Mechanick Exercises, or the Doctrine of Handy-Works, Vol. 2 (Classic Reprint)

Print on Demand. This book delves into the world of 17th-century blacksmithing, offering a comprehensive guide to the tools, techniques, and principles of this essential craft. The author, a seasoned practitioner, provides detailed instructions on setting up a forge, selecting and working with different types of iron, and mastering essential skills such as forging, filing, and tempering steel. Going beyond mere practical instruction, the book explores the historical and philosophical significance of smithing. The author argues that smithing was the foundational mechanical art, underpinning the development of other trades and technologies. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the underlying principles of geometry and mechanics that govern the craft, advocating for the sharing of knowledge between different trades to foster innovation and improvement. This book is not just a manual for aspiring blacksmiths; it is a fascinating exploration of a craft that has shaped civilizations. The author's insights reveal the artistry, ingenuity, and profound impact of smithing on human history, demonstrating how this ancient craft laid the groundwork for modern engineering and technology. Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works. The digital edition of all books may be viewed on our website before purchase.