Vacuum Phenomena Proves To Be Stronger Than Sixteen Horses (Mid 17th Century)

Using a converted fire engine pump, Otto von Guericke pumped the air from two brass hemispheres that were fitted together and sealed. The contraption was then harnessed between two teams of eight horses on either side. When the animals were coaxed to move forward, the harnesses became quite taught. There was a bit of position shuffling as the struggle for dominance between the teams was established.

Whipping of the animals was begun and the small crowd gave distance in anticipation of being struck by one of the brass segments upon separation. The full fury and force of hard pulling animals was then applied. The owner of the teams shouted for the riders to keep their heads down or risk being decapitated. The riders kicked and whipped the teams in a relentless effort to pull the hemispheres apart. But to no avail, the hemispheres did not part.. As the animals were quieted, the vacuum secured hemisphere dropped to the ground undaunted by the event. Von Grericke smiled.
 

The power of vacuum promises to enhance a number of unique and innovative engineering solutions, not the least of which being the repair of concrete, masonry and stone. Already, Madeburg city council members are considering von Guericke's proposal to repair city hall. The hundred year old structure is suffering from some sort of silica reaction and von Guericke's vacuum process promises renewed hope of rescue.