Architecture vs. Privilege
There seems to be a few different roots for the theatra machinarum. One root is privileges for machines and devices where descriptions had to be necessarily curt to protect intellectual property. A second root is the architectural treatise--Palladio, Serlio, etc. The architects provided scales for their drawings, were religious about prospective, and provided commentary. A third root is Agricola... and any competitors that he may have had. These practical works were intended to give instruction. The TM varied in their adherence to these prototypes. Besson and Ramelli were all about the privilege. Bachot, however, provided scales and commentary.
There seems to be a few different roots for the theatra machinarum. One root is privileges for machines and devices where descriptions had to be necessarily curt to protect intellectual property. A second root is the architectural treatise--Palladio, Serlio, etc. The architects provided scales for their drawings, were religious about prospective, and provided commentary. A third root is Agricola... and any competitors that he may have had. These practical works were intended to give instruction. The TM varied in their adherence to these prototypes. Besson and Ramelli were all about the privilege. Bachot, however, provided scales and commentary.
