1719 - Collection of Matters Relating to the Literature and Art affecting Nature and Medicine
1720 - Christian Wolff wrote to Laurentius Blumentrost (Head of Czar’s library) January 20
1721 - Baron Joseph Fischer (Austrian architect) letter to Jean Desaguliers (Royal Society’s curator)
1721 - Professor Willem Jacob ‘sGravesande’s letter to Sir Isaac Newton (Kassel)
1722 - Christian Wolff letter to Johann Daniel Schumacher (Czar’s Librarian - Kassel) July 3
1722 - Schumacher’s report to Peter the Great, Czar of Russia
1722 - Jean Bernoulli letter to Gravesande (Kassel)
1723 - Christian Wolff’s letter to Schumacher (Czar’s Librarian) included Orffyresus letter June 1
1729 - Professor Jean-Pierre de Crousaz (tutor to Karl’s grandson) letter to Professor ‘sGravesande February 3
1745 - Last letter by Bessler to Baron Schrader von Schliestedt (Karl’s minister) April 26 - Fell to death November 30th, 1745
1770 - ‘An Account of the Automaton’ by Dr. William Kenrick
January 1714 - Gottfried Teuber letter to Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz (Draschwitz):
“I have some very important news for you. A man of the medical profession, called Orffyreus, has constructed an alleged perpetual motion machine in the nearby village of Draschwitz, to which he recently moved. It is a hollow wheel of wood, ten feet in diameter, and six inches thick. It is covered by thin wooden planks in order to hide the internal mechanism. The axle is also wooden, and extends one foot beyond the wheel. It has three teeth which are for moving three wooden stamps similar to those used in pounding mills. The stamps are quite heavy and are lifted and dropped continuously. The iron journals move in open bearings so as to show that neither deception nor an external energy supply are necessary to the machine’s motion. ‘Having made an appointment with the inventor, we approached the machine and noticed that it was secured by a cord to the rim of the wheel. Upon the cord being released, the machine began to rotate with great force and noise, maintaining its speed without increasing or decreasing it for some considerable time. To stop the wheel and retie the cords required tremendous effort. The inventor is asking for one hundred thousand Thalers to reveal the mechanism or sell the machine.� - PM 49
1714 Apr. Teuber letter Leibniz about Draschwitz wheel. PM 51
“I come now to the inventor of the perpetual motion machine and the test of its movement. The inventor assures us that it could
run, not just for twenty-four hours, but for a whole month! The machine is utterly amazing! Of course, I cannot decide what principle lies behind it, but I am certain that it is not moved by compressed air contained within it, because there are many slits in the wheel. The increase in its power depends on an increase in its diameter. The model which I saw and which can still be seen in the village of Draschwitz is ten feet in diameter and it has the power to lift about one hundred pounds.� PM 51

January 1715 - Acta Eruditorum magazine article by Professor Christian Wolff (Draschwitz):
“A perpetual Motion has been built by Orffyreus, a man skilled in the art of Medicine, from which he derives a living; and in Chemistry and Mechanics in which he is versatile.�
Wolff mentions the attempts at determining Longitude at sea by two Englishmen; and the squaring of the circle by a Dutchman; and then,
“Ahead of them all is the achievement of the German; the ingenuity of the English has not advanced the solution much; the demonstration of the Dutchman proved unsuitable. But the perpetual motion which our Orffyreus built, has been seen by thousands of people, including experienced mathematicians and mechanics and they were all full of admiration. The mechanism, for which the inventor expects a sum of money, is carefully hidden, and is said to be simple. The diameter does not exceed five Leipzig ells nor does it exceed six inches in thickness. Over a period of one minute, fifty revolutions were observed and the wheel rotated whilst freely suspended with no apparent external source of power. It can provide impulse to remote mechanisms and easily lift weights of sixty to seventy pounds to a considerable height, in a repetitive, equable and continuous movement. This noble invention has been displayed to the public by the inventor in the village of Draschwitz, not far from the town of Zeitz; but he is considering moving to a new location.� - PM 56
June 1715 - Leipzig Post Zeitungen, published for week of 24th - 30th (Merseburg):
“An illness which has afflicted the famous Mr. Orffyreus has prevented him from exhibiting, at the Easter Leipzig Fair, as he wished to do, a new and larger version of the true perpetual motion machine, invented by him. It will be of interest to the public to know that the famous inventor has just informed us that he has brought to perfection a new perpetual motion machine. It was finished with God's help, just before the recent Whitsun Holiday, in his rooms in the Green Manor by the sixth Gate.

The machine is similar to the one constructed in Draschwitz a year ago, and is in the form of a wheel. However, the present machine is slightly larger, having a diameter of six Leipzig ells, (11.15 feet) and a thickness of half an ell, (11.15 inches). The axle or shaft on which the wheel is fixed averages six inches thickness and is six feet long. The continuous impulse attributed to this very useful and ingeniuos machine, is independent of any hidden power source or drive. According to the original factual description given by the "Leipzig Gazette" on the 3rd November last year, the rotation is caused, without any evidence of fraud, exclusively by its own internal power and artful design. It moves in a fast, strong and uniform rotation as long as the materials from which it is made, ie., wood, metal etc. last. A considerable force has to be applied to brake or stop the machine. Having put into motion its own mechanism, the power is sufficient to raise high or pull a load of approximately one hundred weight.

To demonstrate its effectiveness, four stampers of considerable weight have now been attached. They are lifted by means of eight cams fixed to the shaft, and at each revolution they are lifted twice. Consider how much more such a perpetuum mobile could do if, in the future, a larger one was constructed and by combining several machines have its power multiplied; or it could be applied to other mathematical inventions. This new perpetual mobile has something unique and extremely valuable about it that was not found in the Draschwitz model; it can rotate in either direction as desired. As a result it can, turning to the left or the right, wind a load up or down, in or out as necessary. However, to start it, a preliminary push or help by hand is needed.� - PM 59

October 1715 - Acta Eruditorum (Learned Transactions) Leipsic magazine article by Johann Mencke (Merseburg):
The article recounts the inventor’s various actions, his constant improvements to the wheel, and the fact that he ‘silenced his critics, not by words but by deeds’. It is stated that “Orffyreus did not attempt to conceal the fact that his machine is set in motion by weights.� The author goes on to “conclude from circumstantial evidence that the weights were pierced in the middle and attached by connecting springs.� - PM 87
December 19th, 1715 - Christian Wolff letter to Leibniz (Merseburg):
“To prevent anyone accidentally seeing the internal structure of the machine [Merseburg wheel 11.2 ft.], he covered it. Whilst he did this, he did not disguise the fact that the mechanism is moved by weights. Several such weights, wrapped in his handkerchief, he let us weigh in our hands to estimate their weight. They were judged to be about four pounds each, and their shape was definitely cylindrical.
I conclude, not only from this but also from other circumstantial evidence, that the weights are attached to some moveable or elastic arms on the periphery of the wheel. During rotation, one can clearly hear the weights hitting against the wooden boards. I was able to observe these boards through a slit. They are slightly warped. When he put the wheel onto another support and reinstalled the weights in their previous positions, he pushed down on an iron spring that gave a loud noise as it expanded upwards. I therefore presume that there is no doubt that the wheel is moved by an internal source of power, but we cannot necessarily assume that it is perpetual. Furthermore, the machine may be of little value to the public unless it can be improved. At the moment it can lift a weight of sixty pounds, but to achieve this the pulley had to be reduced more than four times, making the lifting quite slow. The diameter of the wheel is about twelve feet, and as well, the bearing was quite thin, about one quarter of an inch and only a sixth of its length was subject to friction.� - PM 70 Christian Wolff letter to Leibniz

1715 - Critique 1 by Christian Wagner, printed in Leipzig before the 31 October 1715 Merseburg test

“Even if Herr Orffyreus objects that by disclosing the wheel's structure he would, at the same time, inevitably reveal the whole secret, it does not follow that disclosure of the principle by which he drives the wheel would be tantamount to informing the people of how the principle is applied in the wheel and how the wheel is structured. Herr Orffyreus does not wish to deal with this main point in writing or in private discussion but always makes the following excuse whenever sensible people ask what kind of principle drives the wheel: he is too dizzy and giddy in the head at the moment.�

“Herr Orffyreus supposedly gets to the root of the matter when he asserts that children in the lane play with his perpetual motion or so-called superior force.� FE - Critique by Christian Wagner translated by Andrew Witter; Al Bacon
most forum members think it is the hoop&stick, others think marbles, leap-frog, ball&bat or spinning top.

