The Egyptians did invent a rudimentary steam engine. I can’t remember the exact name of my source, it was a book I read years ago, something like Strange Science Facts or some such. One of those science trivia books that geek teenagers love. The same booked talked about Roman concrete, medieval carbon-steel, and evidence of coal use in ancient China.
Now, the Egyptians did not invent the steam-piston engine, which is what caused the industrial revolution. My understanding of what the Egyptians had is a toy that worked in this way. Water would be placed in a sealed metal container, and a candle placed underneath. The candle heated the water to boiling, and the steam would escape through a narrow vent, and repeatedly turn a small lever. The lever would cause motion in the automaton. Really, a very simple device, but not efficient on a grand scale.
Now, the steam piston works by having steam fill a sealed cylinder, driving the shaft up. A burst of cold water is sprayed in, immediately condensing the steam, and creating a vacuum that pulls the shaft back down. Obviously, a much different engine than using a simple steam vent, but they are both steam engines. |
