Archimedes – Bečvář Jindřich (2000)

Archimedes of Syracuse (287?–212 BC) is regarded as the greatest physicist of antiquity, as well as a great mathematician and engineer. In mathematics, he is especially known for approximating a number, developing integration methods such as quadrature and cubature, finding centers of gravity, and studying curves. He also developed ideas that are now part of set theory and discrete geometry. In physics, his achievements in statics and hydrostatics are well known, particularly his laws of equilibrium for simple machines and buoyant forces. For almost two thousand years, Archimedes’ principle served as the main method for determining the density and composition of substances. He applied his mathematical and physical knowledge extensively as an engineer and military engineer, especially during the Roman siege of Syracuse. With more than 30 inventions, he was essentially the Edison of antiquity. His famous sayings and stories have become legendary. The publication was prepared in cooperation with the Union of Czech Mathematicians and Physicists. The contents are in Czech.