Hoop Rolling, often called hoop and stick, is a child's game in which a hoop, made of hardwood or metal, is rolled along by means of a stick striking the rim of the hoop. It is known to have been played since early antiquity, as seen on Greek vase paintings from ca. 500 BC. It is still found as a feature of children's street culture all over the world. The hoop was made of layered hardwood. The round dowel hardwood stick controlled the loop. The stick pushed against the left or right side to turn the hoop. Some sticks had a round knob or a rectangular block at the end for better control; easier to push outside rim from behind or brake inside rim. - Wikipedia encyclopedia


“He intends to show by the motion's effect and duration that his wheel achieves perpetual motion, and he offers to let the wheel run in the presence of officials and persons experienced in mathematics and mechanics for 8 days, excluding Sunday (See LeipzigerZeitungen', number 4, 36th week of 1715).�

“Finally, Herr Orffyreus is officially requested to fulfill his promise made in the general Leipziger Zeitung and let his 6-ell wheel run continuously for 8 days in the presence of persons mentioned above. It is not necessary that he situate it in an open field; rather, the run can suitably take place at the location where the wheel now stands; he can free himself from all suspicions of external pulling or driving if he, as he himself has offered, screws out the journals and allows the journal bearings and posts to be inspected closely. Perhaps the whole experiment would end after the lapse of 24 hours.�

“Lastly, I must mention that they who inspected the Draschwitz wheel observed, almost in the middle of the radius on the one side which faced the wall and was rather dark owing to a lack of incident light, a hand-sized gap formed by the removal of a mere thick splinter an indication that Herr Orffyreus by necessity had to do something in the machine to reset the internal motive principle or superior force to its previous state. Mr. Orffyreus was prepared with the excuse that this opening was left so that whenever something came undone inside the wheel he could fix it right away without having to remove the entire casing (how he always takes care to excuse himself with the fragility of the materials!); this, however, just cannot be. If something breaks on the other side, which is several ells away and has no such service hole, how would Herr Orffyreus be able to fix it through this tiny opening? The wheel currently set up in Merseburg, which is covered with linen cloth, has various openings ~~ that have been left around the axle and are bandaged over with pinned-on strips.� FE - Critique by Christian Wagner, printed in Leipzig by Johann Gottlieb Bauchen in 1715 translated by Andrew Witter
In AP Bessler responded to Wagner:
● “But he (Wagner) knew all the ins and outs himself. If something went wrong with my machine,
I'd mend it by poking around through a tiny hole, to prevent anyone seeing inside.� AP 288
● “There's also no trickery going on behind that hole - it's just for inspection purposes.â€� AP 289
● “I hadn't given any thought to the possibility that Wagner might want to cause me harm when he came to visit me at Draschwitz.â€�AP 289
● “All the inmost parts, and the perpetual-motion structures, retain the power of free movement.â€� AP 291

Asa Jackson’s PM wheel has an outer wheel attached to the axle and a smaller inside wheel that has free movement.
David Hyde’s (BuzzSaw) PM wheel has an inner wheel attached to the axle and a larger outside wheel that has free movement on axle.
This Wagner clue says the wheel must have an inside structure that has free movement. The outer wheel with the access hole would be manually rotated over the inner structure to reach inside to fix a problem.

1716 - Critique 2 by Christian Wagner, printed in Leipzig after the 31 October 1715 Merseburg test

“Orffyreus has proven and demonstrated nothing other than the fact that the wheel is not pulled by cords hidden inside the posts but instead has an internal principle.� [ Because the wheel was transported and the axle support posts inspected ]

“It ran continuously for about a half hour. A half hour is much too little. He must let the wheel run an amount of time for which maintenance of such speed by mechanical power would be impossible.� [ Wagner says it is powered by a clockwork mechanism (spring/weights) and it would run down and stop on a longer test ]

“In the Leipzig newspaper, 4th issue of the 36th week of 1715, he solemnly promises to let the wheel run continuously for 8 days (Sunday excluded). On 31 October 1715, the day appointed for the experiment and external inspection of the perpetual motion machine, many curious parties had arrived supposing he would let it run for as long as promised when he set it in motion for a paltry half hour (Here one must note that before the translocation the wheel ran continuously for a half hour or slightly longer and equally as long after the translocation.) I do not know who led Dr. Orffyreus to believe that a motion of a half hour is a perpetual motion.�

“At the experiment, before the wheel was set up at another place in different boards, he had taken an amount of weight out of the wheel which could have filled a considerable box, and in the received testimony he expressly admits that the weights are inside and are driven.�

“He was permitted to open the wheel and, with his hands to the wall behind the grating built in front, manipulate the insides without any one of those present being able to see. Whether the operation consisted only of the removal of the weights, or if the weights were reset to their previous position so that the wheel, which had run down considerably before the translocation, would be able to go again for a while after the translocation.� [ Wagner implies he could have rewound the clockwork mechanism powering the wheel after the translocation ]
grating (n.) parallel bars or wood strips or latticed crossbars in a framework set in a window, door, etc. .

“Whoever understands mechanics and closely examines the wheel will be readily able to divine the motive principle and consequently the entire internal structure of the wheel from the rapid and constant motion just as one could easily hear the motive principle of the Draschwitz wheel by holding one's ear to the axle. In order that the sleight of hand would be revealed no further, he provided the wheel currently standing in Merseburg with a clatter and a rattle to make it difficult to hear clearly the actual motive principle. He took a further precaution by setting up a railing around the wheel so that no one might touch this mechanical monstrosity with unwashed hands.�

“Additionally, I must refer to a case which happened shortly before the Christmas holidays of 1715. At that time a certain person was viewing the machine which had been proceeding constantly and rapidly for a while when it slowed down gradually until it finally came to a standstill. At this point the person asked: "What does this mean?" In his anxiety, Orffyreus could think of no reply other than: "The wheel rubbed against something." This was a barefaced lie, for not the slightest rubbing had been hitherto noted; rather, as soon as he gave the wheel a push, it was running again. No fragile part of the wheel had broken (Reason: he did not reach into the wheel to repair a defect.) Much less could it have rubbed against something, as he alleged (the wheel would have had to have been situated differently in the trunnion seats), rather its movement had simply failed him. The true cause of the interruption in the movement may well have been that at the time the cold had congealed and thickened the olive oil and grease, thus hindering and halting the internal workings which were otherwise strong enough to drive the wheel.� [ �A surreptitious shove would knock it out of balance and bring it grinding to a halt." AP 293 ]
surreptitious (adj.) done in a secret, stealthy way; clandestine
“It raised a box of 70 pounds above the second-story window to a maximum height of 10 to 12 ells at the experiment.� [ 22 feet ]
story (n.) a horizontal division of a building,10 feet typically giving 8 foot high ceilings and 2 feet of structural between floors.
ell (n.) a unit of length in the old German system, 1 ell = 22.3 inches

“It is clear that springs cannot drive constantly because they must be rewound. All that remain are weight. If one weight is to hoist another, that is to say, is to be the cause of the rising of another weight, then the hoisting weight necessarily must descend, i.e., approach the center of the gravity, and because the motion must remain within the wheel, this weight can hoist no other until it has been hoisted itself and is able to descend inside the wheel once again. Accordingly, there must be a new weight to raise the previous weight again, and finally, for the thing to manage, the last weight must have a perpetual motion, i.e., when it has fallen to the lowest point of the wheel through the hoisting of another weight it must raise itself up. The hoisting weight must be heavier than the hoisted (otherwise, they would remain in equilibrium, and no motion would result).

“I had already conceded in my close examination that his wheel could run 6 hours, perhaps longer, and he has not yet achieved this even once. No one has seen it run this long continuously.�

“He provided the wheel currently standing in Merseburg with a clatter and a rattle to make it difficult to hear clearly the actual motive principle. The internal clatter and rattle do not imply a constant alternation of rising and falling; rather the clatter might depend partly on the turning of the weights in the compartments and partly on a completely separate clapping apparatus. Almost no clatter and rattle was to be heard with the Draschwitz wheel; the wheel was made up of 8 spokes and was completely empty near the circumference, as one could see through the various cracks in the casing made of thin boards, but there was not the slightest trace of a rising and falling weight to be heard or seen.� - Critique by Christian Wagner 1716

“I have read through the testimonies numerous times but could find nothing other than the examiners' attestation to what they saw, namely, that the wheel turned left and right in the old as well as in the new trunnion seats and that they were thus fully liberated from the suspicion that it was pulled by a cord. The princely Saxon government of Merseburg most wisely makes the same observation and testifies nothing other than the removal of his suspicion that the machine is pulled by a hidden rope.�

“The defender indicates the proportion by which the force would be multiplied if the diameter of the wheel were increased. He obtains this proportion from the three different wheels which Orffyreus has made, namely, the first wheel, in Gera, which measured two and a half Leipzig ells in diameter and raised several pounds; the second, in Draschwitz which measured 5 Leipzig ells in diameter and drew 40 pounds; at the last, in Merseburg, which measured 6 Leipzig ells and drove 70 to 80 pounds into the air. From these it is concluded that if the diameter of the wheel is increased by approximately one ell, the force of the wheel increases by 40 pounds, and thus the difference increases by 40 in an arithmetic proportion. If the diameter of the current Merseburg wheel were made twice its size namely 12 ells, then the wheel could not raise more than 320 pounds according to this rule.�

“Can one be said to have observed the duty of a righteous Christian if one who seeks to persuade the world by all sorts of ways that one has a perpetual motion machine --who has let his claim be printed in public gazettes and other books— who is publicly obligated and has promised to perform a thorough test run and inspection of the perpetual motion machine, to let the wheel run 8 days (excluding Sunday) and to invite all educated and curious people-- in reality lets the wheel run continuously for about half an hour, sets it up on other boards, reaches his hands behind the wall, manipulates the workings therein and then lets it run again for another half hour?�

“Orffyreus has already promised to let the wheel run for several days and longer. I highly doubt that anything will come of this because, as is well known, Orffyreus dismantled his wheel last New Year's Eve and to this day he has not put it together again; he asserts that he intends to build another one, which people will find faultless.� FE Critique by Christian Wagner 1716

1716 - Aug. Leibniz letter to Ershine (personal physician to Peter the Great, Czar of Russia). PM 52
“'Orffyreus is a friend of mine, and he allowed me, sometime ago, to carry out some experiments with his machine. It ran continuously for two
hours in my presence and demonstrated considerable power. I advised him to arrange a test in which his machine would be run for several weeks with all possible precautions taken to exclude any suspicion of fraud. At the same time, data could be obtained about the machine's performance and its power. Once this has been accomplished I am sure that several princes could combine their resources, as he requests, in order to pay him a worthy recompense for his invention. He has promised me that he will arrange such a test.� PM 52

1717 - Acta Eruditorum (Learned Transactions) Leipsic magazine article (Merseburg):

“A few further particulars respecting this eccentric person and his problematic machine are afforded in the Leipsic ‘Learned Transactions,’ of the year 1717, being ‘An Account of the Machine for Perpetual Motion, invented by John Ernest Elias Orffyreus,’ as follows:-

In ‘Transactions A,’ 1715, amonst the new literary matter of the month of January, p. 46, mention is made of the Perpetual Motion Machine, invented by Orffyry, exhibited to the curious in a certain village called Draschwitz, not far from the town of Ciza. We find in this case, that a wheel, freely suspended on one axis, and impelled by no perceivable external motive power, revolved swiftly and continued to do so with an extremely equable motion.

