Heres the code to allow schematics to be found in loot:

game.state.birth.merge_tinkers_data = true
player.changed = true

combine with ape code base:

{"#LIGHT_GREEN#[Get APE]", jump="book-recieved-ape", action=function(npc,player)

            game.state.birth.merge_tinkers_data = true
            player.changed = true
            local base_list = require("mod.class.Object"):loadList("/data-orcs/general/objects/quest-artifacts.lua")
            base_list.__real_type = "object"
            local o = game.zone:makeEntityByName(game.level, base_list, "APE", true)
            if o then
                o.auto_hotkey = 1
                player:addObject(player.INVEN_INVEN, o)
                player:sortInven()
            end
        end,
        cond=function(npc, player) if player:findInAllInventoriesBy("define_as", "APE") then return end return true end},
        {"#GREY#Return to main category (steamtech)", jump="book-steamtech"},
        {"#GREY#Return to table of contents", jump="welcome"},
        {"#DARK_GREY#Close the book"}
    }