Ancient Engineers' Inventions: Precursors of the Present

Abstract

Preface PART I : MEASURING THE ENVIRONMENT: Introduction Ancient Greek units Length units Area units Volume units Weight/mass units Roman units Length units Area units Volume units Weight/mass units Chap. 1 - MEASURING MASS: Introduction 1.1 The balance scale 1.2 The steelyard balance Observations Chap. 2 - MEASURING DISTANCE : Introduction 2.1 Jacobs' staff, Astrolabe 2.2 Range finders 2.2.1 Groma 2.2.2 Surveyors' cross 2.2.3 Chorobate 2.3 The dioptre by Heron 2.4 The ancient odometer 2.4.1 The odometer by Vitruvius 2.4.2 The odometer by Heron Observations Chap. 3 - MEASURING TIME : Introduction 3.1 The sundial 3.1.1 Fixed sundials 3.1.1.1 Equatorial sundials 3.1.1.2 Horizontal sundials 3.1.1.3 Vertical sundials 3.1.1.4 Non-planar sundials 3.1.2 Portable sundials 3.2 Water clocks 3.2.1 Early water clocks 3.2.2 The water clock by Ctesibius Observations Chap. 4 - COMPUTATION DEVICES: Introduction 4.1 The abacus 4.2 The mesolabio 4.2.1 The mesolabio of Heratostenes 4.2.2 The solution by Hippocrates and the Mesolabio by Durer 4.3 The mechanism of Antikitera 4.3.1 The history of the finding 4.3.2 Description of the mechanism 4.3.3 Technological aspects 4.3.4 Planetariums in ancient literature 4.3.5 A recent interesting finding Observations PART II - USING NATURAL ENERGY: Chap. 5 - WIND MOTORS: Introduction 5.1 The wind mills 5.1.1 TheAfghan mill 5.1.2 The Cretan mill 5.2 Wings on the sea: the sails 5.2.1 Evolution of the sail rig 5.2.2 The Chinese junk 5.2.3 The Flettner rotor Observations Chap. 6 - HYDRAULIC MOTORS: Introduction 6.1 Water wheels with vertical axis 6.1.1 The Greek mill 6.1.2 Vertical axis rotor with oblique blades 6.2 Water wheels with horizontal axis 6.2.1 Undershot water wheels 6.2.2 Overshot water wheels 6.2.2.1 The wheel of Venafro 6.3 The floating mill 6.4 Water wheels in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance Observations PART III - USING WATER: Chap. 7 - LIFTING WATER: Introduction 7.1 The early devices 7.2 The Archimedes' screw 7.3 Norias 7.3.1 Scoop wheel 7.3.2 Chain norias 7.4 Pumps 7.4.1 Chain pumps 7.4.2 Reciprocating pumps Observations Chap. 8 - ADDUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION OF WATER: Introduction 8.1 Open ducts 8.2 Penstocks 8.3 The great cistern 8.3.1 The Piscina Mirabilis at Miseno 8.4 Water distribution systems 8.4.1 Piezometric turrets 8.5 Pipes 8.5.1 Dimensions of the lead pipes 8.6 Valves 8.6.1 Shut-off valves 8.6.2 Single control mixers 8.7 Hydraulic mining 8.7.1 The technique 'Ruina Montium' 8.7.2 Historical references Observations Chap. 9 - UNDERWATER ACTIVITIES: Introduction 9.1 Scuba divers 9.2 Diving bell PART IV - COMMUNICATION AND TELECOMMUNICATION: Introduction The capstan Telecommunication devices Chap. 10 - LIFT AND TRANSPORTS: Introduction 10.1 Cranes and tackle 10.2 Gravity driven elevators 10.3 Roman charts 10.4 Railed cargo 10.5 The rails of Pompei 10.6 Ancient self propelled vehicles 10.7 Early ball bearings 10.8 Transport on water 10.8.1 Early paddle wheeled boats 10.8.2 Pneumatic boats 10.9 Cableways 10.10 The dawn of flight in antiquity 10.10.1 Legends and tales 10.10.2 Ancient gliders 10.10.3 Ancient rockets Observations Chap. 11 - TELECOMMUNICATIONS : Introduction 11.1 Acoustic 11.2 Carrier pigeons 11.3 Optical telecommunication systems 11.3.1 Systems based on image modification 11.3.2 Systems based on brilliancy modification 11.4 Lighthouses 11.5 The water telegraph Observations PART V - TOWARDS THE MODERN AGE: Chap. 12 - SECONDARY MOTORS : Introduction 12.1 Flexion elastic motors 12.1.1 Metal spring flexion elastic motors, 12.2 Torsion elastic motors 12.3 Pneumatic motors 12.3.1 The air spring ballista 12.4 Small spring motors 12.4.1 Locks and padlocks 12.5 Counterweight motors 12.5.1 The trebuchet 12.6 Ancient

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