J.E.E.Orffyry went from the village of Draschwitz to the suburbs of Martisbury, and there constructed a Perpetual Motion Machine on a somewhat larger scale. The diameter was almost twelve feet, and the thickness one foot; the diameter of the axle-hole was six finger-breadths; but the thickness of the small iron axle was scarcely a fourth part of this, in order that the friction might be reduced as much as possible, and the motion not retarded by a weight of 70 lbs. which was raised by the machine.

On the 31st October, in the presence of Commissioners .. he transported the wheel from its place to another situation, where there were no walls contiguous to it, and where one might go freely round it on every side. Orffyry did not attempt to conceal that his machine was set in motion by weights. The Prince, inclined as he was to mathematical science, and especially to mechanics, did not hesitate to attest this under his name and seal, and at the same time to pledge himself that the construction of the machine was not such that it required winding up.� - PMV2 pg 95 Dirks

November 1717 - Pamphlet published by Bessler (Kassel):

“Orffyreus removed from Merseburg to Cassel, where he was made a town councillor, and began at Weissenstein, near Cassel, to construct his improved machine. He published, in November, 1717, a tract called ‘News of the curious and wonderful trial of the Orffyrian Wheel’ at the Castle of Weissenstein, near Cassel, which has been from November, 1717 to 1718 - eight weeks in all, shut up in an apartment, and sealed by the Landgrave in his Castle; and which on being opened satisfied him of the truth of perpetual motion; and 10,000 rix-dollars were offered to any one executing a similar work. The diameter of this wheel was 12 feet, and one ½ foot thicker (than the Merseburg machine), the axle was 6 feet long and 8 inches thick; the frame of solid oak, and on each side has a pendulum fixed, which equally regulates the movement. It raises a very heavy box full of stones by means of a pulley; without any visible outward means of effecting the motion. This invention is considered a true perpetual motion, as attested by the Landgrave in his Certificated dated 27th May, 1718, and it is believed to be a self-turning wheel, that will work so long as the materials last.� PMV 98

1719 - Collection of Matters Relating to the Literature and Art affecting Nature and Medicine
“A celebrated practical mechanic and mathematician, Herr Orffyreus, in Saxony, in 1712, exhibited a complete machine, the result of many years industry, demonstrating perpetual motion. The first model he made measured 2 ½ Leipsic ells diameter, and 4 inches in thickness, able to raise some pounds weight. This he exhibited openly in several places to the nobility, scientific men, and the public. A great deal was said against him, abusing him as an imposter, many declaring the machine would not succeed on a larger scale. On this he removed from Gera to Draschwitz, where, in 1713, he finished a machine measuring 5 ells high and 6 inches in thickness, having a speed of 50 turns in a minute, and would raise a weight of 40 lbs. This he openly showed to all classes of visitors.

Removing to Mersebury, where he constructed a third and still larger machine, 6 Leipsic ells high and 1 foot thick. It was specially exhibited to an appointed commission of learned men, who gave their testimony in its favour, as not being moved by any outward agent. It could be put in motion by the small power of the fingers, acquired speed, and required some considerable exertion to stop it. He was, however, beset by scandal and abuse, although the machine continued working; until, on the 31st October, 1715, he had another public experiment in the presence of several noblemen, eminent professors, and others. All these witnesses of its operation signed a testimonial, stating that they considered it a true perpetual motion, having the property to move right and left, easily moved, but requiring great effort to stay its movement; with the power of raising or lowering a box of stones weighing 70 lbs., 8 ells high perpendicularly, from the window to the roof, and thence to the court below. And that they had not discovered any hidden means by which this property was attained. With this and two other testimonials Orffyreus was presented, 4 December, 1715.� - PMV 97

January 20th, 1720, Christian Wolff wrote to Laurentius Blumentrost (Head of Czar’s library)
‘It was with great pleasure that I received your letter, but I am in your debt for taking so long to reply, as first I had to get information from Kassel. In addition to all that has been published in Acta Eruditorum, I can tell you that His Serene Highness the Landgrave has seen the interior structure of the wheel and gave to the inventor a payment of 4000 thalers, together with his word of honour, never to communicate the secret to anyone or to imitate it for himself.
Thus, it may be correctly assumed that the wheel is moved by some internal principle. However, I have already shown in my Mathematical Lexicon, under the heading ‘Perpetuum Mobile’ that, up to the present time, we cannot assume that it will have any special advantage because it does not have enough force to do anything. Of course it is possible that the invention could be further improved if it was put into the hands of an expert mathematician. The inventor achieved success through laborious experimentation, but is unable to discover what power lies within it.’ - PM 112 Christian Wolff letter to Blumentrost
Having received assurance of the Czar’s personal interest in the matter, Wolff wrote back to Blumentrost on the 11th January, 1721:
‘It was with pleasure that I received your letter, which states that His Majesty the Czar wishes to take me into His service for the purpose of further improving the Orffyrean perpetual motion machine. At the moment I cannot be certain whether there is anything of value to be obtained from the Orffyrean wheel, but he was given a certificate by the Landgrave stating that there was no fraud within the wheel, so I regard the invention as worthy of being obtained for public use. - PM 113

1721 - Baron Joseph Fischer (Austrian architect) letter to Jean Desaguliers (Royal Society’s curator):

Collins translation Baron Joseph Fischer letter to Jean Desaguliers
“I give you news of the Perpetual Motion at Kassel, which has so much been recommended to me since I was in London. Although I am very incredulous about things which I do not understand, yet I must assure you that I am quite persuaded that there exists no reason why this machine should not have the name of Perpetual Motion given to it; and I have good reasons to believe that it is one, according to the experiments which I have been allowed to make by permission of His Serene Highness, who had the patience to be present at the trials which I made over a period of two hours.
It is a wheel [Kassel] which is twelve feet in diameter, covered with an oil-cloth. At every turn of the wheel can be heard the sound of about eight weights, which fall gently on the side towards which the wheel turns. This wheel turns with astonishing rapidity, making twenty-six turns in a minute, when the axle works unrestricted. Having tied a cord to the axle, to turn an Archimedean screw for raising water, the wheel then made twenty turns a minute. This I noted several times by my watch, and I always found the same regularity. I then stopped the wheel with much difficulty, holding on to the circumference with both hands. An attempt to stop it suddenly would raise a man from the ground.
Having stopped it in this manner, it remained stationary, I commenced the movement very gently to see if it would of itself regain its former rapidity, which I doubted. But to my astonishment I observed that the rapidity of the wheel augmented little by little until it had made two turns, and then it regained its former speed, until I observed by my watch that it made the same twenty-six turns a minute as before, when acting freely; and twenty turns when it was attached to the screw to raise water.
This experiment showing the rapidity of the wheel augmenting from the very slow movement I gave it, to an extraordinary rapid one, convinces me more than if I had seen the wheel moving for a whole year, because it might have diminished little by little until it ceased altogether; but to gain speed instead of losing it, and to increase that speed to a certain degree in spite of the resistance of air and the friction of the axles, I do not see how anyone can doubt the truth of this action. I then turned it in the opposite direction, and the wheel produced the same effect. I examined the bearings of this wheel to see if there was any hidden artifice; but was unable to see anything more than the two small bearings on which the wheel is suspended at its centre.
His Highness, who possesses all the qualities that a great prince should have, has always had consideration for the inventor, and will not use the machine in any way for fear of the secret being discovered before the inventor had received a reward from foreigners. His Highness, who has a perfect understanding of mathematics, assured me that the machine is so simple that a carpenter’s boy could understand and make it after having seen the inside of this wheel, and that he would not risk his name in giving these attestations, if he did not have knowledge of the machine.� - PM 95

