Machine for harnessing energy from the flow of water

concept

Hydraulics: a water-wheel with a pressure relieving device, side elevation. Engraving by J. B. Taylor after J. Pinchback.

A water-wheel, cistern and detail of water-wheel for raising water at Blair Drummond, Perthshire. Engraving by A. Bell.

Five diagrams of a cider mill, cider press and water-wheel. Engraving, c. 1790 (?).

A Japanese fisherman on a lake shore pulling in his nets. Watercolour, c.1860.

Hydraulics: a water-wheel with a pressure relieving device, end elevation and plan. Engraving by J. B. Taylor after J. Pinchback.

Hydraulics: different kinds of waterwheel. Engraving by Lowry, 1819, after J. Farey.

Hydraulics: a pressure equalizing device. Engraving by Eastgate.

Hydraulics: six different kinds of waterwheel, used for lifting weights. Engraving c.1861.

A water-driven paper mill on the left hand side: with workmen on the right hand side making sheets of paper, and laying them in a press, all parts lettered for a key. Engraving, 1752.

A man raising water with a water-wheel during a famine in India. Wood engraving after J. Calvert, 1877.

Hydraulics: different kinds of waterwheel. Engraving by W. Lowry, 1817, after J. Farey.

A waterfall in Amalfi, driving a wheel outside an iron-works or iron mine. Drawing by J.Ph. Hackert, 1790.

Hydraulics: different kinds of waterwheel. Lithograph by Mackay & Kirkwood, 1860.

Galleries and Reading Room

Library

Shop

Café

We're experiencing some technical problems in the library today. 

If you’re visiting us, you won’t be able to print or use our PCs or laptops. If you want to sign-up for a free library membership, we’ll give you a temporary card for today and complete your membership next time you visit.

You can access items from the collection as usual and our team is on hand to help. Thank you for your patience while we resolve these issues. 

We're running paid user research studies to improve Wellcome Collection online

Water-wheels

Images from the collections

Images referencing Water-wheels

Works from the collections

Hydraulics: different kinds of waterwheel. Engraving by W. Lowry, 1817, after J. Farey.

A waterfall in Amalfi, driving a wheel outside an iron-works or iron mine. Drawing by J.Ph. Hackert, 1790.

Hydraulics: different kinds of waterwheel. Lithograph by Mackay & Kirkwood, 1860.

Hydraulics: six different kinds of waterwheel, used for lifting weights. Engraving c.1861.

Hydraulics: a water-wheel with a pressure relieving device, end elevation and plan. Engraving by J. B. Taylor after J. Pinchback.