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OF THE FIRST PART,

Concerning water-conducting machines and their foundation.

Preface or Introduction of the first Book concerning the opinions of certain ancient Philosophers who established a vacuum or emptiness in the universe. CHAPTER I.
Concerning certain arguments of ARISTOTLE by which the opinions of the aforementioned Philosophers are refuted. II.
Certain other opinions of those among the ancients who either completely denied a vacuum or at least placed it outside the world. III.
Certain reasons of Aristotle against the extra-worldly vacuum, with the attached refutation of the same by Cleomedes original: "Cleomediana," referring to Cleomedes, a Stoic astronomer who argued against Aristotle's views on the void. IV.
The opinion of Hero of Alexandria original: "Heronis Alexandrini," an ancient engineer and mathematician known for his work on pneumatics and steam concerning the Vacuum. V.
Hero's opinion on the Vacuum is rejected, assuming for certain to the contrary that neither water nor wine can be compressed. VI.
The opinion of Alexander of Aphrodisias original: "Aphrodisei," a famous commentator on Aristotle, that a Vacuum is against nature, is refuted. VII.
The opinion of Cardano original: "Cardani," referring to the Italian polymath Girolamo Cardano that the attraction of water happens through the rarefaction or expansion of air, with the addition of a refutation of the same. VIII.
Concerning the nature of water, which always observes the center of the universe, and by what reason its particles, when pressed, expel others. IX.
That any part of water presses upon another perpendicularly. X.
The error of Aristotle against the preceding axiom. XI.
What a Siphon sipho: a pipe or tube used to move liquid from one container to another via atmospheric pressure is, explained alongside the detection of certain errors. XII.
In what way water is to be carried or raised through attraction. XIII.

It is demonstrated that Hero's invention for raising water is imperfect and defective. XIV.
Another error in the attraction of waters. XV.
By what method water is to be elevated through expulsion. XVI.
A new error of Hero consisting in the fact that he observes neither Proportion nor any measure in his expulsive machines. XVII.
It is taught that in all water-conducting hydragogicis: technical devices designed for the transport and guidance of water machines, whether attractive or expulsive, the whole business depends solely on the fall or plumb line original: "casu seu perpendiculo," referring to the vertical drop or pressure head, and it does not matter whether the air channels or passages are long or short. XVIII.
An ingenious invention for raising water twice as high as it had previously fallen. XIX.
How water that has fallen from a lower height can be raised to a wonderful height through attraction. XX.
Similarly, by expelling water, it can be carried as high as you wish. XXI.
How the fall of water, otherwise called the plumb line, is to be cheated by the aid of air? XXII.
A method of raising water at one's pleasure through a Siphon. XXIII.
By what singular artifice it must be guarded against, lest the flow of water be hindered or shortened by the admission of too much air. XXIV.
Another method of defrauding the plumb line or fall of water. XXV.
By what way, from standing or unmoved water, other water may be forced to ascend. XXVI.