Dirks translation Baron Joseph Fischer letter to Jean Desaguliers
“At every turn of the wheel can be heard about eight weights, which fall gently on the side on which the wheel turns. This wheel turns with astonishing rapidity, making twenty-six turns in a minute, when the axle works free. Having tied a cord to the axle, to turn an Archimedean screw to raise water, the wheel then made twenty turns in a minute. This I noted several times by my watch, and I always found the same regularity. I then stopped the wheel with much difficulty, holding on to the circumference with both hands. An attempt to stop it suddenly would raise a man from the ground.
Having stopped it in this manner, it remained stationary, I commenced the movement very gently to see if it would of itself regain its former rapidity, which I doubted, believing, as they had said in London, that it only preserved for a long time the impetus of the impulse first communicated. But to my great astonishment I observed that the rapidity of the wheel augmented little by little until it had made two turns, and then it regained its former speed, until I observed by my watch that it made the same twenty-six turns a minute as before, when acting freely; and twenty turns when it was attached to the screw to raise the water.
This experiment showing the rapidity of the wheel augmented from the very slow movement that I gave it, to an extraordinary rapid one, convinces me more than if I had only seen the wheel moving a whole year, which would not have persuade me that it was perpetual motion, because it might have diminished little by little until it ceased altogether; but to gain speed instead of losing it, and to increase that speed to a certain degree in spite of the resistance of the air and the friction of the axles, I do not see how anyone can doubt the truth of this action. I also turned it in a contrary course, when the wheel produced the same effect. I examined well the axles of this wheel to see if there was any hidden artifice; but I was unable to see anything more than the two small axles on which the wheel was suspended by the centre.
His Highness, who possesses all the qualities of a great Prince, must have made this reflection in favour of the inventor, not to employ this machine in any way for fear of the secret being discovered before the inventor had received a recompense from foreign countries. His Highness, who is a perfect mathematician, assured me that the machine is so simple that a carpenter’s boy could understand and make it after having seen the interior.� - PMV 110

1721 - Professor Willem Jacob ‘sGravesande’s letter to Sir Isaac Newton (Kassel):
“The inventor has a turn for mechanics, his machine has something in it prodigiously astounding. The following is a description of the external parts of the [Kassel] machine, the inside of which the inventor will not permit to be seen, lest anyone should rob him of his secret. It is a hollow wheel or kind of drum, about fourteen inches thick, and twelve feet in diameter; being very light as it consists of several cross pieces of wood framed together; the whole of which is covered over with canvas, to prevent the inside from being seen.
Through the centre of this wheel or drum runs an axle of about six inches diameter, terminated at both ends by iron bearings of about three-quarters of an inch diameter upon which the whole thing turns. I have examined these bearings, and am firmly persuaded that nothing from without the wheel in the least contributes to its motion.
When I turned it but gently, it always stood still as soon as I took my hand away. But when I gave it any tolerable degree of velocity, I was always obliged to stop it again by force; for when I let it go, it acquired in two or three turns its greatest velocity, after which it revolved at twenty-five or twenty-six times a minute. This motion it preserved some time ago for two months, in an apartment of the castle; the door and windows of which were locked and sealed, so that there was no possibility of fraud.
At the expiration of that time, His Serene Highness ordered the apartment to be opened, and the machine stopped, lest, as it was only a model, the parts might suffer by so much testing. The Landgrave being, himself, present during my examination of this machine, I took the liberty to ask him, as he had seen the inside of it, whether, after being in motion for a certain time, some alteration was made in the component parts; or whether one of these parts might be suspected of concealing some fraud; on which His Serene Highness assured me to the contrary, and that the machine was very simple.� - PMV2 94 Willem ‘sGravesande’s letter to Sir Isaac Newton (Kassel)

July 3rd, 1722 – Christian Wolff letter to Johann Daniel Schumacher (Czar’s Librarian) Kassel:

“It would appear to be beyond doubt that its movement is due to the internal weights which are applied in a special manner. My reasons for arriving at this conclusion are:
a) I saw, myself, that the wheel began to rotate with speed and uniformity, without any appreciable external thrust or push until it was slowed from outside. Any attempt at fraud from outside was impossible because the wheel bearings were uncovered on both
sides and one could see the axle journals turning in their bearings. The wheel was moved from its stand and put on another one.
b) Before translocating the wheel, the Inventor who was performing the test for the officially appointed Commissioners, took out the weights and permitted one of them to be touched, wrapped in a handkerchief. He did not allow the weight to be touched on the end, but lengthwise, it felt cylindrical and not very thick. One could hear the weights landing on the overbalanced side, as though they
were swinging, from which one can assume that the overbalancing was caused by their impact.�

“Furthermore there is the testimony of the Landgrave of Hesse-Kassel, who is experienced in evaluating mechanical inventions and had seen the internal mechanism of the wheel and ran it for many weeks in a locked room, keeping the keys himself, having personally locked and sealed the doors and windows with his own seal. He testified both verbally and in an officially printed certificate that the movement of the wheel was caused by nothing more than the weights and that it would run continuously unless the internal structure of the wheel was altered.�

“I suggest that the weights on the wheel’s periphery are attached by rods in such a way that when at rest on the lighter side of the wheel, they can be lifted, but when they start to fall, after the wheel has turned, they deliver a force on impact, acquired during the fall, onto a piece of wood which is fixed to the periphery. In this way, the wheel is put into rotation by the impact of the weights, which can be heard.�

“Orffyreus’ whole invention consists of an artful arrangement of weights, in such a way that they are lifted when at rest and acquire force during their fall, and in my opinion it is this that he keeps secret. This is also consistent with what Orffyreus says, that anyone could easily understand his invention, as soon as he is allowed to look into the wheel.� PM 114 Christian Wolff 1722 letter to Schumacher
This is from a July 3rd, 1722 letter that Merseburg witness Christian Wolff wrote to Daniel Schumacher who was the librarian and
advisor of Peter the Great, Czar of Russia, who was buying Bessler’s invention. The Czar died before the funds were delivered.
1722 Schumacher’s report to Peter the Great, Czar of Russia

“I set off without delay, straight to Kassel and Weissenstein Castle, hoping to find Orffyreus there, but I discovered that His Serene Highness the Landgrave had sent him, together with the broken parts of his machine, to Karlshafen, which used to be known as Sieburg, about five miles from Kassel, and there a special house was allocated to him so that he could have better conditions to develop his ideas and plans - and also get rid of such a repulsive guest. Your Imperial Majesty may be interested to learn why the inventor had broken his machine.
The above-mentioned Landgrave had invited Herr Professor ‘sGravesande from Leiden to demonstrate to him the physico-mathematical experiments which were published in his book, and they fell into discussion about perpetual motion - whether Orffyreus’ wheel really was a true perpetual motion. The Landgrave asserted that it was, and ordered Orffyreus to demonstrate it to Herr ‘sGravesande, but without telling him who ‘sGravesande was. Orffyreus obeyed the order and demonstrated his machine in the presence of the Landgrave, but ‘sGravesande asked so many questions and expressed such a keen interest in learning about its internal structure, that Orffyreus formed the opinion that they wanted to discover his secret, and therefore he refused to show them any more, and as soon as they departed he broke the machine so that there would be nothing to fear. ‘After I had spent several days in Sieburg (Karlshafen) with the inventor, pretending to be his very great friend, I revealed to him Your Imperial Majesty’s noble intention, and his first question was, “does Herr Schumacher have any money?�
I replied that there was more money available to him than he could imagine, and that Your Imperial Majesty wished to give him high favour and payment for his invention, if it passed the test. “Of course it will pass the test, and I am prepared to lose my head if it’s not the real thing.�
To which I replied, “let us take two renowned mathematicians, who will first take an oath not to reveal anything about it, then examine your machine and give it a certificate. The agreed amount of money will be put in escrow, and with this we would be satisfied�. However I could not obtain his agreement to this. He remained resolute in his opinion that the machine was true, and that no-one could fault it except through ill-will, he could confide in no-one as the entire world was full of evil, malicious and vicious people whom it was impossible to trust. His last words were, “Herr Schumacher, you put down 100,000 thalers on one side, and I shall put my machine on the other!�
I could do nothing more, even if I had spent an entire year in negotiations with him, so I returned quickly to Halle and reported to Professor Wolff on what I had done at Herr Orffyreus’.� - PM 119
1722 - Jean Bernoulli letter to Gravesande (Kassel):

“I move on now to your comments on the possibility of perpetual motion, which were written on the occasion of your examination of the effects of the machine at Kassel. Several years ago, marvelous things were written to me from Germany about this machine, and even a view of the exterior was sent to me. Now, I have been assured that the secret was communicated to His Serene Highness, the Landgrave of Hesse, under an oath of silence, and he was allowed to examine the internal structure of the wheel.
Afterwards, his Serene Highness was quoted as saying to his ministers, that he believed the machine to be a true perpetual motion machine, and in addition, it was so simple and easy to construct that he was amazed that no one had managed to invent a similar machine before Herr Orffyreus.� - PM 137 [ the design is simple but the mechanics are complex ] Jean Bernoulli letter to Gravesande
The mathematician Jean Bernoulli also wrote:
“Any motion which exists in nature can be used to support a perpetual motion. In these instances such machines cannot be regarded as purely artificial perpetual motion, but rather as a combined perpetual motion because their motion is assisted by nature. I am convinced that Bessler’s Wheel is of this type.�

June 1st, 1723 Christian Wolff’s letter to Schumacher (Czar’s Librian) included Orffyresus letter:

“My perpetual motion machine is still not sold and is therefore available for purchase. I am pleased that His Majesty the Czar wishes to purchase it. I am also pleased that you have been assigned to examine and research this machine. The price of the machine is the same as previously: 100,000 thalers.

