Hellenistic Achievements and Philosophy

Water Clock and First Alarm Clock

450 BCE

In the 5th century BCE, Plato refined the water clocks with a steady flowing rate to become an alarm clock. The steady drip of the water would time perfectly. When the bottom jar of water would have increased water levels, the internal pressure would increase. Once the levels got to a certain point and the pressure was too high, the pressure would force it's way out the side and make a kettle-like noise and whistled. Thus, waking up its user. This was the first form of modern-day alarm clocks.

Irrational Numbers

450 BCE

It is not known for sure when, but it was discovered in the 5th century BCE. Pythagoreans, Pythagoras, and Hippasus of Metapontum discovered irrational numbers while finding the sides of a pentagram. A number has to be small and indivisible, but such a number doesn't exist. Hippasus needed a common measurement but, again, it didn't exist. Thus, irrational numbers were created and discovered. He used a proof utilizing a right and an isosceles triangle. Irrational numbers are still used today.

Catapults

400 BCE

Around 400 BC, a new weapon for warfare was developed. Catapults would be able to launch hundred-pound rocks over long distances giving them the advantage. It was used for a long period of time following and remained highly prevalent throughout mediaeval times.

Hippocratic School of Medicine

400 BCE

Founded around 400 BCE, Hippocrates discovered his school of medicine. He taught and educated medical students about healthy ways of living, discoveries of the body, and different ethics in medicine. Many students attended his school and then went on and practiced medicine, helping those who were ill and to help lead healthier lifestyles. The school then expanded medicine and created the professional field of medicine.

(Platonic) Academy

387 BCE

In 387 BC, Plato founded the first academy. The school was founded to teach philosophy and philosophical values. Aristotle studied at the academy for 20 years before going on to educate others on philosophy. Philosophy was important for years to come and is still relevant today. The school helped to carry on philosophy in an impactful way.

The Golden Mean

347 BCE

Within Aristotle's lifetime, he created the Golden Mean. His general rule and logic was to live in the average/mean, or to be in the middle. Take the example of fear and confidence: Aristotle says to not be cowardice but to not have rashness, rather to be in the middle and have courage. Although we don't know it as the golden mean today, we judge our actions and thoughts to be "in the middle."

Elements of Geometry

300 BCE

The Elements of Geometry are what we learn as the basics of geometry. They set the instructions for solving geometric problems and the standard for "deductive reasoning." The Elements are still used today many of the elements were gathered from multiple mathematicians. The work as a whole is accredited to Euclid.

Stoicism

300 BCE

Around 300 BCE, stoicism was founded by ancient Greek philosophers. Stoicism believes in 4 virtues: wisdom, courage, temperance or moderation, and justice. The virtues are followed in hopes to obtain eudaimonia: a well-lived life. Stoicism is also rooted in finding accordance with nature and human nature.

Simple, Pleasurable Life

300 BCE

In Epicurus's lifetime (341–270 BCE), he taught morals and philosophical ways that varied fully against the stoic's beliefs. He taught that life should be enjoyed and pleasurable, which was frowned upon. He believed those should live pleasurably and simply, and people achieved this through the values of being wise, just, and honest. Today, pleasure is something greatly sought after, but is balanced with work and other unpleasurable things.

Stoic System of Values

300 BCE

Along with the founding of Stoicism, a stoic system of values was founded. The 4 values were used, but a set of law/values of law were set as well. Stoics believed that destructive emotions occurred, they stemmed from bad judgement. They also believed that people's emotional attatchments and feelings should be interpreted and that they should follow natural law. This led to a more virtuous and kind-action based society.

Medical conclusion based on dissections

299 BCE

In Chalcedon's lifetime, from 335 BC-280 BC, Chalcedon performed many dissections. It was his area of study in the medical field. He used the dissections to determine death and health issues, which was a first. The dissections helped him to understand the veins, arteries, organs, and the overall anatomy of the body. More people followed in his footsteps in dissection following his life. Dissections are still used today to determine cause of deaths.

(Compound) Pulley

287 BCE

Invented back in 287-212 BCE, the compound pulley was invented by Archimedes. The compound pulley is a set of multiple pulleys used at once to obtain mechanical advantage. In Hellenistic times, Archimedes designed a block-and-tackle design to help move massive ships. Pulleys are used in everyday life today for mechanical advantage.

First Astronomical Model with the Sun as the Center

270 BCE

In Aristarchus of Samos's lifetime, he created the first model with the sun placed at the center of the universe. All previous models of the universe placed the Earth as the center of the universe. He attended the Pythagorean School of Thought in which he understood the universe in terms of geometrical mathematics.

Heart and Circulatory System

250 BCE

Erasistratus Of Ceos, a Greek anatomist and physician, learned about the circulatory and nervous systems. He differentiated the motor and sensory nerves. While uncovering the heart and veins, he proposed that blood runs through veins to all parts of the body and the heart. The heart was labeled and he discovered the parts of it: the function of the epiglottis and the valves of the heart, including the tricuspid. He flourished around 250 BCE, which is around when his studies would have happened.

Buoyancy

250 BCE

In the 3rd century BCE, Archimedes was exploring a question posed to him by King Hiero II. He was discovering the materials and displacement of gold and silver in water. The silver caused more water to flow out than gold did; thus, Archimedes discovered the concept of buoyancy and made many equations. His principle of the subject was Archimedes Principle and the formula assigned was F = rgV.

Earth's Circumference

240 BCE

Aristarchus of Samos realized he could solve for the Earth's circumference by a lunar eclipse. In 240 BCE, Eratosthenes attempted solving for the Earth's circumference via the shadows casted by the sun. His numbers and predictions were pretty well estimated for his methods were questionable and possibly innaccurate.

Conics

200 BCE

Apollonius of Perga was accredited for formulating the Conics around 200 BCE. It is a book that describes and explains many terms in geometry and algebra. In short terms, he describes a conic as the intersection of a plane and a cone (3D figure). Many equations and problems in math today use Conics today or terms found within.

Antikythera Mechanism

100 BCE

With similar functions and parts to a cathedral clock, the mechanism was very advanced for its time. It's been determined to have had calendrical purposes. The scientific dials and gears would rotate and one full rotation of the main year would indicate a full year.

Simple Steam Engine (Aeolipile)

1 CE

He discovered that if a copper sphere is heated to a certain level, it would create steam. That steam is used to propel the object forward. Two hollow tubes were connected to the sphere to help the steam/heat escape. Engines weren't commonly used in the time, but engines went on to be important for future civilizations and development.

Ptolemaic System/Model

150

Greek astronomers had been learning and discovering new things about the solar system and astronomy. Ptolemy, in 150 CE, created his model: the Earth was the center and stationary, while other astronomical bodies traveled around; this included stars, planets, and more. At the time it was believed that the heavenly bodies moved in perfect uniform motion, but Ptolemy's model challenged that. Although this has since been proven wrong, it was a theory that helped astronomers understand the universe.