Preface.

...could do; indeed, the already considerable number of mechanics original: "Mechanicorum" would have been greatly increased.

This Theater original: "Theatrum" will, it is hoped, now replace and remedy the lack of such books.

However, so that one does not look for more in this book than is to be found, or think less of it than its content warrants, nor have unnecessary thoughts as to why this or that was handled in such a way and not otherwise; one has wished to add some remarks here in place of a preface.

Firstly, it should be known that with these fundamentals, one's intention was not primarily directed toward the learned and experienced mathematicians original: "Mathematicos", for these will or should already know better, and indeed have every opportunity to make use of the writings available on this subject. Furthermore, they are not so much in need of such instruction, for most scholars have hitherto used the study of mechanics original: "Studium Mechanicum" more for curiosity and gallantry The term "Galanterie" here refers to intellectual amusement or a fashionable hobby for the social elite rather than a practical profession. than to gain any benefit from it, or to find the opportunity to serve the public through it. Instead, one has directed his focus much more toward artists Künstler: in the 18th century, this referred to highly skilled master craftsmen or engineers, craftsmen original: "Handwercker", and similar people who possess no foreign languages nor other formal studies, and have no opportunity to employ tutors original: "Informatores" or other assistance, or to seek out what is necessary from so many writings. And yet, they are the ones most in need of these fundamentals—not for curiosity, but because they actually employ such machines original: "Machinen", indeed, must build and use them. For this reason, one has also—

Secondly, not always bound oneself strictly to a mathematical style of teaching, but rather as it seemed most convenient and as one believed would be easiest for such people to grasp. Therefore—

Thirdly, in several places, a matter that has already been explained or stated previously is presented once more, but with different examples original: "Exempeln", figures, and words. This is because these matters were mostly difficult to understand, yet fundamentally necessary to know; thus, those who have no further guidance, and are not accustomed to retaining the preceding material firmly, or even reviewing it, might grasp it all the more easily from the second explanation if the first was not sufficient, or from a comparison of both. For this reason, more than one example has usually been provided. For there is a great difference between...