Preface.

Seventhly, a work such as this cannot be finished and brought to complete perfection all at once, not only for the reasons just mentioned, but also for the following:
(1) Not all writings on this subject can be obtained or read at once;
(2) All ideas and good thoughts do not arrive at the same time, and indeed, the latest thoughts are often the best; and likewise,
(3) It is impossible for one man to know everything, and thus he must constantly learn through experiments Experimente: practical trials or tests used to prove a theory or from others. It is also hoped that various remarks Anmerckungen: observations or scholarly notes or contributions might be sent to me by others.

Therefore, it will be necessary in the future to expand this book with an appendix. For this reason, I once again request every skilled practitioner Kunsterfahrner: someone experienced in the arts or technical crafts—out of love for the craft and for the advancement of the public good—to take the trouble to read this work with diligence and attention original: "Attention", and to take note of the following:

1. Anything that seems imperfect or unclear.
2. Anywhere it seems that necessary demonstrations Demonstrationes: proofs or logical explanations, experiments, or machines Machinen: mechanical devices or engines have been omitted.
3. Anywhere I have perhaps erred or made a mistake; for "to err is human" original: "irren ist menschlich," referencing the Latin proverb errare humanum est.

Please kindly communicate these points to the author original: "Autori", who will not only receive them with due thanks but will also mention the contributor with honor in the appendix or continuation of this work. It is not the author's intention in the slightest to hunt for glory through this work, but rather only to serve those who love the arts and to serve the fatherland. I wish to provide the opportunity for these sciences and arts to gradually reach better acceptance and perfection in the future. Indeed, I will not take it ill if someone with a deeper insight provides the opportunity—either orally or in writing—to put this work in a better state.

Indeed, the author would have much preferred if someone else had relieved him of this trouble and labor—which is certainly greater for many reasons than some might imagine—as he himself suggested in public writings twelve years ago. In that case, he could have simply contributed his own inventions Inventiones: original designs or creative discoveries and observations. However, since no one else stepped forward, I hope that no one will be so uncharitable as to treat me poorly because I have not included everything...