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)
Every problem has a solution, if only we apply our minds to it.
The legacy of our work is in the hands of those who follow us.
Let us always remember the importance of precision in our craft.
The advancement of technology benefits all of humanity.
My greatest satisfaction comes from seeing my creations function as intended.
The study of mechanics reveals the order and beauty of the universe.
I have endeavored to make these devices both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
The pursuit of knowledge is a journey that enriches the soul.
One might think a perpetual motion machine is a grand idea, until one realizes the perpetual motion of a leaky bucket is far less impressive.
To build a machine that tells time is one thing; to build a machine that tells you *why* you're late, now that would be a true innovation.
Some engineers strive for complexity. I strive for a complexity that *works*, which is a far more challenging endeavor.
They say necessity is the mother of invention. I say a good patron with a healthy budget is the father.
My machines are not magic, though I often find myself explaining them to those who believe they are.
A truly elegant design is one where there is nothing left to take away, and nothing more to add without breaking it.
I have yet to meet a problem that could not be solved with enough gears, water, and a healthy dose of patience.
The greatest challenge in engineering is not building the machine, but convincing others it will not spontaneously combust.
To err is human; to design a machine that errs perfectly is divine.
My water clocks are so precise, they can tell you the exact moment you realize you've forgotten something important.
Some call my inventions 'tricks.' I call them 'solutions to problems you didn't know you had yet.'
The difference between a genius and a madman? The genius's contraptions eventually work.
Contemporaries of Ismail al-Jazari
Other Engineerings born within 50 years of Ismail al-Jazari (1136–1206).