A. R.

original: "A. R." This abbreviation likely stands for "Admodum Reverendo," or "To the Very Reverend," a standard honorific for high-ranking members of the Jesuit order.

FATHER GASPAR

SCHOTT

OF THE SOCIETY OF JESUS The Society of Jesus, or the Jesuits, was a Catholic religious order influential in early modern science and education.

MECHANICS

HYDRAULIC-PNEUMATIC The study of mechanical systems involving the movement and pressure of water and air.

With

COPPERPLATE ENGRAVINGS, AND THE PRIVILEGE OF HIS SACRED

Copperplate engravings were high-quality illustrations printed from etched metal plates. A "privilege" was an early form of copyright granted by a monarch to protect a printer's rights.

Imperial Majesty.

Refers to the Holy Roman Emperor, the sovereign authority over much of Central Europe at the time.

IN THE YEAR 1658.

While the preface is dated 1657, the title page indicates the final publication year as 1658.