Belidor Collection

Sectional view of a Newcomen steam engine, 1737. Thomas Newcomen (1663-1729) designed his atmospheric or steam engine in 1712

Bernard Forest Belidor (1693-c1761), French military and civil engineer, 1737. Frontispiece from his Architecture Hydraulique (Paris, 1737)

Newcomen steam engine, 1737. Thomas Newcomen (1663-1729) designed his atmospheric or steam engine in 1712. Water was heated in the boiler and the resulting steam was let into the cylinder

Bernard De Belidor
BERNARD FOREST DE BELIDOR French engineer and mathematician. Date: 1693 - 1761

Sectional view of Newcomen steam engine. From Bernard Forest de Belidor Architecture Hydraulique Paris 1737. Engraving

Newcomen steam engine. From Bernard Forest de Belidor Architecture Hydraulique Paris 1737. Engraving

Plough used to deepen navigable rivers and canals. From Architecture Hydraulique by Bernard Forest de Belidor (Paris, 1737). Copperplate engraving

Roller Bridge or Inclined Plane for raising and lowering canal barges from one level to another. In this example power is supplied by a water wheel through gearing

Method of deepening a canal. A number of holes are drilled close together on bed and the spoil is put the barge accompanying the drilling rig

Coehoorns Fortification Methods C017 / 3503
Plate from 18th century encyclopedia showing an illustration of different fortification methods designed by Menno van Coehoorn

Belidors Ravelin fortification methods
Plate from 18th century encyclopedia showing an illustration of different methods of ravelin type fortification designed by Bernard Forest de Belidor

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"Belidor: Pioneering Engineering and Architectural Innovations in the 18th Century" Step into the world of Bernard Forest Belidor, a remarkable French military and civil engineer whose groundbreaking work revolutionized various fields. In 1737, he unveiled his sectional view of the Newcomen steam engine, a marvel that propelled industrial progress. With this invention, Belidor paved the way for future advancements in steam power. But his contributions didn't stop there. Belidor's expertise extended to hydraulic engineering as well. His roller bridge or inclined plane design allowed vessels to smoothly transition between different levels of canals, enhancing transportation efficiency across waterways. The Architecture Hydraulique publication by Bernard Forest de Belidor showcased his extensive knowledge on hydraulics and featured detailed illustrations of his inventions. Among them was another depiction of the Newcomen steam engine, highlighting its intricate inner workings. It also devised innovative methods for deepening navigable rivers and canals using specialized ploughs. By leveraging lever B and exerting pressure from a boat, these tools effectively enhanced waterway depths, facilitating smoother navigation for larger vessels. His prowess even extended to fortification techniques - Coehoorns Fortification Methods C017 / 3503 documented some of Belidor's strategic approaches to strengthening defenses during times of conflict. Bernard Forest Belidor left an indelible mark on history with his visionary ideas and practical solutions that shaped multiple disciplines. His legacy continues to inspire engineers and architects today as they build upon his pioneering work in steam power, canal infrastructure development, and fortification strategies.