h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

PHILON. Philon? The man's name was evidently Philon and he was Greek, if he wasn't Roman, and he was an Engineer/Architect (in the ancient sense) and he was extremely clever and he wrote something called "Pneumatics"and designed water-tricks, bridges and siege engines, catapults,etc. .....
I'm totally interested in this dude but can find only fleeting references to him in texts focussing on others .

Anybody heard of this guy? He sounds even cooler than Leonardo, given his due; but I can't find more anywhere hereabouts....
Perhaps I'm more esoteric than I had previously thot...
Nah! guess not! Anyways: Philon.
Help Me, Smart People!
PLT, Mick.

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I have a book called 'Ancient Inventions'. I think he's mentioned in there quite a lot. I'll check it out tomorrow (if I remember - it's late and I'm tired) and let you know.

According to my book, Philon of Byzantium was a scientist and military engineer who wrote a nine-volume treatise on the application of science to warfare. He also invented a variety of gadgets, such as a novelty, eight-sided ink pot. Whichever side of the pot is on top, the user can dip a pen in and reach the ink, yet the ink never runs out of the other holes. It works by means of gimbals, which turn the inkwell within the pot as the pot is turned.

He also designed a machine that provided users with pumice and water for washing their hands and various automata.