Perpetual motion machine. Historical diagram of a perpetual motion machine. The machine consists of bellows (F), which are pumped by the rod P, which is moved by the crank N and wheel L. The wheel L is turned by the rod K, which is moved by the crank H. Crank H is attached to the axle B, which is in a tank of water and driven by 6 bladders (C). When at their lowest point the bladders are filled with air from the bellows. This makes them buoyant and so turns the axle B in a clockwise direction. When the bladder leaves the water the knob S opens the valve Q, which lets the air out of the bladder. Such a machine could not work as it would violate the law of the conservation of energy. Artwork from Mechanics Magazine (December 1823).