Aeolipile
Aeolipile
Usage conditions apply
- Description
- The aeolipile, as described by Hero of Alexandria in the first century C.E., is a simple engine that spins when the water it contains is heated. In time, it would be seen as a precursor of the steam engine. The “Cenco” inscription on this example refers to the Central Scientific Company in Chicago.
- Ref: Hamilton L. Smith, Natural Philosophy for the Use of Schools and Academies (New York, 1852), p. 157.
- C. Martin, “The aeolipile as experimental model in early modern natural Philosophy,” Perspectives on Science 24 (2016): 264-284.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Object Name
- Aeolipile
- aeolipile
- user
- The Rayen School
- maker
- Central Scientific Company
- place made
- United States: Illinois, Chicago
- used
- United States: Ohio, Youngstown
- Measurements
- overall: 19 cm x 19 cm; 7 15/32 in x 7 15/32 in
- overall: 8 1/2 in x 6 1/2 in x 3 1/2 in; 21.59 cm x 16.51 cm x 8.89 cm
- ID Number
- 2010.0235.34
- catalog number
- 2010.0235.34
- accession number
- 2010.0235
- Credit Line
- Richard J. Zitto
- See more items in
- Medicine and Science: Physical Sciences
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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