The pneumatics of Hero of AlexandriaHero, of Alexandria
History
The pneumatics of Hero of Alexandria
Hero, of Alexandria
Discoveries in science -- History; Inventions -- History; Pneumatics
If it is desired to adapt this contrivance for use, so that from a
goblet occupying any given position a considerable quantity of water
may be drawn and yet the goblet remain full, proceed as follows. Let A
B (fig. 20) be a vessel containing as much water as will probably be
required, and C D a pipe leading from this into a trough beneath, G H.
Near the pipe fix a lever-beam, E F, and at the extremity E suspend
a piece of cork, K, so that it may float in the trough; at the other
extremity F let a chain be fastened furnished with a leaden weight, X.
Let the whole be so arranged that the cork, floating on the water in G
H, closes the mouth of the pipe; yet that, when water has been drawn
from the trough, the cork, being heavier than the weight at X, shall
sink and open the pipe, so that the water may flow in again and raise
the cork. Let L M be the goblet placed in any convenient position, its
lip being on a level with the surface of the water in the trough when
there is no discharge from the pipe owing to the floating cork: and let
the tube H N lead from the trough into the bottom of the goblet. Now
if, when the goblet is full, we draw water from it, we shall at the
same time reduce the water in the trough; and the cork sinking will
unclose the pipe, so that the water, flowing both into the trough and
the goblet, will again raise the cork, and the discharge will cease.
And this will happen as often as we remove water from the goblet.
21. _Sacrificial Vessel which flows only when Money is introduced._
[Illustration: Diagram of apparatus as described in text]
If into certain sacrificial vessels a coin of five drachms be thrown,
water shall flow out and surround them. Let A B C D (fig. 21) be a
sacrificial vessel or treasure chest, having an opening in its mouth,
A; and in the chest let there be a vessel, F G H K, containing water,
and a small box, L, from which a pipe, L M, conducts out of the chest.
Near the vessel place a vertical rod, N X, about which turns a lever, O
P, widening at O into the plate R parallel to the bottom of the vessel,
while at the extremity P is suspended a lid, S, which fits into the box
L, so that no water can flow through the tube L M: this lid, however,
must be heavier than the plate R, but lighter than the plate and coin
combined. When the coin is thrown through the mouth A, it will fall
upon the plate R and, preponderating, it will turn the beam O P, and
raise the lid of the box so that the water will flow: but if the coin
falls off, the lid will descend and close the box so that the discharge
ceases.
22. _A Vessel from which a variety of Liquids may be made to flow
through one Pipe._
[Illustration: Diagram of apparatus as described in text]
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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