Antique print, titled: 'CLXXII Con l'artificio di questa machina', A lift or hoist used in construction. It uses a system of pulleys and interlocking gears powered by turning a large wheel to lift heavy gear. Engraving on hand laid (verge) paper. Description: This print originates from a rare, monumental and valuable book: 'Le diverse et artificiose machine del Capitano Agostino Ramelli', Paris, 1588. This interesting book ('one of the most elegantly produced of all technological treatises') is a series of engravings of various machines devised by the engineer Agostino Ramelli. Born in southern Switzerland, Ramelli served in the French army during the Wars of Religion (1562-98) and proved himself a competent engineer during the 1572 siege of La Rochelle which brought him to the attention of the future King Henri III (reigned 1574-89). In 1588, Ramelli published this book, written in Latin, French and Italian which provides detailed images of both civic and military machines. More than