Machine 15R:

Among the machines analysed, this particular one stands out as the sole device capable of completely elevating a column from a horizontal to a vertical orientation. Despite featuring the same connection as depicted in folio 8R, the limitation on erecting is circumvented through an additional mechanism that exerts force on the bottom of the shaft, raising it fully vertical However, a notable drawback emerges: the threaded rack, when the shafts are positioned at higher levels, comes into collision with the capstans. Consequently, the rotation of the capstan can only occur through the extraction and reinstallation of the capstan’s levers with each rotation, a process that lacks efficiency.

Identifier

BM_Opusculum 15r

Title

Machine 15R

Description

A wooden boxed machine used to pull up columns and obelisks, operated by 1 person sitting on top of the machine via a rotating screw. As the screw rotates, a jagged wood block goes upwards, with the hinging system to pull up the column attached to its bottom. A secondary part of the machine, on the left, is used to pull the cart with the column closer to the operating point using a rope.

Creator

Francesco di Giorgio

Date Created

ca. 1477

Publisher

The British Museum

Machine Parts

Lifting/pulling machines

Machine typology ( Ghent University student's classifications)

Column raising machinery

Basic parts (Ghent University student's classifications)

rope

Material

wood; metal; rope

Powered by

Human

Operating environment

On land

Contributor

Jarne Geenens

Drawing

Mediator

Elizabeth Merrill, Ruben Verstraeten, Willem Bekers

Has Part

screw; winch

Visualizing the transportation of a monolitic column through Francesco di Giorgio's Opusculum the architectura