1. And first we will explain the machines which must be provided for temples, and for the execution of public works. These are made as follows. Two pieces of timber are carefully prepared, which answer to the size of the load. They are set up, connected at the top with a brace, and spreading at the base. They are kept upright by ropes fastened at the top and adjusted round them. At the top a block is made fast: these some call rechamus. On this block two pulleys are fixed, which revolve upon axles. Over the top pulley the leading rope is passed. It is then let down and drawn round a pulley of the block below. It is returned to the lower pulley of the top block, and so comes again to the lower block and is secured to the eye of it. The other end the rope belongs to the lower part of the machine.

14. He made two wheels about 15 feet in diameter and in them he enclosed the ends of the stone. Next, he fixed two-inch pieces less than a foot apart round the stone lengthwise from wheel to wheel. Then he wound a rope outside the wood pieces and drew the rope with a yoke of oxen. When the rope was pulled it caused the wheels to turn. However, he could not keep the machine straight along the road, but it kept swerving to one side. Thus it was necessary to draw it back again. So Paconius by drawing it backwards and forwards frittered his money away and went bankrupt.