Archimedes
Archimedes (c. 287-212 BC) was one of the most inventive of ancient Greek mathematician and inventor from Syracuse. Apart from mathematics , he also contributed in the field of mechanics and hydrostatics, the conception of specific gravity, the doctrine of levers, and the measurement of curved areas. However, he is chiefly known for his discovery of a principle that we know by the name Archimedes' principle, that is the ratio of the radius of a circle to its circumference, formulas for the surface area, and volume of a sphere and of a cylinder. A legend has it that he discovered how to determine the specific weight of bodies while he was taking a bath, and was so excited over the discovery that, it is said, he darted off stark naked on the instant through the streets, shouting "Eureka! Eureka! I have found it! I have found it!".He was the greatest mathematician of antiquity, a man of superlative inventive power, well skilled in all the mechanical arts and sciences of the day. When Syracuse was taken by the Romans, he was unconscious of the fact, and slain, while busy on some problem, by a Roman soldier, notwithstanding the order of the Roman general that his life should be spared. He is credited with the boast: "Give me a fulcrum, and I will move the world."
Wisdom & Quotes
- Eureka ! ( I have found it!)
- Give me a firm spot on which to stand, and I will move the earth.
Li Ssu