On the Means of gaining Tower in Mechanics, 63 



have many ; and on so extraordinary an assertion, I could 

 not forbear giving mine. 



As the gentleman has neither given a description nor 

 drawing of his machine, it is impossible to give any other 

 opinion of it than a general one, and that must be against 

 it: for it is not very likely that the gentleman should haVe 

 discovered any latent property in the mechanical powers; 

 ^ince they have been tried in so many different ways and 

 forms, and by so many ingenious persons, that, had there 

 been such latent power, surely some of them would have 

 discovered it. But they have hitherto found, that these 

 powers act according to certain Immutable laws, beyond 

 which, not one jot can they be forced. The mechanical 

 powers, by a little consideration, may all be reduced to the 

 effect of a lever, or a combination of levers ; and I can, 

 with safety, affirm that the lever possesses no such powder as 

 that which he attributes to his machine. 

 . I should limit this last expression a little, for I do not 

 attempt to deny what he so positively asserts, but this I can 

 with equal confidence assert ; that though his machine may 

 perform as above related, it is impossible that it should con- 

 tinue to do so ; that is, ihat it should continue to produce 

 a rotary motion, with that power with which it set out. 

 It must sooner or later come to a state of rest, and will then 

 require as much external power to restore the machine to 

 its former state, as it had apparently gained power beyond 

 the laws of mechanics, by its first eflbrt. Then where ,is^. 

 the advantage of the machine ? 



If the geiulemaii would be so obliging as to favour us 

 with a -drawing and description of his machine, we may 

 judge of the fact much better ; and if it convinces the world 

 of its great power, and overturns my argument, it will very 

 much improve my knowledge in mechanics, and I shall 

 •yery gladly subscribe myself 



his much obliged humble servant, 



T. SWANWICK. 



Commercial Acr.dcmy, 

 Derby, February 17, 180S. 



:KIII. Ea- 



