Mathematical Magick

Mathematical Magick (complete title: Mathematical Magick, or, The wonders that may be performed by mechanical geometry) is a treatise by the English clergyman, natural philosopher, polymath and author John Wilkins (1614–1672). It was first published in 1648 in London; another edition was printed in 1680 and further editions were published in 1691 and 1707. The work is dedicated to Charles I Louis, the Elector Palatine.

The first book describes traditional mechanical devices, speed, siege engines and the modern guns of Wilkins' era. The second book covers Wilkins' theories and observations on land yachts, submarines, flying machines, and perpetual motion. Wilkins thought that human aviation is feasible, if only sufficient exercise, research and development is directed towards it. He envisioned flying machines that would be large enough to carry several people.

The book repeats tales about early attempts at human flight, including Busbequius' 16th-century reports about Turkish flight experiments in Constantinople. Wilkins also mentions Anglo-Saxon flight experiments during the reign of Edward the Confessor. The researcher called "Elmerus" in the text is probably Eilmer of Malmesbury, who experimented with gliding flight in the 11th century.