THE BOOK

OF PNEUMATICS

OF HERO OF ALEXANDRIA.

SINCE the study of pneumatics was deemed by the ancients, both philosophers and mechanics, to be worthy of the greatest attention—the former indeed treating of its power and capacity by means of reason, and the latter through the very operation of sensible effects—we have judged it necessary to arrange in order those things which were handed down by the ancients, and to set forth what we ourselves have discovered. For thus it will come to pass that those who henceforth wish to be occupied with mathematical studies will be greatly assisted by these things. Furthermore, as we considered it fitting that this treatise should be joined to that which was handed down in four books concerning water-clocks, [we have resolved] to write concerning it...