I have in mind a great ‘Treatise on Mechanics’ which I plan to publish, with many hundreds of machines and drawings that could be printed at my home. ‘In this tract it will be possible to trace my perpetual motion machine through all the stages of its development. As a result, whoever wishes to pay a certain sum of money to receive such a treatise, will be able to select and build at his discretion any machine together with my invention. The Treatise would be in folio in two volumes. It would be ready in about two years from the time I start to work on it. It will be very interesting, useful and beneficial for the public. I would have much more to say about it but, because time is short, I will add only the following, subject to your approval;

If His Majesty the Czar would advance me 10,000 thalers for this tract, which would increase and promote the publication I could start work on it immediately; in two years he would have quite a large number of these treatises. It would include my perpetual motion machine revealed completely through all stages of its construction, which would eliminate any need for him to contribute anything else. N.B. Sufficient guarantees would be included.

In the event that my perpetual motion machine was sold before my treatise was published, my project would still be finished and the treatise published. However, the machine that had been sold would not be included in the treatise, because I want to sell just one kind of machine, not all of them. I have many different kinds of machines all running on different principles. They can be moved by weights, balls, springs, internal gears, internal water, oil, alcohol and wind.� - PM 124

Feb 3rd, 1729 Professor Jean-Pierre de Crousaz (tutor to Karl’s grandson) letter to Professor ‘sGravesande:

“It is true that there is a machine at his house, to which they give the name perpetual motion; but that cannot be transported, it is much smaller, and it differs from the first, in that it only turns one way.� - PM 147

April 26th, 1745 Last letter by Bessler to Baron Schrader von Schliestedt (Karl’s minister)

There exists a sadly evocative letter which the inventor wrote at the end of April, 1745, only a few months before his death, from his home in Karlshafen, in which he pleads, wretchedly, for some small help for him and his family. But as well there is, intriguingly, a reference to one more perpetual motion machine which he has been ordered to finish - and also to a steam engine. The letter is addressed to Baron Schrader von Schliestedt, Karl I’s right hand man:
‘Sir, Baron and Highly Respected Court Councillor,
I have written often and many times to you, Highly Honourable Sire, but I have not received any answer. Meanwhile, I lack strength and will, through hunger, grief, frost and chill, because for a long time I have not received a single piece of wood from the District Magistrate. Indeed, I have often had only dry bread to eat and water to drink.
However, at last, thank God, I have had the good luck to finish preparing the model of perpetual motion which was commissioned from England, as demanded by the Senior District Magistrate, von Mannsberg. It was ready at midnight on April 14th, and on the same day I had travelled to Karlshafen, borrowing two gulden from the Rev. Pastor. On the 15th of the same month I had to return home from church to go to bed, because I suffered a violent attack of colica bilosia flatuente.
It was the result of my cold, miserable life, and general anxiety about the Fürstenberg project. It afflicted me for 8-9 days, so that I was sure that death was near. All this was also accompanied by the effects of an accident suffered during the work at Fürstenberg. However, my God helped me to bring such a sudden change using only the good medicine of my mind, that I hope to return to Fürstenberg this week. To Him only be thanks and praise.
. . . it would be of great relief to me and help my health if I were to receive a pleasing reply from you, to my letters. Moreover, it would also please God, because nothing else has produced so much willingness in my heart, to be of service and to have honest intentions, and so there is much that I deserve. I would wish that Your High and Honourable self were to be made aware of and have insight into how matters really stand.
You have the power to affect my life to an appreciable degree, either prolonging it or shortening it. Because if, in Fürstenberg, things continue as they have done, then I am absolutely certain to die of various heartbreaking anxieties. This could happen at any time and I am ready and willing; because I cannot live here any longer in absolutely unbelievable grief and privation, with mounting debts, and no money to repay the debts already incurred; and, in addition to the pain, trouble and other difficulties experienced with the mechanical construction, which was started so late, and which had had to be begun anew, there is nothing to eat for me and my family.
The District Magistrate was unwilling to lend me one barrel or even sixteen pecks of grain, and so things have been impossible for a long time. It hurts my heart when I see and hear, sometimes daily, what is done or said against my Christian honesty, and there is nothing I can do, but only to bear it patiently. It all effects my spirit when rude comments are made in front of strangers, and am I to believe that you are my avowed foe?
And this because steam engines have not been made! And yet when I ask where is the solemnly promised wood and other things for this, then they keep silent, but behind my back they repeat the same. Recently I asked the District Magistrate for just five thalers for expenses and I have received nothing. But he says, on the other hand, he had offered me ten, twenty thalers, and so on. I should not have to suffer like this at my time of life. There is so much more that I could say, but why bother? In short, I will state my honesty once and for all, and as well, recommend myself as a poor and weak man, who seeks your Honourable protection with due respect and honest modesty. Your most humble servant. Karlshafen, April 26th, 1745.’� - PM 153
1770 - ‘An Account of the Automaton’ by Dr. William Kenrick
“Dr. Kenrick published a quarto pamphlet of 28 pages, entitle- ‘An Account of the Automaton’, constructed by Orffyreus: in two letters; the one from Professor ‘sGravesand to Sir Isaac Newton; the other from Baron Fischer to Dr. Desaguliers. To which is annexed the testimonial of the Prince of Hesse Cassell, in favour of Orffyreus.
Orffyreus, a native of Saxony, was one of those singular geniuses whose natural talents for particular arts are accompanied by a strange perversity of understanding. He has an amazing turn for practical mechanics, and applied himself to the discovery of a perpetual motion - a discovery as much exploded among the mathematicians as that of the philosopher’s stone among chymists. Orffyreus, however, after labouring about twenty years, and constructing near 300 different machines, at length hit on the contrivance of that which is described in the following letters.� - PMV2 pg 108 Dirks
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6. Unsubstantiated Clues - no source quoted from author

● John Collins book “PM - Perpetual Motion: An Ancient Mystery Solved?, England 1999

“History only records the existence of four wheels - the Gera, Draschwitz, Merseburg and Kassel ones. However I have discovered evidence of three more making a total of seven.�
Feb 3rd, 1729 Professor Jean-Pierre de Crousaz (tutor to Karl’s grandson) letter to Professor ‘sGravesande:
“It is true that there is a machine at his house, to which they give the name perpetual motion; but that cannot be transported, it is much
smaller, and it differs from the first, in that it only turns one way.� - PM 147 [ leaving two machines unaccountable ]

“When Karl's emissary, Nathaniel von Stapff, first approached Bessler with a view to checking out his claims, he must have made it clear to Bessler that in order to take advantage of the Landgrave's patronage, he would be required to reveal the secret, under an oath of silence of course, of the wheel's construction. Clearly this was a highly contentious issue for Bessler and yet he was persuaded to accept, the issue molified to some extent by the promise of 4000 thalers for the privilege.

So before Karl could even consider such a proposal he had to verify to his own satisfaction that Bessler's wheel actually worked, and since the Kassel wheel would not be finished for several months, and the previous, Merseberg wheel, had been destroyed, the wheel Karl saw must have been the small model mentioned two or three times elsewhere.

This small model may have been Bessler's first fully working model or even one which showed some rotation without providing enough to drive another device and it could only turn one way. It may have been the same one that was found in pieces after his death, and the same one that Jean-Pierre de Crousaz wrote somewaht sarcastically about. So when Karl described its simplicity he was probably describing the basic concept and not the interior of the Kassel wheel.�

“A new design that he had created in his mind was transformed into reality - a real perpetual motion machine which moved spontaneously! The problem that had been troubling his mind for so long was solved - and having found the solution, all sense of urgency left him. Having received two letters from “two rich patients, I stopped all work, took the coach that had been sent for me, and rushed off, leaving my work in pieces, but with the thought that it didn’t matter now that my trust in God had proved so well founded�. He cured both patients who were generously appreciative. Orffyreus now travelled to the Erz Mountains. He visited water-mills and mines in the area, because he needed to know if and how his newly discovered perpetual motion machine might be of use in such occupations - whether the machine could be built large enough to cope with the loads imposed on it, and how to connect such a device.
He arrived at Annaberg-Bucholz where, in order to earn sufficient funds he continued to practice medicine. “The town mayor had a daughter, his youngest, who was lying seriously ill. Her parents were greatly distressed, and had tried, to no avail, many ways of alleviating her suffering. I gazed at her and said that it was awful that such a lovely girl should have to suffer so. Straight away I set to and within the hour I had cured her. As a reward I was given the girl herself! With God’s grace I took her hand in marriage�. This was in 1711, and Bessler was already about thirty years of age.
He wanted to get back to his home and develop his new machine and market it. They set up home in the town of Gera, the same town that was to witness the first exhibition of the Orffyrean perpetual motion. Initially they lived at his cousin’s house, and it was here that Orffyreus began to construct his new machine. However he found that none of the rooms in the house were big enough for what he had in mind, so he took a lease on another house which had much larger rooms. The leased house was owned by Herr Richter and stood on Niclaus Hill, and the inventor actually constructed his first demonstration model here in the year 1712, exhibiting it on the 6th June.� PM 27

“I surmised in my book that Bessler simply built a bi-directional wheel by putting a second mechanism in the wheel but reversed so that it would drive the wheel in the opposite direction. It did not start OOB and required a push to get it accelerating, and its final speed was approximately half that of the one-way wheels. I built a model of a Savonius rotor and loaded two rotors on to one axle but connected to each other - with precisely the same result - no spontaneous start, a push needed to get accelerating and final speed about half that of a single rotor. He needed to disprove the clockwork theory being put about as an explanation. I don't think he had any other reasons for building the two-way wheel, and in my opinion my own tests with the Savonius wheel bear out my theory of two mechanisms installed - one for each direction.� Forum topic “Secondary Mover?

