The multi-talented Hero was a mechanic ,mathematician and scientist whose inventions inspired everyone from the Arabs to Leonardo da Vinci.Nineteenth century scientists were astonished to find he had even built a working steam engine !!
For centuries it was unclear if he actually lived.But now the historians are certain that he was active during the 1st century AD.
He is said to have invented the screw lathe - a machine for cutting screws ,water clock and fire extinguisher pump..
Hero wrote extensively, on several branches of geometry, land surveying, mechanics and optics. His works include: "Geometry", "Definitions", "Stereometry", "Engines of War", "Winches", "Ballistics", "Reflections". Many of his works have been lost, while others survive in fragments in Greek or Latin.
Five complete works survive: "Pneumatics" and "Automata" in Greek and "Mechanics", "Metrics" and "Dioptra" in Arabic.Hero is best known today for his famous mechanical "Fountain", and for his formula for finding the area of a triangle from the length of the sides. His most important invention, however, was the aeolipile, a steam-powered engine.
INSPIRATION FOR MANY
Hero wrote down his works and ideas and large part of his writings survived.
The Byzantines , Aramaeans, Persians and especially the Arabs copied his work.His work is said to have provided inspiration for Leonardo da Vinci as well.
His steam engine was reconstructed by John Landels, the english classicist.
Hero was known for his amazing mechanical ingenuity in the ancient world, to include his contributions in military technology and theater.By the standards of modern technology, even though his steam engine is inadeqaute, he deserves all our admiration!
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