Paper, 'Generatio corporis cylindroidis hyperbolici' [The generation of an hyperbolical cylindroid], by Christopher Wren

Description

On 10 June 1669, Christopher Wren presented to the Royal Society his idea that a machine for grinding hyperbolical lenses could be developed from the principle that the axis of a cylinder was a hyperbolic surface.

Robert Hooke was asked to make a machine based on Wren's design, but it appears he never made one. Wren hinted at the idea of a machine in 'Philosophical Transactions' vol. 4, no. 48 (June 1669), which was followed by another figure that was published later that year in 'Transactions', vol. 4, no. 53 (1669).

Includes figures and mathematical equations in text.

Christopher Wren explained the geometrical principles of his model for grinding hyperbolical glasses - engine involved three different motions working upon one another.

Subject: Engineering / Geometry

Published in Philosophical Transactions as 'Generatio corporis cylindroidis hyperbolici, elaborandis lentibus hyperbolicis accommodati, auth. Christophoro Wren L L D. et Regiorum Ædificiorum Præfecto, nec non Soc. Regiæ Sodali'.

Read at the Royal Society 10 June 1669. Printed 24 April 1731.

Reference number

CLP/1/11

Earliest possible date

1669

Physical description

Ink on paper

Page extent

10 pages

Format

Manuscript