Mechanical Engineering Devices in the America Colonization
Due to the scientific gap between America and Europe at the XVI century, the first Europeans’ settlements in the new world had to face different technological issues. Besides to expose the scientific and technological situation, this paper shows two singular mechanical wits representative of the technical advances introduced in America to overcome different problems. Firstly, a pump based on an alternative movement system through crankshafts and pistons used against the continuous flooding suffered in the Ciudad de México valley. Although this system did not solve the problem (it was solved in the XIX century), it was essential to the continuous depletion of water. Secondly, a port crane that due to its capabilities to handle cannons, military devices and constructive materials, was useful during Lima fortification in the XVII century.