Machine 57R:

Within this apparatus, the horizontal plank positioned atop the two massive levers slides along them, facilitating the column ’s lowering or raising. Although one might assume the plank is affixed to the lever due to the presence of a pin, this configuration is not functional. Although not explicitly mentioned in any of Francesco ’s descriptions, it appears advantageous to lubricate the contact surfaces to minimize friction. While the plank sliding off the levers at a specific point dictates the minimum column angle, there is no corresponding maximum angle. Remarkably, the machine can even elevate the column entirely from the ground.

Identifier

BM_Opusculum 57r

Title

Machine 57R

Description

The wheel base helps the column to roll into place

Creator

Francesco di Giorgio

Date Created

ca. 1477

Publisher

The British Museum

Machine Parts

Lifting/pulling machines

Machine typology ( Ghent University student's classifications)

Column raising machinery

Basic parts (Ghent University student's classifications)

gear; wheels

Material

wood; steel; rope

Powered by

Human

Operating environment

On land

Contributor

Gregor Sobolev

Drawing

Mediator

Elizabeth Merrill, Ruben Verstraeten, Willem Bekers

Has Part

lever; pulley