Heron of Alexandria

1) His Biography:

In 10 AD, Heron of Alexandria was born. He spent most of his childhood years in the library
at the University of Alexandria. After completing his schooling, he began working as a
teacher at the renowned Library of Alexandria, which was situated in the educational facility
known as the “Mouseion at Alexandria” (Musaeum).

His writings have led historians to the conclusion that he lectured at the “Musaeum”. He
primarily writes in the form of lecture notes for physics, pneumatics, mathematics, and
mechanics courses. Heron rose to fame as a result of his automated device creations. Some of
his inventions are the result of the first official cybernetics research. It’s interesting to note
that “Cybernetics” wasn’t established as a discipline until the 20th century.

2) Main Works:

Pneumatica:

The term “pneumatica” describes the operation of mechanical tools and toys like singing
birds, aeolipiles, water organs, coin-operated machines, and puppets. Much of the book is a
discussion of devices that utilise the energy of air, steam, and water.

Mechanica:

The principles presented in Heron’s book “Mechanica” include a wide range of topics,
including how to lift and move heavy things, the theory of motion, and how to determine the
centre of gravity for straightforward shapes. Despite the loss of the original manuscripts, an
Arabic translation of the book has survived.

Automata:

In “Automata” devices that were developed to produce mystical phenomena in temples are
described. Some of these devices allowed doors to close and open automatically. A thorough
description of the mechanical sculptures that poured wine is also provided in the book.

Metrica:

The “Metrica” trilogy by Heron consists of three works. R. Schone discovered them in
Istanbul in 1896. Heron concentrates on computing the volumes and surface areas of various
objects, including cones, cylinders, pyramids, and prisms, throughout the book. The first
chapter of Metrica served as the basis for the equations in another work called “Geometrica”.

3) Main Themes:

Contribution to Mathematics:

He is the inspiration for “Heron’s formula”, a formula that is frequently used to determine the area of a triangle. Heron is given credit for the formula since it is described in his work “Metrica”. Though Metrica is merely a compilation of the information known at the time, it is thought that the formula predates Heron’s time. It is also claimed that the formula was known by Archimedes of Syracuse two centuries earlier.

Heron devised an iterative procedure for finding a number’s square root. The iterative process
was initially introduced in “Metrica”. The approach is referred to as the “Babylonian method”
or “Heron’s method” in contemporary mathematics. He also developed a way to determine a
number’s cube root.

He frequently applied his expertise to estimate the number of jars that might be held in
containers and ships as well as the number of seats that a large stadium could hold. He also
developed several geometrical terminology and symbols. He was an expert in the discipline
of mathematics known as “geodesy” which is currently used to measure and comprehend the
Earth’s gravitational field, shape, and orientation in space.

4) His Inventions:

Heron is primarily known for his description of an “aeolipile” a steam-powered device. He
spoke of the tool in first-century AD Roman Egypt. It is believed that his description of the
aeolipile is the earliest known description of a steam turbine and steam engine. Vitruvius
described a mechanism like this in the first century BC. Vitruvius, in contrast to Heron, makes
no mention of rotating components in his description. Both Vitruvius and Heron are claimed to
have drawn inspiration from Ctesibius (285-222 BC), who first described the applications for
compressed air. Heron was portrayed as a carpenter who unintentionally created the turbine in
a 1979 animated short film (as aeolipile).

Heron also made a windwheel, which was a significant invention. His creation established the
first wind energy harvesting device in human history. The organ, one of the oldest musical
instruments, was played by his windwheel. Modern windmills are said to have been built on
Heron’s invention.

Heron is credited with building the first known vending machine, even though Percival Everitt
invented the current version in 1883. His vending machine was made specifically to dispense
holy water. There was a coin slot on the machine. The penny would drop onto a pan that was
connected to a lever after being deposited. Holy water would flow until the coin rolled off the
pan because the weight of the coin would cause the pan to tilt.

Heron has made a significant contribution to the realm of optics. The “principle of least
time” sometimes known as “Fermat’s principle”, named after the French mathematician
Pierre de Fermat, was first developed by him. Alhacen’s works on reflection and refraction,
which in turn were founded on Heron’s “concept of the shortest path of light” formed the
foundation for “Fermat’s principle”, though.

Heron brought the renowned Greek theatre, which enthralled the audience in antiquity, to a
completely new level. He orchestrated a nearly ten-minute play using the principles of
mechanics. The “mechanical play” was propelled by a simple machine and rope binary-like
mechanism. The entire production had a mystical quality because the machinery used was
hidden behind the stage.

He also created a hydraulic device that is popularly referred to as “Heron’s fountain”. Modern
physics classrooms employ several iterations of the machine to illustrate pneumatic and
hydraulic concepts. The fourth season of the well-known TV show “Numb3rs” had a scene
with Heron’s fountain. Additionally, it was discussed on Guy Martin’s television programme, “How Britain Worked”.

5) His Legacy:

Two thousand years before his time, Heron of Alexandria created the first vending machine
and steam engine. There are many unsung heroes in science, but we rarely pay attention to
the very early thinkers. The Great-Great Grandfather of Engineering, Heron of Alexandria,
was one of history’s smartest inventors. He also created the first wind-powered device.