|
|
Earliest Know Pump. 200 B.C |
The earliest known water pump was
invented by Ctesibius of Alexandria in about 200 B.C.
This pump consisted of two brass cylinders with carefully
fitted pistons. Water was admitted through valves at the
base of the cylinder and forced through outlet valves
in to a chamber. As water rose in the chamber, it compressed
the air inside, forcing the water to be ejected in a steady
stream through a pipe and nozzle. The pistons were operated
by long handles.
|
|
|
|
English Fire Engine of the 17th Century |
|
Similar hand hand engines were designed in England and
America in the early 1700's. This type of engine was also
used in ancient Greece and Rome.
Following the fall of Rome, the fire engine of the ancient
civilization was forgotten. Religious leaders taught their
followers that fires were the willful vengeance of the
Lord, and they should not be extinguished. This discouraged
attempts to make fire engines. |
In the 6th century, the Greek writings of Vitruvius
and Hero were translated, and the principles of
the ancient fire engine were brought to light. After
more than one century, once again experiments with
fire engine began.
Because of deep rooted beliefs, people of that period
were suspicious about 'water engines'.
The great turning point in fire fighting history
occurred because of 1666 fire in London, England.
The conflagration changed the minds and the belief
of the orthodox people and all realized a need of
revolutionary change in fire fighting equipments.
Within one year of this 'Great London Fire' Dr.
Nicholas Barton began the world's first fire insurance
company. This company is functioning even today
as 'Phoenix Fire Insurance Company'.
|
