Preface.

...that the mathematical, mechanical, and physical sciences are, if not the most noble, then certainly one of the most important means to bring a country into prosperity and growth. Most, indeed almost all, commerce arises from manufacturing, mining, and good economy Oeconomie: in this 18th-century context, this refers to the management of a territory's resources, agriculture, and household production; but all of these are built upon mechanical and physical foundations, without which they cannot persist, or must remain stuck in the old rut original: "Schlendrian," referring to a sluggish, thoughtless routine or a "business as usual" attitude that resists innovation. Through these arts and sciences, however, something new can be invented daily—even hourly—while old methods are improved and brought into a more successful state.

A beginning should rightly be made with the youth as soon as they can read and write even a little, and they should be guided toward arithmetic, geometry, along with the use of the compass original: "Circuls" and ruler. In this way, even if they do not wish to pursue higher academic studies, they can make use of these skills in their chosen profession and thereafter employ mechanical writings to better advantage.

Yet it is truly surprising how very little concern is shown for the advancement of these sciences, upon which such a large part of the country’s welfare and the interest of the sovereign original: "Landes-Fürsten," the ruling prince or lord of a territory rests. For without this science, neither mining, manufacturing, nor the economy can reach a better state. Without this science, officials and commissioners—who are meant to gather information, administer justice, or settle disputes regarding mills, waterworks, and other mechanical works Kunst-Wercken: literally "works of art," but specifically referring to complex engineered machines or structures and craftsmen—cannot report anything based on solid principles. This is because they do not understand the matter themselves and must blindly believe whatever others chatter at them.

Without these foundations, anyone wishing to establish and build new arts and machines must allow themselves to be deceived and misled by everyone, often even by the ignorant. Indeed, without these foundations, one must waste much time at court, in the treasury original: "Cammer," the administrative body managing the ruler's finances and domains, and the mining office, frequently allowing oneself to be told lies and promised "golden mountains" An idiom meaning to make grand, impossible promises of wealth by such self-proclaimed masters of the arts. Because one does not understand the principles oneself, one either believes and is deceived, or does not believe and is still deceived—for one will often reject what is good and useful, thus robbing oneself and the country of a great benefit.

Indeed, without a fundamental knowledge of this art, we view all machines and mechanical works with wonder, but without true recognition or benefit. Due to such ignorance, we often admire and praise things that are not at all wondrous or praiseworthy...