Perpetual Motion Machine in Red Oak
Cut from solid Red Oak!
(Note: these photos are of the white-wood version. For an example of what red oak looks like, see our Onager or Ballista models.)
The overbalanced wheel is the oldest type of perpetual motion device in history. The oldest known description of one is from 8th century India - a wheel with vials of mercury arranged in such a way that as the wheel rotates, the mercury sloshes away from the center on one side, but towards it on the other. However, mercury is expensive, very heavy and (we now know) dangerous. In later years, the mercury was replaced with shifting mallets, but the operating principle is the same.
The oldest surviving drawing of a perpetual motion machine was made by the French architect Villiard De Honnecourt in about 1235. He wrote:
Many a time have skillful workmen tried to contrive a wheel that should turn of itself; here is a way to make such a one, by means of an uneven number of mallets.Leonardo DaVinci studied the concept in depth, and he also constructed several models - the models have not survived the ages, but dozens of his drawings have survived. Ultimately, he concluded that perpetual motion was indeed, impossible, and he abandoned the idea completely.
-- Villiard De Honnecourt, 1235 AD
This particular model is a kit. When assembled, it is an historically accurate representation of the concept, complete with a crank-arm for "starting" it. We consider it to be a kinetic sculpture, inspired by the work and the genius of the ancients. It makes a fabulous conversation piece, and when treated with a finishing wax or hand-rubbed with fine oils, is suitable for prominent display in any museum.
The kit is manufactured from 100% solid hardwood. The finished model is 22 inches tall, 6 inches wide and 18 inches long. All parts are computer manufactured for guaranteed fit and accuracy. Everything you need to construct this kit is included except for a few simple tools. All you need to supply are scissors, a utility knife, sandpaper (to smooth any rough edges), some wood glue, a ruler and some rubber bands (or small clamps) to hold parts together while the glue dries. It takes about three to six hours to assemble, depending on how much attention to detail you put into it.
It's a fascinating piece of engineering history. A concept more than a thousand years old, that failed in its design goal, yet still manages to capture the imaginations of people generation after generation.
