Diverting Rivers 04-05-1690, Miskolc (Hungary) 3 pages, manuscript on paper; 31 × 21 cm Borsd-Abaúj-Zemplén County Archives of the National Archives of Hungary HU-MNL-BAZML – IV. – 501/b. – X. – I. – 3 Controlling the course of rivers and preventing floods has a long history across Europe and the wider world. Indeed, managing water courses was   a well-developed engineering speciality in Europe even before a fully scientific discipline of hydraulics was established. The document presented here refers to a discussion about the possible alterations of river courses to improve transportation and irrigation, in Hungary during the late 17th century. It is a three page letter, dated 4th May 1690, from Balázs Danka to Borsod County, about three rivers (Sajó, Bába Sára and Hejő) in the towns of Miskolc and Ónod, which hinder traffic in the region. Balázs Danka informs Borsod County that in Eger, both the dignified Commission (Committee) and the noble Chamber had inquired about how t...