Ramelli's Machines: Original drawings of 16th century machines
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Drawings and Plates

Drawing 1 | Plate CXXXI (131)


This is a drawing of a mill designed to operate continuously through the use of two counterweights. It corresponds to the engraving that appears as Plate CXXXI (131) in the printed book.

Drawing 2 | Plate CLVIII (158)


This is a drawing of a device designed to allow one person to cut away iron bars with a minimum of noise and effort. The military application for the stealthy entry into fortifications is readily apparent. It corresponds to the engraving that appears as Plate CLVIII (158) in the printed book. Note that the upper part of the bar that the machine is attached to has already been cut.

Drawing 3 | Plate CLXIX (169)


This is a drawing of a machine designed to raise heavy objects and is particularly suited to building and fortification construction. It corresponds to the engraving that appears as Plate CLXIX (169) in the printed book.

Drawing 4 | Plate CLXXVI (176)


This is a drawing of a machine that can not only lift heavy objects, but also be rotated to better allow for the proper placement of the object in its desired location. It corresponds to the engraving that appears as Plate CLXXVI (176) in the printed book. In this case the engineers are shown lifting a column during a construction job.

Drawing 5 | Plate CLXXXI (181)


This is a drawing of a machine designed to pull very heavy objects across the ground. It corresponds to the engraving that appears as Plate CLXXXI (181) in the printed book. The tackle blocks and pulleys used are shown magnified at the upper right. The stakes at the lower right are those driven in the ground in front of the machine to anchor it while it is pulling the object.

Drawing 6 | Plate CLXXXII (182)


This is a drawing of a machine designed to pull very heavy objects across the ground. It corresponds to the engraving that appears as Plate CLXXXII (182) in the printed book. The detailed gear assembly is shown by itself in the upper center of the image.

Drawing 7 | Plate CLXXXIX (189)


This is a drawing of a machine designed to help horses pull heavy artillery across rough and steep roads. It corresponds to the engraving that appears as Plate CLXXXIX (189) in the printed book.