Any tendency to overbalance before the wheel started would be equalled by the second mechanism intended to turn the wheel the other way. Starting the wheel with a gentle push would, in effect, mimic the initial OOB present in the one-way wheels and then the 'secondary' weights I referred to elsewhere would try to push the primary weights into an OOB position on one side only. One side being a description of the direction towards which the wheel was turning and which was not affected by any of the weights designed to turn the wheel the other way.

John’s theory is supported by witnesses of Bessler’s machine. Joseph Fischer and Willem ‘sGravesand reported the Kassel bi-directional wheel revolved at 26 rpm. Bessler and Christian Wolff reported the Draschwitz uni-directional wheel revolved at more than 50 rpm (26 x 2 = 52 rpm). This raises the question of which machine was the most powerful design because the Merseburg bi-direction wheel rotated at more than 40 rpm – so would a uni-directional version of this mechanism revolve at 80+ rpm? Witnesses also noted the Merseburg wheel did not slow under load but the Kassel wheel did slow from 26 to 20 rpm when under load.

[rocky]

Part 4

● besslerrad.de - German Volker Keller website Dec 2007 imtranslator.com, altavista.com/bagelfish, google.com

1. The machine was driven/propelled by weights.
2. During a full/complete revolution of the wheel, 8 impact noises were to be heard.
3. From this one drew the conclusion that inside were 8 weights.
4. With the rotation one heard impact noises on the side, after which the wheel turned.
5. The witnesses regarded it as drop noises.
6. The form/shape of the weights was cylindrical.
7. When running the weights generated/produced digging/mining and rumbling noises.
8. The weights probably ran on curved/swung wood courses/railways/roads.
9. The weights bumped with the running against wooden walls.
German rewrite Dec. 2008 above 3 clues replaced with:
10. Witnesses alleged that at least some weight trains ran on wood and walls were against.
11. The unidirectional wheel was more efficient and faster. Its speed became with 50 to 55 revolutions per minute indicated.
12. For the stop it had to be durably braked. If the brake was loosened, it started automatically.
13. The bi-directional wheel contained steel springs, which became temporarily strained when inserting of the weights.
14. Whether the one-sided spinning wheel also was equipped with springs, is not known.
15. The mechanism was apparently quite simple. Landgraf Karl said that any carpenter's apprentice could build such a wheel.
16. According to rumors in a later occasion, he said that the interior consisted of a simple arrangement of weights and lever arms.
17. According to Bessler two weights always worked in pairs.

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7. Timeline of Events (Bessler Biography)
1680 Elias Bessler born in Zittau, Prussia (Germany), Kingdom of Saxony.
Zittau Germany, sent to school there, Elgern teacher, Weise was town Rector and he lived with him growing up.
Name changed to Johann Ernst Elias Bessler when he did Orffyreus pseudonym.
Wisdom brought him to high seats of learning. Also fond of duelling, dancing and riding.
Reformed after fling with the Devil and shunned all vanities. Sought the company of only those who loved wisdom.
Refrained from feasting, gambling and carousing. Earned a living as a Cleric, a Doctor, and a Mathematician.
Learned sculpting, grinding glass, smelting, casting. clock making, blow glass, paint pictures, copperplate engravings.
Mastered enamelling and wax modelling, astornomy and making calendars, surveying woods, meadows and fields.
Worked with sulphur and gunpowder, made air-guns, expert shot, liked Algebra, performed many musical instruments.
Journey to Bohemia, Moravia and Austria.
Learned true medicinal arts from a man he rescued from drowning. Cured those in great epidemics.
Learned preparation of lotions and secrets of anatomy.
Visited monasteries for increasing his knowledge then returned to German speaking lands.
Augsburg, Germany, mixed with craftsmen
Vienna, Austria and Landau practisied medicine.
Prague, Germany, met old Jesuit priest and together researched perpetual motion machine.
From priest’s Rabbi learned languages and hieroglyphics.
Dresen, Germany, learned water mills milling mechanics, learned carpentery.
Traveled again earning a living as a black-coated cleric who preached. The year was 1703.
Also worked as a journeyman craftsman in many trades.
Visited universities in Saxony, Holland, England and Ireland.
Worked as a doctor again.
Returned home to Germany and learned organ making.
1711 Built first successful PM mechanism device at his home in Gera, Germany.
Worked as a doctor, cured sick people, delivered babies.
Took a vacation to the Erz Mountains, looked at watermills and mining.
Anneberg, a doctor Schumann, was mayor and chief doctor of the town, his youngest daugter was ill can could not
cure her, but Bessler did within an hour. As a reward he was given her in marriage.
Returned to Gera. Leased another house with large room to privately work on commerical version of wheel.
Gera, Germany, lived in house of his cousin, Herr Detter Langen with his wife.
Gera, Germany, laboratory was leased house of the Richters on the hill called Nickelsberg.
Was personal friend of local count and countess and shared news of discovery.
1712 June 6th, Exhibited first wheel at home in Gera, uni-directional self-starting, 4.6 ft x 4 inches, rotates at 50+ rpm.
Received a certificated from scholars to genuiness of device.
Made enemies because would not share secret and would not exhibit wheel on Sundays.
1712 Thomas Newcomen invented atmospheric steam engine exhibited power by draining water from a mine.
Destroys wheel and moves to Draschwitz, on the Knights Estate, to build larger machine to demonstrate more power.
1713 Exhibited second wheel at home in Draschwitz, uni-directional self-starting, 9.3 ft x 6 inches, rotates at 50+ rpm.
Worked as a doctor, cured all he helped.
Herr Gartner from Dresen became an enemy after an angry letter between them.
Gartner, Borlach and Wagner intensify their campaign to discredit Bessler, publishing a pamphlet that depicts the wheel
driven through hollowed-out support posts.
1714 Jan. Gottfried Teuber letter to Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz described Draschwitz wheel. PM 49
1714 Apr. Teuber letter Leibniz about Draschwitz wheel. PM 51
1715 Jan. Acta Eruditorum (Learned Transactions) article by Professor Christian Wolff described Draschwitz wheel. PM 56
The estate was to be sold where he was living so he destroyed the wheel and moved to Obergreisslau in the winter.
Stayed until Easter then moved to a village called Merseburg. Enemies said his wheel needed winding up.
1715 Jun Exhibited third wheel at home in Merseburg, bi-directional push-starting, 11 ft x 11 inches, rotates at 46 rpm.
1715 Jun. Leipzig Post Zeitungen, published for week of 24th - 30th described Merseburg wheel. PM 59
1715 Oct. Acta Eruditorum Leipsic magazine article by Johann Mencke described Merseburg wheel. PM 87
Merseberg wheel was examined by a committee of 12 distinguished investigators.
1715 No one met Bessler’s price for his gravity engine when it had been superseded by Newcomens steam engine.
1715 GB – Grundlicher Bericht (Thorough Report), Bessler, Germany, 1st book.
1715 Oct.31st. Official examination and tests are conducted including a translocation of the wheel to prove the posts are
not hollowed-out. Official certificate of approval issued. Gartner, Borlach and Wagner continue to make accusations of
fraud despite inability to explain or replicate Bessler's demonstrations.
1715 Dec. Christian Wolff letter to Leibniz described Merseburg wheel. PM 70
1715 Critique 1 on Merseburg wheel by Christian Wagner, printed in Lipzig by Johann Gottlieb Bauchen. free-energy.co.uk
1716 Critique 2 on Merseburg wheel by Christian Wagner, printed in Leipzig by Johann Christian Martini. free-energy.co.uk
1716 Jan. Merseburg wheel was taxed. Bessler was outraged and destroyed wheel.
1716 Jun Bessler receives letters from Karl inviting him come to Kassel.
1716 Jul It was known that Bessler had accepted whatever offer Karl made to him and would be moving to Kassel.
1716 Aug Karl the reigning Landgrave of Hesse, took Orffyreus under his protection and gave him lodgings in his castle at Kassel
1716 Karl, Landgrave of Hesse-Kassel, sponsors Bessler and his invention. To receive patronage and protection, Bessler
must prove his wheel is genuine by revealing the secret to Karl. In return, Karl agrees to give Bessler 4000 Thalers and
promises not to use or disclose the secret until a successful sale is made. After seeing the inside of the wheel, Karl is
convinced and offers Bessler the position of Commercial Councillor with protection, lodgings, income and the means to
begin construction of a new, larger wheel. Bessler destroys wheel and moves to Weissenstein Castle.
1716 Aug. Leibniz letter to Ershine (personal physician to Peter the Great, Czar of Russia). PM 52
1716 Russia’s czar, Peter the Great, sends two envoys to Merseburg to purchase the wheel but Bessler dismantled it for his
move to Kassel. They have to wait two years to see the next wheel at Kassel.
1716 AP – Apologia Poetica (Formal Poetic Defense), Bessler, Germany, 2nd book.
1717 Acta Eruditorum Leipsic magazine article described Draschwitz and Merseburg wheels. PMV 95
1717 Exhibited fourth wheel at Castle Weissenstein, Kassel, bi-directional push-starting, 12 ft x 18 inches, 26 rpm.
Bessler requests a long-duration test, with the wheel sealed and secured under lock and guard. This test runs for 54
days, from November 12th until the January 4th, 1718. He also performs a translocation of the wheel to prove there is
no hidden axle drive. An official certificate is issued to the inventor confirming the circumstances of the tests and the
favourable results. The wheel is intensely examined, tested and scrutinised by many notable scientists, engineers and
officials over the next 4 years.
1717 Nov. Pamphlet published by Bessler written in third person describing Kassel wheel. PMV 98
The King of Poland wanted to buy the machine but one of his councillors was Gartner who thwarted the sale.
Christian Wolf as agent to Czar purchases wheel with agreement the King of Prussia hold the Czar’s money in escrow
until envoys are shown wheel and given secret.
King of Prussia orders Wolf expelled from country because of his theology teachings at German univerisity.
1719 DT – Das Triumphirende (The Triumphant Orffryrean Perpetual Motion), Bessler, Kassel, Germany, 3rd book.
1719 Collection of Matters Relating to the Literature and Art described all four exhibited wheels. PMV 97
1720 Jan. Christian Wolff wrote to Laurentius Blumentrost (Head of Czar’s library) about Kassel wheel and purchase. PM 112
1720 John Rowley, Master of Mechanics to King George I of England, visited Kassel and believed wheel was real.
1721 Baron Joseph Fischer (Austrian architect) letter to Jean Desaguliers (Royal Society’s curator) Kassel wheel. PM 95
1721 Professor Willem Jacob ‘sGravesande’s letter to Sir Isaac Newton described Kassel wheel. PM 97
1721 Karl donates a house to Bessler, with garden and meadow attached, in the nearby town of Karlshafen.
On August 17th, Bessler destroys his wheel at Weissenstein Castle.
Bessler moves himself and his family from Weissenstein Castle to Karlshafen.
There is no information on any further wheels exhibited by Bessler.
1722 Jul. Christian Wolff/Bessler MT letter to Johann Daniel Schumacher (Czar’s Librarian) describing Kassel wheel. PM 114
1722 Daniel Schumacher’s report to Peter the Great, Czar of Russia about purchase of wheel. PM 119
1722 Jean Bernoulli letter to Gravesande about Kassel wheel. PM 137
1722 MT – Maschinen Tractate (Treatise on Machines), Bessler, Karlshafen, not published, found after his death, 4th book.
1723 Jun. Christian Wolff’s letter to Schumacher (Czar’s Librian) included Orffyresus letter about purchase of wheel. PM 124
1723 Jun. The Czar of Russia, Peter the Great, agreed to buy the machine and to put the money in escrow with the King of Prussia (Germany). Christian Wolf would be the Czar’s agent to inspect the wheel and approve the fund transfer.
1725 Feb. Peter the Great dies of an infection and purchase of wheel is cancelled.
1726 Bessler’s wife dies, Bessler remarries, jealous maid (age 38) from 1711 leaves Bessler (age 46).
1727 Bessler’s brother Gottfried, his assistant, went to England.
On November 28th Bessler's maid, Anne Rosine Mauersbergerin, testifies to authorities that Bessler's wheels had all
been turned manually by Bessler, his wife, his brother Gottfried and herself. She claimed the turning was carried out by
a small crank in an adjoining room. She claimed the posts had been hollowed out and contained a long and thin piece
of iron with a barb at the bottom which was attached to the shaft journal. Bessler destroys all documents, drawings and
models that describe and prove his secret, in fear of it being stolen upon his arrest. Karl discredit the maids accusations
and the charges were dismissed as Karl saw the inside. It is suggested that she did not act alone in her accusations
and that she was paid by Bessler’s enemys of Borlach, Gärtner and Wagner. His reputation is permanently ruined.
1727 Karl’s son Maximillian visits Bessler in Karlshafen to see new smaller fifth wheel.
1729 Professor Jean-Pierre de Crousaz (tutor to Karl’s grandson) letter to Professor ‘sGravesande about fifth wheel. PM 147
1730 Karl died March 23rd at age 76. Karlshafen super-wheel project and Bessler’s salary ended.
1733 Because of arrest, Bessler deleted MT 138-141 (drawings of his machine) and added inside cover note about clues.
1738 Bessler pamphlets of self-powered (avoided words perpetual motion) fountain, musical organ and submarine ship.
1743 Duke of Brunswick hires Bessler to build a horizontally sailed windmill, one with a vertical axis, in Fürstenburg.
1745 Last letter by Bessler, to Baron Schrader von Schliestedt (Karl’s minister) asking for financial help for family. PM 153
1745 Bessler falls to death on November 30th at age 65 working on Savonius windmill project in Fürstenburg.
1745 Widow, his second wife, gives Duke all of Bessler’s possessions in exchange for weekly financial support.
They consisted of a disassembled model of a perpetual motion machine and the unpublished Maschinen Tractate.

