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Bellows operated by camshaft powered by water wheel. (just visible at extreme right)
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Bellows operated by camshaft powered by water wheel. (just visible at extreme right)
Bellows operated by camshaft powered by water wheel. (just visible at extreme right) supplying draught to a smelting furnace. This application of the medieval invention of the cam enabled both bellows to be powered by the same water wheel. From Agricola De re metallica Basle 1556. Woodcut
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Media ID 9763165
© Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group
1556 Agricola Basle Bellows Draught Enabled Energy Extreme Furnace Invention Mechanisation Medieval Metallica Metals Operated Powered Smelting Supplying Technology Visible Wheel Woodcut Application
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print from Universal Images Group (UIG) showcases an incredible medieval invention in action. At the center of the image, we see a water wheel, barely visible at the extreme right, harnessing the power of flowing water to generate energy. This ingenious mechanism drives a camshaft, which operates bellows supplying draught to a smelting furnace. The application of this medieval technology is truly remarkable. By utilizing a camshaft powered by the same water wheel, both bellows are efficiently operated simultaneously. The woodcut illustration dates back to 1556 and originates from Agricola's renowned work "De re metallica" published in Basle. The significance of this invention lies not only in its mechanical prowess but also in its contribution to early mechanization processes. With the aid of this innovative system, metals were smelted more effectively and efficiently than ever before. As we delve into history through this photograph, we witness how ancient civilizations harnessed natural resources and developed groundbreaking technologies that shaped our world today. It serves as a reminder that even centuries ago, human ingenuity was capable of achieving impressive feats. Let us marvel at this snapshot frozen in time—a testament to mankind's ability to adapt and create solutions using available resources—an enduring symbol of progress born out of necessity and imagination.
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