Al-Jazari: The Genius Inventor

Book of Inventions












In his book, al-Jazari describes 50 different devices. The work is divided into six chapters, which he refers to as “categories” (anwāʿ). In the first five categories, he describes 10 devices each. The sixth category contains 5 devices. The following list gives an overview of the contents of the six chapters of al-Jazari’s work:










Category I: Clocks Indicating the Passage of Time Using Water and Candles





    

  1. Elephant Clock: A complex water-powered clock featuring an elephant, a mahout, a dragon, and a phoenix, symbolizing various cultures.
    2. 




  2. Castle Clock: A monumental water clock resembling a castle, with multiple automata and zodiac indicators.
    3. 




  3. Scribe Clock: A portable water clock where a scribe writes the time on a tablet.
    4. 




  4. Water Clock with a Scribe and a Dog: Features a scribe and a dog automaton indicating time intervals. 
    5. 




  5. Beaker Water Clock: A simple water clock using a beaker and float mechanism.
    6. 




  6. Candle Clock with a Dial: A candle clock that uses a dial to display the passage of time.
    7. 




  7. Candle Clock with a Bayonet Fitting: An advanced candle clock incorporating a bayonet fitting for precise time measurement.
    8. 




  8. Candle Clock with a Moving Face: A candle clock where the face moves to indicate time.
    9. 




  9. Candle Clock with a Rotating Dial: Features a rotating dial driven by the burning candle.
    10. 




  10. Candle Clock with a Moving Indicator: Utilizes a moving indicator to show time progression as the candle burns.
    11. 











Category II: Vessels and Figures Suitable for Drinking Sessions





    

  1. Peacock-shaped Pitcher: An automatic refill jug shaped like a peacock.
    2. 




  2. Slave Girls’ Basin: A basin that refills cups automatically.
    3. 




  3. Automated Hand-washing Device: A servant figure that pours water when triggered.
    4. 




  4. Drinking Vessel with a Floating Mechanism: A cup that refills when emptied using a float system.
    5. 




  5. Wine Server with a Hidden Mechanism: Dispenses wine through concealed channels.
    6. 




  6. Goblet with a Rotating Lid: Features a lid that rotates to reveal the drink.
    7. 




  7. Automaton Serving Drinks: A humanoid figure that serves beverages upon activation.
    8. 




  8. Drinking Vessel with a Musical Feature: Plays music when the drink is poured.
    9. 




  9. Pitcher with a Temperature Control: Maintains the beverage at a desired temperature.
    10. 




  10. Cup with a Self-cleaning Mechanism: Cleans itself after use through internal mechanisms.
    11. 











Category III: Pitchers, Basins, and Other Devices for Hand Washing and Bloodletting





    

  1. Pitcher for Ritual Ablutions: Dispenses water for ritual purification.
    2. 




  2. Basin with a Floating Indicator: Shows the amount of water used during washing.
    3. 




  3. Automated Bloodletting Basin: Controls flow for medical bloodletting procedures.
    4. 




  4. Hand-washing Device with a Towel Dispenser: Provides water and a towel for drying hands.
    5. 




  5. Peacock Basin: A basin where a peacock figure pours water for washing.
    6. 




  6. Basin with a Mirror and Comb Holder: Includes accessories for grooming after washing.
    7. 




  7. Basin with a Soap Dispenser: Automatically dispenses soap during hand washing.
    8. 




  8. Basin with Temperature Control: Maintains water at a comfortable temperature.
    9. 




  9. Basin with a Time Indicator: Measures the duration of hand washing.
    10. 




  10. Basin with a Water Conservation Feature: Limits water usage through controlled flow.
    11. 











Category IV: Fountains and Musical Automata





    

  1. Automated Fountains: Fountains changing shape or pattern over time.
    2. 




  2. Musical Automata: Water-powered musicians, often set in boats or pavilions.
    3. 




  3. Moving Peacocks: Mechanical peacocks that move and display feathers.
    4. 




  4. Fountain with Alternating Jets: Jets that change direction or pattern periodically.
    5. 




  5. Fountain with a Rotating Platform: Features a platform that rotates to display different figures.
    6. 




  6. Fountain with a Time Indicator: Indicates time through changes in water display.
    7. 




  7. Fountain with a Musical Feature: Plays music as water flows through specific channels.
    8. 




  8. Fountain with a Light Display: Incorporates lighting effects synchronized with water movement.
    9. 




  9. Fountain with a Temperature Control: Adjusts water temperature for comfort.
    10. 




  10. Fountain with a Water Recycling System: Reuses water through internal circulation mechanisms.
    11. 











Category V: Machines for Raising Water





    

  1. Saqiya Chain Pumps: Powered by animals or waterwheels to lift water.
    2. 




  2. Double-action Pumps: An advanced reciprocating pump design.
    3. 




  3. Scooping Devices: Simple tools for lifting water manually.
    4. 




  4. Water-lifting Device with a Crank: Uses a crank mechanism to raise water.
    5. 




  5. Water-lifting Device with a Pulley System: Employs pulleys to facilitate water lifting.
    6. 











Category VI: Miscellaneous Devices





    

  1. Locks and Keys: Complex combination locks for security.
    2. 




  2. Safes with Secret Mechanisms: Secure chests with concealed locking systems.
    3. 




  3. Perpetual Flutes: Fountains where water makes flutes play continuously.
    4. 




  4. Self-closing Doors: Doors that close automatically using mechanical 
    5. 

























“You have made peerless devices, and through strength have brought them forth as works; so do not lose what you have wearied yourself with and have plainly constructed. I wish you to compose for me a book which assembles what you have created separately, and brings together a selection of individual items and pictures.”






Sultan Nāṣir al-Dīn Maḥmūd ibn Muḥammad’s command to al-Jazari as quoted by al-Jazari in the introduction of his Book of Knowledge of Ingenious Mechanical Devices
















Al-Jazari





The Book of Knowledge of Ingenious Mechanical Devices











    

  1. systems.
    2. 




  2. Automated Theatrical Scenes: Mechanical setups that depict scenes or stories.
    3.