Fixed-tube Archimedes' screw

Archimedes’ screw has been known since ancient times. Legend has it that the Greek physicist and mathematician Archimedes of Syracuse introduced it to Egypt so that people along the Nile could raise water more easily. When in motion, the helical compartments on the screw’s sloping axis raise a fluid. This Archimedes’ screw is known as the Dutch type because only the axis and compartments rotate within its fixed tube. This model was formerly in the machine room of the Académie Royale des Sciences, which from the 17th century had a major collection of instruments useful for the experiments of its academicians responsible for the description of the arts and crafts. In 1807 most of these objects, including this Archimedes’ screw, were allotted to the Conservatoire des Arts et Métiers.