Ismail al-Jazari
A Muslim polymath, inventor, mechanical engineer, artisan, artist, and mathematician who is best known for writing 'The Book of Knowledge of Ingenious Mechanical Devices'.
Most quoted
"The purpose of this book is to explain the construction of various kinds of ingenious devices, and to describe their operation in detail, so that others may be able to construct them."
— from Kitāb fī maʿrifat al-ḥiyal al-handasiyya (Book of Knowledge of Ingenious Mechanical Devices)
"The elephant clock is not merely a timepiece; it is a gathering of the world's wisdom: Indian elephant, Greek water works, Egyptian phoenix, Persian carpets, and Arab ingenuity."
— from The Book of Knowledge of Ingenious Mechanical Devices, 1206
"To truly understand a mechanism, one must not only observe its function but also comprehend the principles that govern its operation, for these principles are universal."
— from The Book of Knowledge of Ingenious Mechanical Devices
All quotes by Ismail al-Jazari (422)
The principles of mechanics are universal, and can be applied to many different problems.
I have sought to combine the wisdom of the ancients with the knowledge of my own time.
The art of engineering is a testament to the power of human intellect.
Every detail, no matter how small, contributes to the overall function of the machine.
My hope is that these descriptions will enable others to replicate and improve upon my work.
The true measure of an invention is its usefulness to society.
Let us always strive for excellence in our endeavors.
The world is full of wonders, and it is our duty to explore and understand them.
Through careful observation and experimentation, we can unlock the secrets of nature.
The pursuit of knowledge is a journey without end.
I have dedicated my life to the advancement of mechanical arts.
May my work bring joy and enlightenment to all who encounter it.
The ingenuity of man knows no bounds.
To build is to understand.
The clock is the heart of the world, marking the passage of time for all.
Let us not forget the importance of practical application in our studies.
The beauty of a machine lies in its ability to perform its task flawlessly.
I have documented these inventions with great care, so that their knowledge may endure.
The pursuit of perfection is a worthy goal for any craftsman.
May the light of knowledge continue to shine brightly.
Contemporaries of Ismail al-Jazari
Other Engineerings born within 50 years of Ismail al-Jazari (1136–1206).