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8. People Involved

Bessler, Johann Ernst Elias (1680-1745) - Germany, Inventor of Gravity Wheel, nickname Orffyreus.
Bernoulli, Jean
1722 wrote letter to Gravesande about Kassel wheel
Blumentrost, Laurentius - Head of Czar’s library
1720 - Christian Wolff wrote to about the Czar wanting to buy Bessler’s machine
Borlach - Germany, Dresden, Satirist
Friend of Gartner and Wagner. Did copper-engraving published as a infamous cartoon showing fraud.
de Crousaz, Professor Jean-Pierre - tutor to Karl’s grandson
1729 - letter to Professor ‘sGravesande February 3
Fischer, Joseph Emanuel (1693-1742) - Austrian architect
1721 - Baron Joseph Fischer (Austrian architect) letter to Jean Desaguliers (Royal Society’s curator)
Gärtner, Andreas - Germany, Dresden, Master Model-maker to the King of Poland
Published slanderous tracts and pamphlets mocking Bessler. Claimed it ran on clockwork mechansim.
‘sGravesande, Willem Jacob (1688-1742 - Dutch mathematician
1721 - Inspected Kassel wheel and wrote report to Sir Isaac Newton
Kendrick, William (1725-1779) -
1770 - ‘An Account of the Automaton’ by Dr. William Kenrick
Landgrave Karl von Hessen - Kassel (1654-1730) - Landgrave (Count) of Hesse-Kassel
Leibniz, Gottifried Wilhelm (1646-1716) - Germany’s leading philosopher, scientist, mathematician and historian.
Mannsberg, Baron Anton von – Bessler’s landlord at time of his death. A member of the Royal Society in London and he commissioned
the final wheel which Bessler was trying to finish when he died.
Moritz, William (1688-1731) - Germany, Duke of Saxe-Merseburg
Newton, Isaac (1643-1727) - England Mathematician
Peter the Great (1672-1725) - Czar of Russia
Schliestedt, Baron Schrader von, - Karl’s minister
1745 - Last letter by Bessler to minister
Schumacher. Johann Daniel - Czar’s Librarian
1722 - Christian Wolff letter to about Czar wanting to buy Bessler’s machine
1722 - Schumacher’s report to Peter the Great, Czar of Russia
Teuber, Gottifried (1656-1731) - x, Mathematician
1714 - Gottfried Teuber letter to Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz (Draschwitz) January
Wagner, Christian - Germany, student of mathematics
Published more slanderous tracts than Gärtner mocking Bessler. Claimed split axle let it change direction.
1715 - Critique 1 by Christian Wagner, printed in Leipzig by Johann Gottlieb Bauchen (Merseburg)
1716 - Critique 2 by Christian Wagner, printed in Leipzig by Johann Christian Martini, Nicolai Street (Merseburg)
White, Johann Andreas - Germany, Merseburg District Magistrate
Wilhelm, Moritz (1664-1718) - x, Duke of Saxony-Zeitz
Wolff, Johann Christian (1679-1754) - x, Professor of Mathematics and Philosophy in Halle
1715 - Acta Eruditorum magazine article by Professor Christian Wolff (Draschwitz) January
1715 - Christian Wolff letter to Leibniz (Merseburg) December 19
Mencke, Johann Burkhard (1674-1732) - Editor of magazine Acta Eruditorum, Master of Philosophy, Professor of History,
Doctorate in Law, historiographer to Auguestus II of Poland, member of Academy of Berlin and Royal Society of
London, well regarded as a multifaceted scholar.
1715 - Acta Eruditorum (Learned Transactions) Leipsic magazine article by Johann Mencke (Merseburg) October
1717 - Acta Eruditorum (Learned Transactions) Leipsic magazine article (Merseburg)

