Les Raisons des Forces Mouvantes, 1615

Les Raisons des Forces Mouvantes was a book written by the French engineer Salomon de Caus (1576 - 1626). Salomon de Caus was known for his work as a garden-architect and hydraulic engineer. His designs incorporated mechanical fountains, mechanical music, and automata. His interest in these mechanical devices may have been influenced by the recovery of ancient texts by Hero of Alexandria around this time.

One of his books detailing the workings of many automata is now available in digital form online courtesy of Le Conservatoire numérique des Arts & Métiers (CNUM). His treatise from 1615 entitled Les Raisons des Forces Mouvantes, avec diverses machines tant utiles que puissantes, auxquelles sont adjoints plusieurs dessings de grotes & fontaines has been digitized.

Even if you don't speak 400-year-old French, there are dozens of excellent illustrations that are a testament to the ingenious mind of Salomon de Caus.

Here is a link to the digital version of Les Raisons des Forces Mouvantes.

Thanks Falk!