Archimedean screw operated by reciprocating rope to give continuous circular motion. The screw is being used to raise water from A to B. The invention of this device for raising water by either a spiral tube wound round an axis, or by a broad screw fitted in a tube, is attributed to Archimedes (c187-212BC) but there is evidence that it was known and used for irrigation as early as 600 BC. Engraving from 'Receuil d'ouvrages Curieux de Mathematique et de Mecanique, ...' by Gaspard Grollier de Serviere (Lyons, 1719). Photo via Newscom