center of gravity
Concept of the center of gravity The concept of the center of gravity has a rich history, rooted in the study of mechanics and the movement of bodies. Here's a chronological overview: Ancient Greece Aristotle (384-322 BCE): The philosopher and scientist discussed the balance of bodies and the idea of a center, though not precisely defining the center of gravity. Archimedes (287-212 BCE): A mathematician and physicist, Archimedes made significant contributions to understanding the center of gravity. He worked on the equilibrium of planes and discovered the principle of the lever, which relates to the center of gravity. Medieval Period Islamic Golden Age (8th-14th centuries): Scholars like Alhazen (Ibn al-Haytham) and Al-Biruni worked on theories of balance and centers of mass in the context of astronomy and physics. Renaissance and Early Modern Period Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519): Da Vinci studied the balance and motion of bodies, contributing sketches and ideas related to the ...