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Peaucellier's Linkage
Part 4: Epilogue
According to Courant and Robbins, "What is Mathematics," Peaucellier's
linkage is the first linkage to turn circular motion into
mathematically exact linear motion. James Watt invented a similar such
device for use in his steam engine, but it was only
approximate. However, by 1864, when naval officer Peaucellier found
this linkage, effective lubricants meant that it was no longer
technologically significant. For more information and another such
linkage, see Richard Courant and Herbert Robbins, "What is
Mathematics," Oxford University Press, 1941.
Further Study:
Mechanical
Linkages in Geometer's Sketchpad -- Four different linkages from the
Math Forum.
Next: Peaucellier's Linkage Homework
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Prev: Another Look at the Linkage
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