Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Politics : To be a Liberal,you have to believe that..... -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Alexander who wrote (4776)	11/1/1999 2:12:00 PM
From: Tsinogatna	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 6418

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.