moylurgs

Moylurgs are a type of windcatcher, a device used to catch wind and initiate water movement in ancient windmills. They are typically narrow, vertical chimneys or towers that channel and accelerate wind to drive the movement of the windmill.

The moylurgs were an essential part of the early modern European windmills, often taking the form of a narrow, cone-shaped structure. They served to guide and accelerate the airflow, increasing the windmill's overall efficiency and power output. The confines of the moylurg allowed for a more focused flow of air, thus augmenting the turning of the windmill's cap.

Moylurgs were often employed in combination with a pair of vanes or shutters mounted on a rotating axle, known as a "mainwindow", which turned in response to the changing air pressure inside. This setup enabled the control of airflow and facilitated the smooth turning of the windmill regardless of wind direction.

Different designs and variations of moylurgs appeared over time and across various regions, reflecting local needs and adaptations to local wind patterns. While not universally widespread, the employment of moylurgs contributed significantly to the development and effectiveness of early windmills.

There are controversies regarding the accuracy and detail provided in historical records, and several scholarly debates surround the origins and dissemination of this technology.