A horizontal headpiece drawn in red ink, featuring a complex, interlaced knotwork pattern in a rectangular format with scrolling terminals at the ends.

† Heron of Alexandria’s Pneumatics, Book One †

The study of pneumaticsFrom the Greek 'pneuma,' meaning breath, air, or spirit. This field of ancient science focused on the mechanical properties of air, water, and steam. having been deemed worthy of earnest attention by ancient philosophers and engineers—some of whom explained the theory behind its force, while others explained it through perceptible action—we ourselves also consider it necessary to arrange the teachings handed down by the ancients into an orderly system, and to add those things which we have discovered. For in this way, those who later wish to be involved in these mathematical studies will be benefited. Following the construction of water-clocks, which we have already recorded in four books, we are writing this present work as a continuation of that subject, as previously stated. For through the combination of air, fire, water, and earth, and through the three or four [elements] being combined, various effects are produced, some of which...

Red ink circular library stamp: "Royal Library" original Latin: "BIBLIOTHECA REGIA"