The Machines

FIGURE III.

When it is necessary to perform piling in water, a man can make use of the third machine. There, the water with its current moves the wheel A on the axle above the two stable boats L-M, turning the drum F, which sustains and makes the rope G turn above the wheel E, and raises and lowers the pile driver D above the pile C. Take note that the drum is not on the same axle as the wheel A; turning it always with the current of the water, and the drum being caught by the point I, it comes to be raised and turned, and then released immediately so that it returns to its place. Which point is inserted in the wheel K, supported by another boat and by the pile H, which can be fixed into the ground. And thus, one will be able to place piles either plumb or slanting, according to the need, as with the three piles B, and the other under the pile driver, as is seen.

The Latin text mirrors the description, explaining the mechanism of a water-driven pile driver mounted on boats, designed for aquatic construction projects.