Fraud Blocker Skip to main content

Archimedes Screw Collection

Discover the ancient marvel of water lifting technology through the lens of history

Background imageArchimedes Screw Collection: Model reconstruction of da Vincis design for a helicoid mechanism (wood

Model reconstruction of da Vincis design for a helicoid mechanism (wood
XOT366469 Model reconstruction of da Vincis design for a helicoid mechanism (wood, metal & string) by Vinci, Leonardo da (1452-1519) (after); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageArchimedes Screw Collection: A Dragon-Spine Pump, China, c. 1870-80 (b / w photo)

A Dragon-Spine Pump, China, c. 1870-80 (b / w photo)
498545 A Dragon-Spine Pump, China, c.1870-80 (b/w photo) by European Photographer, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Also known as a water ladder)

Background imageArchimedes Screw Collection: Archimedes demonstrating his invention to King Hieron of Syracuse (oil on panel)

Archimedes demonstrating his invention to King Hieron of Syracuse (oil on panel)
3900205 Archimedes demonstrating his invention to King Hieron of Syracuse (oil on panel) by Vaccaro, Domenico Antonio (1678-1745); 19.7x19.5 cm; Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageArchimedes Screw Collection: Studies of Suction Pumps, Archimedes Tubes, Etc. c1480 (1945). Artist: Leonardo da Vinci

Studies of Suction Pumps, Archimedes Tubes, Etc. c1480 (1945). Artist: Leonardo da Vinci
Studies of Suction Pumps, Archimedes Tubes, Etc. c1480 (1945). From The Drawings of Leonardo da Vinci. [Reynal & Hitchcock, New York, 1945]

Background imageArchimedes Screw Collection: Archimedes screw for raising water from one level to another, 1815

Archimedes screw for raising water from one level to another, 1815. This device, invented by Archimedes (c287-212 BC), Ancient Greek mathematician, is still used for irrigation today

Background imageArchimedes Screw Collection: Archimedean Screws for raising water from one level to another, 1805

Archimedean Screws for raising water from one level to another, 1805
Archimedean Screws for raising water from one level to another. The thread could be either external (as in Fig. 3), or the more conventional internal spiral in Fig. 2

Background imageArchimedes Screw Collection: Twin Archimedean screws used to raise water, engraving, 1719. Artist: Gaspard Grollier de Serviere

Twin Archimedean screws used to raise water, engraving, 1719. Artist: Gaspard Grollier de Serviere
Twin Archimedean screws powered by an undershot water wheel, used to raise water. From Gaspard Grollier de Serviere Receuil d Ouvrages Cureieux. Lyons, 1719. Engraving

Background imageArchimedes Screw Collection: Archimedes, caricature

Archimedes, caricature
Archimedes (c. 287-212 BC). Caricature of the Greek mathematician, physicist and engineer Archimedes holding a rubber duck. Archimedes is regarded as the greatest mathematician of ancient times


All Professionally Made to Order for Quick Shipping

Discover the ancient marvel of water lifting technology through the lens of history. From Leonardo da Vinci's model reconstruction of Archimedes' helicoid mechanism, to a Dragon-Spine Pump from China, and the iconic demonstration of Archimedes to King Hieron of Syracuse, the Archimedes Screw has stood the test of time. This ingenious device, also known as an Archimedes tube or spiral pump, uses the principle of displacement to transport water from one level to another, as depicted in various historical illustrations and engravings. Archimedes, the brilliant mathematician and inventor, is often celebrated for his innovative mind and this iconic invention that continues to inspire and influence modern water management systems.