Posted by John Collins (194.164.232.108) on August 25, 2003 at 01:37:50:
I saw the question about Frank Edward's description Bessler's wheel. Thanks Bill, you answered for me (sorry I was away from home and the internet for three weeks - bliss my wife said!)
I have never taken Frank Edward's account of the interior of the wheel seriously because a) I have never found any historical documentation supporting it - and believe me I looked and b) his account doesn't fit into the story which is supported by historical documentation. By that I mean the there is clear evidence that Karl was allowed to study the wheel right at the beginning and agreed to swear under oath not reveal anything he saw and also paid for the viewing. Also later comments such as the simplicity of the design show that he had no need to hurry away to write it down while it was fresh in his memory etc etc. He kept his word and never did reveal the design.
While I was away in Florida I had the great pleasure of meeting Dave Brown who has done a magnificent job with Mikey Ned of recording in detail the Asa Jackson wheel, currently on display in the Museum of Applachia, Norris, Tennessee. They have done a magnificent job of recording the fine detail of the wheel and you can get a copy of all the drawings and photographs from the museum.
Dave is convinced that there may be similarities between Asa Jackson's wheel and Bessler's wheel even though on the surface they seem different.
Good to be back and I'm available again if anyone has a question for me.
John