Handgeschreven beschrijving van een brandspuit genaamd Brandknaap, uitgevonden door Koenraat Koenraatsz te Haarlem, ca. 1650 1640 - 1660

Here we have a handwritten description of a fire hose, or 'Brandknaap', invented around 1650 by Koenraat Koenraatsz in Haarlem. Though the creator of this document is anonymous, its existence provides us with insight into the values of the Dutch Golden Age. This was a period marked by innovation, and the document illustrates the intersection of civic responsibility and technological advancement. The detailed description suggests a society keen on disseminating knowledge and celebrating progress. In a time when access to resources and literacy was often determined by class, this document could be interpreted as an attempt to democratize knowledge, making potentially life-saving technology accessible beyond elite circles. Though the writing is not standardized, the act of documentation itself underscores a commitment to sharing information for the common good. The 'Brandknaap' represents more than just a tool; it symbolizes a community's effort to protect itself, reflecting a collective identity shaped by shared risks and a shared investment in problem-solving.