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 there be a vessel full of wine and provided with a running spout,
when a cyathus, or small measure, of water is poured upon the neck of
the vessel, the discharge of wine shall cease, but, if a second measure
of water is poured on, this last shall flow out with the former, or
the two measures of water shall flow out through two different spouts;
and, after all the water is drawn off, the wine shall flow again from
the centre spout: moreover, this shall happen as often as any liquid
is poured on and flows out. Let A B (fig. 58), be a vessel with a
spout, C, at the bottom, and closed at the neck by the partition D E
from which extends a tube, F G, encircled by another tube which is
sufficiently removed from the partition to allow of the passage of
water, as in the case of the inclosed diabetes. Through the partition
insert another tube, H K, projecting to a less height above the
partition than the former tube, and branching off below into two
spouts L and M; and let this tube also be encircled by another tube
distant a small space from the partition: furthermore let the vessel
have a vent N just under the partition. Now, if, after closing the
spouts, we pour in the wine, it will pass into the body of the vessel
through the tube F G, for the air will escape through the vent N: but
when we close the vent and set the spouts free, the liquid intercepted
in the tube H K will flow through L and M, and that contained in the
vessel through C. If, however, while C is still running, we pour a
small measure of water upon the partition, the air will no longer be
able to enter through F G, and the discharge through C will cease: but
if a second measure is poured on, the water will rise above the tube
H K, and be carried through into the spouts L and M, the whole being
drawn up; and then, the tube F G being opened to the air will enable
the spout C to flow as before. This result will take place as often as
we pour on the measures of water.
59. _A Vessel from which Wine or Water may be made to flow, separately
or mixed._
[Illustration: Diagram of apparatus as described in text]
From a vessel full of pure wine sometimes the wine flows; if water is
poured in, pure water flows out; then again pure wine; and, if it is
desired, when the water is poured in a mixture shall be discharged.
Let A B (fig. 59), be a vessel, having a partition near the neck,
C D, through which a tube, E F, is inserted, passing out below and
terminating in a spout. In the tube E F, within the vessel and near
the bottom at G, let there be a fine hole, and a vent under the neck
at H. Now, if we close the spout F, and pour in the wine, it will pass
into the body of the vessel, the air escaping through the vent H: but
if we stop the vent and set the spout free, nothing will flow out
except what is intercepted in the tube E F. If water is then poured in,
it will flow out pure, and, when the vent is set free, a mixture is
discharged: if nothing more is poured in, pure wine will flow.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account