Ramelli, Agostino [key], c.1531–c.1600, Italian engineer who served in the armies of the marquis de Marignan and of the duc d'Anjou (later Henry III of France). His book, Le Diverse et Artificiose Machine (1558), urged the application of mathematics to mechanics and contained many illustrations and explanations of water-powered machines such as pumps, derricks, grinding mills, sawmills, bridges, and engines for military uses. Ramelli's designs were very inventive and often required precise machining that was impossible in his day.
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