India · Samarangana Sutradhara, chapter 31
Mechanical birds with mercury engines
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The book describes wooden machines (yantras), including a flying bird of light wood driven by mercury heated in its body. It refuses to give the full method, saying the details are kept secret so they are not misused.
Summary by the editors. Translation: Summary in my own words
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Read it literally
A real medieval text that deliberately leaves out the key step.
What scholars say
A real medieval architecture book by King Bhoja of Dhar.
