1. The Man Who Moved the World
Archimedes, one of the most influential mathematicians of all time, was born in 287 BC in the Greek city-state of Syracuse on the island of Sicily. He is renowned for his contributions to mathematics, physics, engineering, and astronomy, and is credited with inventing the field of integral calculus. He is also known for his famous quote, "Give me a lever long enough and a fulcrum on which to place it, and I shall move the world." His work has had a lasting impact on the world, and his legacy continues to inspire generations of mathematicians and scientists.
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Advertisement2. A Renaissance Man
Archimedes was a true polymath, with a wide range of interests and talents. After receiving his early education in his hometown of Syracuse, he was sent to Alexandria, Egypt to further his studies. There, he developed a passion for mathematics and science, but also explored other disciplines such as politics, poetry, astronomy, art, military tactics and music. His diverse interests and expertise made him a true Renaissance man, and his legacy continues to inspire people to this day.
Also → The Legacy of Karl Friedrich Gauss
3. A Scientist for All Seasons
Growing up, Archimedes was fortunate to have two of the greatest scholars and mathematicians of the time as mentors: Conon of Samos and Eratosthenes of Cyrene. Under their guidance, Archimedes flourished and went on to become one of the most renowned scientists in history, renowned for his contributions to mathematics, physics, engineering, and astronomy.
Also → Euler's Legacy
4. The Discovery that Changed the Course of History
Archimedes, the renowned Greek mathematician, is credited with the famous phrase "eureka!" which is used to express great joy upon any new discovery. He is also known for his successful proof that King Hiero II's gold crown was mixed with silver. This discovery was made after Archimedes was asked by the King to determine if the crown was made of pure gold. After careful examination, Archimedes was able to prove that the crown was not made of pure gold, and thus coined the phrase "eureka!" to express his joy at the discovery.
Also → "Pythagoras: Discoverer of the Pythagorean Theorem"
Advertisement5. The Archimedes Screw: A Remarkable Discovery Still Used Today
Archimedes, the renowned ancient Greek mathematician and inventor, made a remarkable discovery that is still used today: the Archimedes Screw. This ingenious device is used for irrigation in Egypt, and works by using a helical surface within a tube to lift water from a lower elevation to a higher one. This simple yet effective invention has been in use for centuries, and is a testament to the brilliance of Archimedes.
Also → Torricelli: Speed of Fluid Tied to Height
6. The Claw of Archimedes
Archimedes, the renowned Greek mathematician and inventor, designed the Claw of Archimedes, also known as "the ship shaker", to defend his home city of Syracuse. This ingenious device was a crane-like arm that could be used to lift enemy ships out of the water and drop them, causing them to break apart. It was a powerful weapon that allowed Syracuse to successfully defend itself against the Roman navy during the Siege of Syracuse in 212 BC.
Also → Huygens: A Scientist and Natural Philosopher of Renowned Contributions
7. The Archimedes Principle
The Archimedes Principle, named after the ancient Greek mathematician and scientist Archimedes, states that any object immersed in a fluid is buoyed upwards by a force equal to the weight of the displaced fluid. This principle is an important part of hydrostatics, which is the study of the behavior of fluids at rest. It is also used in engineering to calculate the buoyancy of objects in water, such as ships and submarines. The Archimedes Principle is a fundamental law of physics that has been used for centuries to explain the behavior of fluids.
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Advertisement8. Archimedes' Pi
Archimedes was a renowned mathematician who made significant contributions to the field of mathematics. He is most famous for determining the exact value of pi, a mathematical constant that is used to calculate the circumference of a circle. His calculation of pi is still used today and is considered to be one of the most important mathematical discoveries of all time.
Also → Gottfried Leibniz: Inventor of Calculus
9. The Legacy of Archimedes
Archimedes is renowned for his incredible contributions to mathematics, engineering, and physics, but he is also remembered for his strategic role in ancient warfare. He developed a number of innovative military techniques, such as the use of levers to lift ships out of the water, and the use of mirrors to focus sunlight and set enemy ships on fire. His inventions and strategies were so successful that they were used in many battles, and his legacy as a military strategist lives on today.
Also → Al-Battani, 9th century mathematician, pioneer in trigonometry
10. The Brilliant Life and Tragic Death of Archimedes
In 212 BC, the renowned mathematician and inventor Archimedes was tragically killed during the Siege of Syracuse by a Roman soldier. His death marked the end of a brilliant life, during which he made numerous contributions to the fields of mathematics, engineering, and physics. He is best known for his discovery of the principle of buoyancy, which states that an object immersed in a fluid is buoyed up by a force equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by the object. He also developed the Archimedes screw, a device used to lift water from a lower to a higher elevation. His death was a great loss to the scientific community, and his legacy continues to inspire generations of scientists.
