35-2 Gn the Means of gaining; Power in Mechanics. 



This variance of ojiinion among those who mav fairly be 

 presiuDcd the best informed and most intelhgent, respecting 

 a very simple mntiiematical question, (as it mav be here- 

 after proved.) implies, or rather makes it evident, that 

 donbts have been, and are still, entertained of the infalli- 

 bility of the admitted princinies ; and there is reason to su- 

 spect, that to the influence thcnc have h:id on tlie generality 

 of maihematicians and mechanics, may be imputed the 

 disappointments experienced in many of their attempts, 

 which might ebc have succeeded : for it is remarked, that 

 the world is mostly indebted for discoveries and inventions 

 to illiterate men, whose oenius was not checkt d or restrained, 

 like that of the learned, by rules and niaxinis, beyond which, 

 thev never dare or deign to look. 



As a mere private gentleman, having but a very super- 

 ficial knowledge of mechanics, in which I occasionally 

 amuse myself with experiun. nl.s, my takmg ground on 

 either side is (juite out of the question ; but f am going to 

 state a fict which cannot be controverted, and which, in 

 aduilion to the instance of G'"4iryrcus's wheel, seems to jus- 

 tify those who are seeking tlie perpetual motion. 



I have constructed an engine, rather simple tlian com- 

 plicate, which produces the following eflect : 



On applying my moving power, a weight of //to pounds — 

 ivhile this de.-.cemls throvgk a. space of only three feet, a 

 ■weisht of twenty pounds is thereby raised two feet per- 

 pendicular*'. 



Some friends and acquaintances to whom this circum- 

 stance was mentioned, were either incredulous, or suspected 

 my being deceived in the operation of the machine, or mis- 

 taken \\\ some other way. But the operation is so very 

 simple that I cannot he mistaken or deceived; for the en- 

 ci'.'.e stands perfectly motionless, or at rest, until the moving 

 power of two pounds is applied to it, in opposition to the 

 twcjity pounds weight which is hung on to be raised ; where- 

 upon this last immediately rises in the time that the former 



* That movi;it|; power al-io raises another con>iiderable weight to a small 

 height a! and i;: I'm sim: time ; but the sirijle stated fact will suffice for pre- 

 terit consideration. 



descends. 



