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Archimedes Influence in Science and Engineering

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Book cover The Genius of Archimedes -- 23 Centuries of Influence on Mathematics, Science and Engineering

Part of the book series: History of Mechanism and Machine Science ((HMMS,volume 11))

Abstract

Archimedes (ca. 287–212 BC) was born in Syracuse, in the Greek colony of Sicily. He studied mathematics probably at the Museum in Alexandria. Archimedes made important contributions to the field of mathematics. Archimedes discovered fundamental theorems concerning the center of gravity of plane geometric shapes and solids. He is the founder of statics and of hydrostatics. Archimedes was both a great engineer and a great inventor, his machines fascinated subsequent writers, and he earned the honorary title “father of experimental science”. Archimedes systematized the design of simple machines and the study of their functions and developed a rigorous theory of levers and the kinematics of the screw. His works contain a set of concrete principles upon which mechanics could be developed as a science using mathematics and reason. His contribution separates engineering science from technology and crafts, often confused for matters arrived at empirically through a process of long evolution. His works have influenced science and engineering from the Byzantine period to the Industrial Revolution and the New Era.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dynamics and Machine Theory Laboratory, University of Patras, Greece, 265 00, Patras, Greece

    Thomas G. Chondros

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  1. Thomas G. Chondros
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Correspondence to Thomas G. Chondros .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. School of Engineering, University of Patras, Patras, Greece

    S. A. Paipetis

  2. Dipto. Meccanica, Strutture,, Ambiente e Territorio (DiMSAT), Università Cassino, Via G. di Biasio 43, Cassino, 03043, Italy

    Marco Ceccarelli

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Chondros, T.G. (2010). Archimedes Influence in Science and Engineering. In: Paipetis, S., Ceccarelli, M. (eds) The Genius of Archimedes -- 23 Centuries of Influence on Mathematics, Science and Engineering. History of Mechanism and Machine Science, vol 11. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-9091-1_31

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-9091-1_31

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht

  • Print ISBN: 978-90-481-9090-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-90-481-9091-1

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