Archimedes
Amber DiGerolamo........UNIT 5--Universal Gravitation
ABOUT ARCHIMEDES
He was of Greek nationality, born in the Greek city-state Syracuse on the island of Sicily in approximately 287 BC. He died 212 BC in Syracuse. Thrived in 3rd century BC.
NOTABLE CONTRIBUTIONS
He invented one of the most fundamental concepts of physics--the center of gravity. He also invented the sciences of mechanics and hydrostatics. Responsible for handful of inventions, including the "Archimedean Screw", still used for irrigation of water and other materials today. When the screw turns, water is pulled up from a tube, so the screw can pull water up from a river, lake, or well.
Educational info: Most of his life was spent in Syracuse but he furthered his education in the city of Alexandria, Egypt. Spent most of his time studying and working in the Library of Alexandria, built by Alexander the Great's successor.
"Mathematics reveals its secrets only to those who approach it with pure love, for its own beauty."
"My dream? After I am dead, I would love if people thought I was made of marble."
"Give me a lever long enough and a fulcrum on which to place it, and I shall move the Earth."
INTERESTING FACT:
Significant Hardships
His birthplace, Syracuse, was under siege in 264 BC. He fought in the first Punic War, and even created several war machines pertaining to the battle.
(pictured to right: catapult)
There was little documentation of other scientists collaborating with him...
only indication that other scientists and mathematicians gained frustration because they could not figure out his methods.