Posted by Jeff (216.12.53.246) on November 17, 2002 at 08:54:12:
Am I correct that the "lower cylinder" in the translated line: "Around the firmly placed horizontal axis is a rotating disc (or lower cylinder) which resembles a grindstone" is referring to the cloth covered wheel? If so, the wording "lower cylinder" would seem to indicate, or imply that there was also an "upper cylinder". If not, why put the word 'lower' in the description? Does anyone have any thoughts on this?
The third line of the same paragraph: "Accordingly, this wheel consists of an external wheel (or drum) for raising weights which is covered with stretched linen" refers to an external wheel. This seems to imply that there was an internal wheel. Again, if not, why put the word external in the description?