The Perpetual Motion Machine

Description

The oldest known drawing of a perpetual motion machine was made by the French architect Villiard De Honnecourt about 1235. A few hundred years later, Leonardo DaVinci studied the concept in depth and constructed several models. Ultimately, he concluded that perpetual motion was indeed, impossible, and he abandoned the idea completely. But the idea still fascinates amateur engineers and physicists to this day. How it's supposed to work: On one side of the wheel the hammer orientation makes a longer lever arm than on the opposite side of the wheel. This makes the wheel unbalanced, and thus the wheel will tend to rotate. As it rotates around, the next hammer falls into place continuing the motion "perpetually". Of course, we now know that such a device will never actually work, but the subtle reasons why it won't work can be elusive. This particular model is a kit based on several of DaVinci's drawings. When assembled, it is an historically accurate representation of the concept, 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 solid hardwood. The finished model is 22 inches tall, 6 inches wide and 18 inches long. Everything is included - All you need to supply are a utility knife, sandpaper, wood glue, small clamps (or rubber bands) to hold parts together while the glue dries. PLEASE NOTE: Far too many people have complained that this model doesn't work. In case our educational system has failed you too, please understand - Perpetual motion is impossible. This fact has been scientifically proven many times. This kit is a display model meant for people who have an interest in mechanical art, the history of engineering and physics, and/or teachers.