Hero of Alexandria

The construction of a self-regulating fountain is as follows: within the fountain, place a float, and connect it to a valve by means of a lever.

To make a fountain which shall flow with perfume on one day, and with rosewater on another, construct two vessels, one for perfume and one for rosewater, and connect them by means of pipes and valves.

The principle of the lever is that a rigid bar, pivoted at a fixed point, can be used to multiply force.

To construct a device which shall cause a statue to play a musical instrument when fire is kindled on an altar, place a vessel of water beneath the altar, and connect it to the statue's hands by means of pipes and levers.

The construction of a self-emptying cup is as follows: within the cup, place a smaller cup, and connect the two by means of a siphon.

The principle of the pulley is that a wheel, grooved to receive a rope, can be used to change the direction of a force and to gain mechanical advantage.

To construct a device which shall cause a bird to sing and dance when water is poured into a basin, place a hollow bronze bird in the basin, and connect it to pipes which are immersed in the water.

The construction of a self-filling and self-emptying cup is as follows: within the cup, place a smaller cup, and connect the two by means of a siphon.

To make a fountain which shall flow with hot water on one day, and with cold water on another, construct two vessels, one for hot water and one for cold water, and connect them by means of pipes and valves.

The force of the steam, when confined, can perform wonders beyond imagination.

In the mechanism of automata, we see the divine imitation of life through artifice.

Water, when raised by pressure, flows with a power that rivals the gods' own streams.

The siphon teaches us that nature's paths can be bent to human will.

From the aeolipile, we learn that even the breath of the wind can drive the wheel of progress.

Machines, like living beings, require balance in their parts to achieve harmony.

The clever arrangement of levers multiplies the strength of the weakest hand.

In the temple doors that open by steam, the gods seem to respond to the piety of men.

Pneumatics reveals the hidden powers within air, unseen yet omnipotent.

The automated theater, with its dancing figures, blurs the line between craft and creation.

To measure the world, one must first understand the principles of reflection and refraction.