The Inventions of Archimedes

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The information provided in this book is for educational and informational purposes only. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this book is accurate, up-to-date, and helpful. However, no responsibility is assumed by the author or publisher for any loss or damage resulting from the use of this book or the information contained herein

INTRODUCTION

Very few individuals in history have such a legacy of both science and engineering as Archimedes does. He was called the genius of ancient Greece and rightfully so, for Archimedes was a giant who shaped the very foundations of mathematics, physics, engineering and their effects can be seen today. The Inventions of Archimedes: The Greatest Mind of Ancient Greece is a study aimed at investigating the abilities of the genius associated with some of the most remarkable inventions and insights in history, and explains how Archimedes changed the face of science and technology.

This book aims not only to give a detailed account of Archimedes’ life, but also his work, making it important and fascinating to the readers. In all aspects of his work, from the exactitude of his mathematical propositions to the artistry of his engineering works, Archimedes' contributions were foundational and many scientific concepts that would be developed by later generations stemmed from his work. His creations, the Archimedes ‘ screw, and the compound pulley for example, not only helped resolve issues that were pressing during his era but also advanced the frontiers of today’s engineering. In this book, the reader is invited to examine the impact of this genius on the ancient society and even in the present times where such genius is useful in the creation of modern inventions.

Most likely around the year 287 BC and in the city of Syracuse, Archimedes had most of his early childhood in the Mediterranean Sea. He might have spent his early life trapped in the insatiable thirst of knowledge that the inhabitants of that sea had. This also included an extensive stay in Alexandria (now in Egypt), commonly believed to be the focal point of the Hellenistic civilization, where he learnt mathematics and the physical sciences. Headed back to Syracuse, Archimedes combined two activities: that of a scholar and that of an engineer.