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Perpetuum Mobile: Or A History Of The Search For Self-Motive Power From The 13th To The 19th Century
Perpetuum Or A History Of The Search For Self-Motive Power From The 13th To The 19th Century is a comprehensive book written by Henry Dircks. The book explores the history of the search for perpetual motion machines, which are devices that can generate energy indefinitely without any external source of power. The book covers the period from the 13th to the 19th century and examines the various attempts made by inventors and scientists to create self-motive power. It delves into the theories and concepts behind these machines and the challenges faced by those who attempted to build them.The author provides detailed descriptions of the different types of perpetual motion machines that were invented and the mechanisms behind them. He also discusses the various scientific principles that were involved in the development of these machines, including mechanics, thermodynamics, and electromagnetism.Throughout the book, Dircks provides a critical analysis of the different attempts to create perpetual motion machines, highlighting the flaws in the designs and the reasons why they ultimately failed. He also explores the social and cultural context of the time, including the impact of the Industrial Revolution and the Enlightenment on the search for self-motive power.Overall, Perpetuum Or A History Of The Search For Self-Motive Power From The 13th To The 19th Century is a fascinating and informative book that sheds light on the history of science and technology. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of inventions and the search for perpetual motion.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.
404 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2007
About the author
Henry Dircks
57 booksHenry Dircks FRSE FCS, 1806-1873, was a civil engineer an historian of technology. Dircks is considered to have been the main designer of the projection technique known as Pepper's ghost in 1858. It is named after John Henry Pepper who implemented a working version of the device in 1862. Dircks also investigated attempts at the invention of a perpetual motion device, writing that those who sought to create such a thing were "half-learned" or "totally ignorant".
Dircks was born in Liverpool on 26 August 1806.
He was apprenticed to a mercantile firm and spent much of his free time studying practical mechanics, chemistry, and literature. Around the mid-1820s he began lecturing about chemistry and electricity while writing literary articles in the local press and scientific papers in the Mechanics' Magazine and other journals. In 1837 he became a life member of the British Association, and afterwards contributed papers to its proceedings. Two years later he wrote a pamphlet regarding a proposed union of mechanics' and literary institutions. He also wrote a short treatise entitled "Popular Education, a series of Papers on the Nature, Objects, and Advantages of Mechanics' Institutions", first printed in Liverpool in 1840.
He became a practical engineer, conducting railway, canal, and mining works, before progressing to the role of consulting engineer. He continued to investigate technologies and invent new devices, taking out several patents between 1840 and 1857. Dircks joined the Royal Society of Literature, the Royal Society of Edinburgh, and other scientific bodies. In 1867 he was elected a full Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, his proposer being William John Macquorn Rankine. In 1868 he was given an honorary degree (LL.D.) from Tusculum College in Tennessee.
Dircks died in Brighton on 17 September 1873.
Dircks was born in Liverpool on 26 August 1806.
He was apprenticed to a mercantile firm and spent much of his free time studying practical mechanics, chemistry, and literature. Around the mid-1820s he began lecturing about chemistry and electricity while writing literary articles in the local press and scientific papers in the Mechanics' Magazine and other journals. In 1837 he became a life member of the British Association, and afterwards contributed papers to its proceedings. Two years later he wrote a pamphlet regarding a proposed union of mechanics' and literary institutions. He also wrote a short treatise entitled "Popular Education, a series of Papers on the Nature, Objects, and Advantages of Mechanics' Institutions", first printed in Liverpool in 1840.
He became a practical engineer, conducting railway, canal, and mining works, before progressing to the role of consulting engineer. He continued to investigate technologies and invent new devices, taking out several patents between 1840 and 1857. Dircks joined the Royal Society of Literature, the Royal Society of Edinburgh, and other scientific bodies. In 1867 he was elected a full Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, his proposer being William John Macquorn Rankine. In 1868 he was given an honorary degree (LL.D.) from Tusculum College in Tennessee.
Dircks died in Brighton on 17 September 1873.
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