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Invention of Camshaft
by Meam Wye
The cam and camshaft were invented by Al-Jazari in 1206 and were part of his 'castle clock' - a complex water-powered astronomical clock.
The castle clock invented by al-Jazari (1136 – 1206) is one of his many inventions mentioned in his book 'Kitáb fí ma'rifat al-hiyal al-handasiyya' (Book of Knowledge of Ingenious Mechanical Devices). One component of this clock was a set of robotic musicians that automatically played music when moved by levers. The levers were operated by a camshaft that was attached to a waterwheel. The musicians only played on the sixth, ninth and twelfth hour. The cams were configured so that the musicians played in unison.
Al-Jazari's castle Clock as illustrated in his book 'Kitáb fí ma'rifat al-hiyal al-handasiyya'
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August 26, 2009 12:26 PM
It was so beautiful. It kept time perfectly and even changed with the time shifting.
September 11, 2009 10:06 AM
Yes, quite fascinating!