9. Glossary of Keywords
alternately (adj.) occurring by turns; succeeding each other; one and then the other; every other second; to exchange places
causative (adj.) causing an effect; causing; ie: “fell� is a causative verb meaning “to cause to fall�
climb 7v.8 to rise or ascend gradually to a higher point
cross-bar (n.) a structural member that crosses other elements; two perpendular beams crossing at the axis;lazy tongs
dynamic (adj.) vigorous; forceful
essence (n.) that which makes something what it is; most important quality
fell (v.) to cause to fall
flash 7v.8 to move swiftly and suddenly
form (n.) configuration of something; structure as apart from color, material, etc.
impetus (n.) a force that stimulates activity; driving force; impulse
fanciful (adj.) elaborate, intricate and difficult
giving (v.) to make a present of, to hand or pass over, to relay; pass along; to make (a movement), to perform (a physical act)
gravitate (v.) to move or tend to move in accordance with the force of gravity; to sink or settle
inmost (adj.) located farthest within; most intimate or secret; innermost
interchange (v.) to change places with each other, to put (each of two things) in the other’s place, to alternate
impetus (n.) the force that starts motion in a mass; anything that stimulates activity; driving force or motive; incentive; impulse
innate (adj.) possessed as an essential characteristic; inherent; belonging to the essential nature of something
kennel (n.) a place where dogs are kept; a pack of dogs
pair of pliers; pliers (n.) a gripping hand tool with two hinged arms; pair/set referring to the two arms; each arm a lever on fulcrum bolt
pair of tongs; tongs (n.) a hand device with two hinged long arms for seizing objects
pair of lazy tongs (n.) a set of tongs made with a series of crossed, jointed bars that can be extended for seizing objects at a distance
periphery (n.) an outside surface, esp. that of a rounded object or body
ponderous (adj.) very heavy; unwieldy because of weight; that seems heavy; bulky; massive
preponderance (n.) superiority in weight, force
rise 7v.8 to go to a higher place or position
rest (n.) absence of motion; to stop or become still or inactive for a while
vortex (n.) resembles a whirlpool; a circular motion forming a center cavity and draws toward this cavity bodies subject to its action
adj. – adjective, adv. – adverb, n. – noun, v. - verb
“Vortices just means centers. A vortex means something spinning. A spiral means somthing is moving in or out as it spins or rotates. A vortex is not necessarily a spiral though it usually is. Something with a
vortice is not necessarily rotating but has the ability to rotate. So jumping from 'vortices' to 'spirals' may be in error. But a weight that moves in or out on a rotating wheel will trace a spiral.� Forum Jim Mich


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Printed Name Variations
Elias Bessler born in Zittau, Prussia (Germany), Kingdom of Saxony, 1680.
Name changed to Johann Ernst Elias Bessler when he did Orffyreus pseudonym.
Latinizing your name was common then just as now we have Bill for William and Bob for Robert.

Quote Reference
GB – Grundlicher Bericht (Thorough Report), Bessler, Germany 1715, John Collins/translated by Mike Senior 2005
AP – Apologia Poetica (Formal Poetic Defense), Bessler, Germany 1716, John Collins/translated by Mike Senior 2005
DT – Das Triumphirende (The Triumphant Orffryrean Perpetual Motion), Bessler, Germany 1719, J. Collins/Mike Senior 2005
MT – Maschinen Tractate (Treatise on Machines), Bessler, Germany 1722, J. Collins/translated by Andrew Witter, 2005
PM - Perpetual Motion: An Ancient Mystery Solved?, John Collins, England 1999
All John Collins page numbers reference his electronic book version pdf file

OD - Oddities; A Book of Unexplained Facts, Gould, London, 1928; Chapter V, Orffyreus' Wheel
PV – Perpetuum Mobile Volume 2, Henry Dirks, England 1861/1870 (pseudonym, real name is Percy Verance)
AJ - The Asa Jackson Perpetual Motion Wheel by David Brown 2003
FE - http://www.free-energy.co.uk - John Collins Johann Bessler’s Gravity Wheel site (has Wagner’s Critiques)
Al Bacon of Michigan (Glenn Rouse)/Ted of Chicago (Andrew Witter)
Apologia Poetica (AP) was written in rhyme. When John Collins hired Mike Senior who has a degree in Old German to translate, Mike asked if he wanted a literal translaton or because of Bessler changing words to rhyme sentences, instead translate what Mike thought Bessler meant. John chose what he meant. Das Triumphirende (DT) was not written in rhyme and was published in German and Latin so it has more accurate translations.

Here is an example from Apologia Poetica page 19 of a literal and interpretive translation of the old German text:

“Wieweit ein Hertz hieher kan fliegen Auf Jacobs heil'ge Himmels-Stiegen/ Und wie man werffen muß die Fleck' Von allen Aberglauben weg.�
“How far a soul here can ascend on Jacob's holy heaven-stairway, and how one must cast away the marks of all superstitions.� -Stewart
“I discovered how a man can climb higher on Jacob’s ladder and learn to shun all superstition.� –Mike

Perpetual Motion; History, Explanation And Prophecy Illustrated" 1916 by Percy Verance [aka Henry Dircks]
Ord-Hume, Arthur W.G. - Published in xxxx “Perpetual Motion - The History of an Obsession�.
Strieder, Friedrich Wilhelm - Published in 1795 a biographical dictionary that included an account of Bessler’s life.
Encyclopedias in all countries use this reference.

[agor95]

I would like to say thank you to all the translators.

We all have a common objective and it is difficult for us all.

We can only expect best endeavors for the creation of common ground and understanding of alternative insight by annotation of the translator.

With the physical model translators along with virtual model translators here
we are well placed for this task.

Regards

[John Collins]

Rocky I would strongly advise you to remove all references to Dr Ramesh Menaria. He mixes up facts with stuff from his imagined conversations with Bessler. There is too much on his website to confront, but the very idea that anyone should seriously consider his reported conversations with Bessler as evidence is ludicrous.

Also Frank Edwards account contains fictitious details which are easily proven wrong and he too should be removed from your references.

JC

[rocky]

Ok John,

Per your request, I removed all references to Dr Ramesh Menaria and Frank Edwards.

Rocky

[Stewart]

I like the poster board, but the 300 clues are the best. Even if they are misinterpreted, they are right. It would be a mistake to change them.

Sam, how do you know they are right? I can tell you that they are not all right and it would be a mistake not to change each and every one that is wrong.

John Collins hired Mike Senior to do a literal, not exact, translation of the old German. This is like the bible being translated from Hebrew to Greek to Latin to German then to what I read, English. A lot is lost in translation as my preacher tells us every weekend.

Yes that's true, and I've always preferred to read exactly what was written by Bessler. However, I can tell from my own studies of the original texts that for the most part Mike Senior's translations are pretty close in message to the original. He clearly is an expert in the language and could probably have made his translations more accurate if he had more time to spend on them. Uncommon technical/mechanical terms from the time period may also have been tricky for Mike if he had not researched those subjects. In those areas and areas that refer to the wheel we can refine the translations to be more accurate. In most other areas the meaning of Mike's translations pretty much reflect the original message. I consider Mike's translations to be better than Andrew Witter's in most cases.

I'm sorry Stewart that you find it odd that I don't have your correct translation in my clue list. The reason is that you wrote me once that I needed your permission to use your translation; something about you were going to publish your version to make money off of it.

I apologise Rocky - I had not remembered that. Yes, I will be publishing my work, but not to "make money off of it". I have put many thousands of unpaid hours of work into translations of Bessler's writings and other related works, and will of course have to charge something when I sell my books. Please don't try to make out that that's unreasonable. I've freely offered my help to people on this forum since joining in 2003, and I've asked nothing in return other than a bit of respect and acknowledgement when quoting my work. Anyway, at least I now understand your reasons and we can move on from here.

And there are thousands and thousands of posts on here. I am not going to spend months typing in keywords and doing a search to find the better translation for a clue.

Well why not? I've spent months and months, hours and hours trying to correct the false information on this forum to help us get to a solution. The least anyone can do is check the accuracy of information before posting and claiming something to be a "clue", and if you're not able to distinguish between accurate and inaccurate information, then you're not much of a detective. No information would actually be better than information riddled with errors and falsehoods.

Those are my general thoughts, and not intended as a personal dig at you Rocky, as I know your intentions are good, and you have expressed a desire to work with us to get to the truth.

What to do? How about having just one topic called "CLUE TRANSLATION" and everyone can put their version there.

Good question, we'll have to try and work that out exactly. However, there is only one correct translation. It's not a case that we should have a list of "everyone's" translations, but rather we should be identifying the one correct translation into English of Bessler's words, and all others should be ditched.

Here is an example Stewart where you said Henry Dirks, Glenn Rouse, Andrew Witter and Mike Senior were wrong. Your translation is on the bottom:

Ok, I'll get to that in more detail shortly.

Does anyone else like the idea of a topic "Clue Translation"?

I don't mind, we can use a new topic in general discussion or community buzz for this stuff, and I'll create a parallel topic with the key bits of information in my forum which I can keep organised more easily. (BTW, that was the main reason that I original requested my translations not be reproduced outside of my forum, so that they could be easily refined and updated in certain cases and that it could be considered the easiest place to go for the most up to date and accurate information.)

Thank you Stewart for wanting to correct all my bad translations.

A monumental task, I'm sure you'll agree! It may take some time...

Rocky I would strongly advise you to remove all references to Dr Ramesh Menaria. He mixes up facts with stuff from his imagined conversations with Bessler. There is too much on his website to confront, but the very idea that anyone should seriously consider his reported conversations with Bessler as evidence is ludicrous.

Also Frank Edwards account contains fictitious details which are easily proven wrong and he too should be removed from your references.

I concur with John. Ramesh's information contains complete fabrications and does nothing to help our cause. Anything written by him should be ignored.

Right, well now we appear to be on the same page and want the same thing, let's get on with it. I'm not sure of the best place to start. I could go through Rocky's last list in order perhaps? Anyway, it's late now, so I'll make a start tomorrow.

Stewart