Mechanical Device for Extinguishing a Flame

The image features an line-engraving of a mechanical apparatus housed within a box-like frame. At the center (A) is a pot-shaped oil lamp emitting smoke, positioned beneath a horizontal metal plate (B). A cord runs from the plate over a small pulley (E) to the right, suggesting a mechanism for remote operation. The diagram is labeled with letters corresponding to a key in the margin below.

This illustration originates from Robert Fludd's 'Utriusque Cosmi Maioris scilicet et Minoris metaphysica, physica atque technica Historia' (1617–1621). It reflects the early modern interest in 'theatrum machinarum' and the mechanical control of natural elements as part of natural philosophy.