> "use of beasts of burden ... to wind up large springs and power other machinery" Needn't be just beasts of burden. People used dogs to turn roasting spits -

> "use of beasts of burden ... to wind up large springs and power other machinery" Needn't be just beasts of burden. People used dogs to turn roasting spits - https://gizmodo.com/medieval-kitchens-used-a-specially-bred-dog-to-turn-roa-1575976436 https://gizmodo.com/medieval-kitchens-used-a-specially-bred-... . IANA genetic engineer, but plants -> alcohol/biodiesel -> power seems likely more efficient than plants/feed -> animals -> mechanical energy storage -> power.