Posted by Scott Ellis (216.87.95.64) on December 11, 2002 at 23:29:00:
In Reply to: Question for John Collins posted by grim on December 10, 2002 at 17:17:29:
Hi All,
Thanks for all the great input on this topic. I have one thing I would like to add:
The quotation about "weights pierced in the middle and attached by connecting springs" comes from a publication in 1715 called Acta Eridutorum which contained an article called "An Account of the Perpetuum Mobile of J. E. E. Orffyreus." That source is cited in John Collins’ book (1997) on page 99:
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.'
Happy Hunting,
Scott
: Hello, John
: Hope everything is going well for you!
: A quick question if you don't mind. In the "Clues" section of this site, JB's weights are described as 'cylindrical, pierced in the middle and attached with springs'". 'Pierced in the middle' could mean either pierced in the middle of the cylindrical weight's ends, as in a through-hole from one end diameter to the other, or it could mean pierced thru the side of the cylinder mid-way between ends. Is there any source that narrows this down any?
: Thanks in advance,
: grim