Mathematicall Magick
 Title page of the 4th edition (1691) | |
| Author | John Wilkins |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Subject | Mathematics, science |
| Publisher | Printed by M[iles] F[lesher] for Sa[muel] Gellibrand at the Brasen Serpent in Pauls Church-yard |
Publication date | 1648 |
| Media type | Hardcover |
| Pages | 295 |
| OCLC | 41094524 |
Mathematicall Magick. Or, The Wonders that may be Performed by Mechanicall Geometry[1] is a treatise by the English clergyman, natural philosopher, polymath and author John Wilkins (1614–1672). It was first published in 1648 in London;[2] another edition was printed in 1680[3] and further editions were published in 1691 and 1707. The work is dedicated to Charles I Louis, the Elector Palatine.
The first book describes traditional mechanical devices, speed, siege engines and the modern guns of Wilkins' era. The second book covers Wilkins' theories and observations on land yachts, submarines, flying machines, and perpetual motion. Wilkins thought that human aviation is feasible, if only sufficient exercise, research and development is directed towards it. He envisioned flying machines that would be large enough to carry several people.
The book repeats tales about early attempts at human flight, including Busbequius' 16th-century reports about Turkish flight experiments in Constantinople. Wilkins also mentions Anglo-Saxon flight experiments during the reign of Edward the Confessor. The researcher called "Elmerus" in the text is probably Eilmer of Malmesbury, who experimented with gliding flight in the 11th century. [4]
Abstract
Wilkins dedicated his work to His Highness the Prince Elector Palatine (Charles I Louis) who was in London at the time. It is divided into two books, one headed Archimedes, because he was the chiefest in discovering of Mechanical powers, the other was called Daedalus because he was one of the first and most famous amongst the Ancients for his skill in making Automata.[5] Wilkins sets out and explains the principles of mechanics in the first book and gives an outlook in the second book on future technical developments like flying which he anticipates as certain if only sufficient exercise, research and development would be directed to these topics. The treatise is an example of his general intention to disseminate scientific knowledge and method and of his attempts to persuade his readers to pursue further scientific studies.[6]
First book
Second book
Various devices
Art of flying
In chapter VII, Wilkins discusses various methods how a man could fly, namely by the help of spirits and good or evil angels (as related on various occasions in the Bible), by the help of fowls, by wings fastened immediately to the body or by a flying chariot. The whole of this chapter (and of the following one) concern the possibilities of flying. In a single preliminary phrase, he refers to previous reports of flight attempts:
Tis related of a certain English Monk called Elmerus [probably Eilmer of Malmesbury], about the Confessors time, that he did by such wings fly from a Tower above a furlong; and so another [probably Fausto Veranzio] from Saint Marks steeple in Venice; another at Norinberge; and Busbequius speaks of a Turk in Constantinople, who attempted something this way. Mt. Burton mentioning this quotation, doth believe that some new-fangled wit ('tis his Cynical phrase) will some time or other find out this art. Though the truth is, most of these Artists did unfortunately miscarry by falling down and breaking their arms or legs, yet that may be imputed to their want of experience ...—p. 204
Perpetual motion and perpetual lamps
External links
- 1st edition (1648) at the Internet Archive.
- 1680 version at Google Books.
- 4th edition (1691) at the Internet Archive.
References
- ↑ John Wilkins (1648). Mathematicall Magick. Or, The Wonders that may be Performed by Mechanicall Geometry. In Two Books. Concerning Mechanicall Powers, Motions. Being One of the Most Easie, Pleasant, Usefull (and yet Most Neglected) Part of Mathematicks. Not before Treated of in this Language. By I. W. M.A.. London: Printed by M[iles] F[lesher] for Sa[muel] Gellibrand at the Brasen Serpent in Pauls Church-yard. OCLC 41094524. https://archive.org/details/b30323915/page/n14/mode/1up.
- ↑ Quoted in Asbach-Schnitker, Brigitte: John Wilkins, Mercury ... Bibliography, 7.3 The Works of John Wilkins, n° 24
- ↑ Wilkins, John (1648) (in English). Mathematical Magick: OR, THE WONDERS That may be performed by Mechanichal Geometry. (2nd (1680) ed.). London: Edw.Gellibrand. pp. 150–152. https://books.google.com/books?id=ovxUAAAAcAAJ&q=john+wilkins+Mathematical+Magick.
- ↑ James of Wanborough. "Eilmer the Flying Monk, 981–1069AD". Archived from the original on 15 January 2009. https://web.archive.org/web/20090115195158/http://www.jane-williams.me.uk/so/cartnav/eilmer.htm. Retrieved 10 May 2008.
- ↑ Wilkins in his foreword
- ↑ J. Shapiro, Barbara (1969).John Wilkins 1614–1672, p.30. University of California Press.
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