This man would revolutionize Ancient Greece...
And would go on to change the world.
Let's explore the forgotten story of one of the greatest mathematicians, physicists and inventors of all time... 🧵
And would go on to change the world.
Let's explore the forgotten story of one of the greatest mathematicians, physicists and inventors of all time... 🧵
Archimedes' most famous quotes is
“Give me a lever long enough and a fulcrum on which to place it, and I shall move the world.”
This bold statement refers to the principle of the lever, which he rigorously studied and brough to light...
“Give me a lever long enough and a fulcrum on which to place it, and I shall move the world.”
This bold statement refers to the principle of the lever, which he rigorously studied and brough to light...
Archimedes' understanding of levers and pulleys led to the invention of compound pulleys and the Archimedes screw.
-a device still used today for lifting water in irrigation systems.
-a device still used today for lifting water in irrigation systems.
The "Eureka!" moment is perhaps Archimedes' most well-known story:
Legend has it that he discovered the principle of buoyancy while taking a bath, and ran naked through the streets shouting-
"Eureka!" (I have found it!)
Legend has it that he discovered the principle of buoyancy while taking a bath, and ran naked through the streets shouting-
"Eureka!" (I have found it!)
Archimedes was also a master of geometry.
He calculated an accurate approximation of pi and developed a method for expressing extremely large numbers.
His work on spirals and conic sections was groundbreaking for the time.
He calculated an accurate approximation of pi and developed a method for expressing extremely large numbers.
His work on spirals and conic sections was groundbreaking for the time.
During the Roman siege of Syracuse, Archimedes reportedly used his inventions to defend the city.
One tale describes him using mirrors to set Roman ships on fire, though the feasibility of this is debated by historians...
One tale describes him using mirrors to set Roman ships on fire, though the feasibility of this is debated by historians...
Archimedes' death is as legendary as his life.
It's said that a Roman soldier killed him during the fall of Syracuse, despite orders to spare him.
His reported last words were:
"Do not disturb my circles!"
It's said that a Roman soldier killed him during the fall of Syracuse, despite orders to spare him.
His reported last words were:
"Do not disturb my circles!"
Archimedes' influence extended far beyond his lifetime.
Thomas Paine once wrote:
"What Archimedes said of the mechanical powers, may be applied to Reason and Liberty: 'Had we,' said he, 'a place to stand upon, we might raise the world.'"
Thomas Paine once wrote:
"What Archimedes said of the mechanical powers, may be applied to Reason and Liberty: 'Had we,' said he, 'a place to stand upon, we might raise the world.'"
Archimedes' deep love of mathematics is evident in this quote: "There are things which seem incredible to most men who have not studied Mathematics."
His work continues to inspire mathematicians, engineers and scientists today.
His work continues to inspire mathematicians, engineers and scientists today.
Archimedes' legacy is so profound that even on his tombstone, he chose to highlight his mathematical achievements.
It featured a sphere inscribed in a cylinder, representing his theorem about their volume ratio.
original drawing of Archimedes-
It featured a sphere inscribed in a cylinder, representing his theorem about their volume ratio.
original drawing of Archimedes-
The great mathematician and inventor once said:
"Those who claim to discover everything but produce no proofs of the same may be confuted as having actually pretended to discover the impossible."
"Those who claim to discover everything but produce no proofs of the same may be confuted as having actually pretended to discover the impossible."
Archimedes' work wasn't just theoretical.
He applied his knowledge to create practical inventions, embodying the connection between pure mathematics and real-world applications.
He applied his knowledge to create practical inventions, embodying the connection between pure mathematics and real-world applications.
His contributions to calculus, over 2,000 years before Newton and Leibniz, were only fully appreciated when the Archimedes Palimpsest was discovered in the 20th century.
This ancient text revealed his use of infinitesimals in mathematical proofs.
This ancient text revealed his use of infinitesimals in mathematical proofs.
Archimedes' brilliance was recognized even in his own time.
During the siege of Syracuse, Roman general Marcellus reportedly said:
"Shall we not make an end to this fighting against this geometrical Briareus?"
-comparing Archimedes to a mythical giant.
During the siege of Syracuse, Roman general Marcellus reportedly said:
"Shall we not make an end to this fighting against this geometrical Briareus?"
-comparing Archimedes to a mythical giant.
Archimedes' reminds us of the universal nature of mathematical truth and the power of human intellect.
His work continues to inspire us, proving that only true genius knows immortality.
His work continues to inspire us, proving that only true genius knows immortality.
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