Transformations of the unpublished writings and drawings of Simon Stevin

This segment introduces Simon Stevin, a Flemish mathematician with a unique perspective on the Dutch language. Stevin believed that Dutch was the most scientific language due to its use of monosyllables, which he thought allowed for clearer expression. He also invented neologisms and engaged with artisans in the vernacular. Stevin served as a private tutor to Prince Maurice of Orange, teaching him various subjects. His work, 'Mathematical Memoirs,' covered topics like astronomy, physics, and mathematics, but he was unable to complete the fifth book, 'Miscellanea,' due to the printer's impatience. After Stevin's death in 1620, many of his works remained unpublished. The speaker attempts to reconstruct a non-existing book by piecing together notes, excerpts, and content tables from various sources, including Stevin's own references and contemporaries' observations.

The second paragraph delves into the complexities of translation and authorship, exemplified by the work of Constantijn Huygens and his correspondence with Maram Masen. Huygens, a Dutch poet, wrote a poem about his house built in the Italian classical style, using a Latin poem with a few Dutch words, including 'helix' to denote symmetry. He disagreed with Vitruvius's use of 'symmetry' for proportional symmetry, advocating instead for mirror symmetry. In another instance, Huygens translated an account of an invention for drilling wells to access clean water, which was initially developed by Job Adams and Peter Anton. The translation led to a discussion about the reliability of artisanal accounts versus scientific descriptions, with Huygens favoring the latter. This case highlights the challenges and manipulations that can occur in the translation and authorship of technical knowledge.

This section discusses the role of experimentation and innovation in solving the problem of harbor siltation, as illustrated by Daniel Notre's invention to scour the harbor of Middelburg. Notre proposed a system of mobile sluices that would flush out sand during low tide, but the city sought a second opinion from Isaac Bregman, who had access to Simon Stevin's manuscripts on sluices and water scouring. Bregman concluded that the invention was too dangerous due to the pressure exerted by the water columns. Despite Notre's attempts to demonstrate the feasibility of his invention with a model, the city ultimately rejected the proposal, highlighting the tension between innovative ideas and practical risks in engineering projects.

The fourth paragraph examines the adaptation of explanations and representations in architectural texts and images, focusing on Hendrik Stevin's copies of his father's work. Hendrik made changes to the original drawings and plans, such as adding full names of buildings' functions instead of using symbols, which deviated from Simon Stevin's intention to keep explanations simple and not overly complex. This adaptation turned the work into a commodity, as Hendrik dedicated it to the city of Amsterdam for the stimulation of prosperity and improvement of cities and countries, a move that Simon Stevin might have opposed due to his belief in the importance of maintaining clarity and simplicity in architectural explanations.

In conclusion, the speaker reflects on the legacy and impact of Simon Stevin's work. Despite Stevin writing in Dutch, which limited his international recognition, his neologisms influenced Dutch poetry and enriched the language. The lack of translation of his work allowed for manipulation and experimentation by multiple authors. The speaker also notes the irony that in one case, a scientific description was considered more reliable than an artisan's account, contrary to the morning's observation that testimony was highly valued. Lastly, attempts to preserve Stevin's legacy often deviated from his original intentions, turning his work into commodities rather than maintaining the integrity of his scientific and architectural principles.