Ancient Coin-Operated Holy Water Dispensing Machine

Hero of Alexandria – Inventor of the first holy water vending machine

The evolution of the most common vending machine since it was invented is incredible and the most ancient known vending machine is the work of Hero of Alexandria who was a first century engineer and mathematician. He invented the first coin operated vending machine, an urn which then dispensed holy water when a coin was inserted and the same is described by Hero of Alexandria in his book `Pneumatic’.

Hero was the Da Vinci of his time who came up with ideas for all types of inventions like the pneumatic steam powered system which would open large temple door when a fire would be lit on the altar.

It was said that he had flair in creating various types of special effects which were dramatic. He also set his mind to practical problems like the Greeks who took too much holy water and invented a holy water dispensing machine wherein when a coin was dropped into its slot at the top, it would fall onto a tray on a lever which would pull the stopper out of a bottle of the holy water and drain out of a spout in the front.

The pan or the tray would continue to tilt under the weight of the coin till it would move to the end and the lever would snap back stopping the flow of water. This same system of mechanism was used in modern vending machines later on before electricity came into use.

Holy Water Vending machine: Dispensed Holy Water in Egyptian temples

The coin operated holy water dispenser, designed by the Greek inventor, Hero, was used in Egyptian temples to dispense water for ritual washing where worshippers would place a coin on the machine to receive holy water to bathe before they could enter the temple.

Towards the end of the day, the slot machine would be refilled with holy water and emptied of the coins that were filled in preparation for the next day worshippers. Hero who lived in Roman ruled Egypt invented many gadgets and also wrote about them. In his book he has described at length on the early vending machine which dispensed holy water on inserting a coin into it.

Hero’s coin operated vending machines was found in temples all over the land which enabled each members to obtain an equal quantity of holy water without the presence of a priest. These machines operated on an open valve system when a coin was inserted into the slot of the vending machine which was rested on a platform.

Hero’s Invention, an inspiration to others

Hero’s invention of the coin operated holy water vending machine inspired the creation of several other vending machines which lead to financial gains to many. It also kick started the vending industry enabling a large number of holy water vending machine operators in making a great income without the need of being physical present at an outlet.

Hero send the ball rolling in 215 BC on inventing the holy water vending machine in Egyptian temples which soon lead to vending machines offering several items like cigars, stamps, and much more. His invention also gave rise to a completely coin operated restaurant, in Philadelphia known as Horn & Hardartwhich was operational in 1902 and stayed on till 1962.

The multi talented Hero of Alexandria

The multi talented Hero of Alexandria was a mechanic, mathematician and scientist and whose inventions inspired every one from Leonardo de Veinci. 19^th century scientists were astonished to find that his mysterious inventor from classical antiquity had even built a working steam engine,

He is said to have invented screw lathe – a machine for cutting screws as well as the fly press, the fire extinguisher pump and the water clock. He is also said to have constructed a position sensor that corresponds to our modern odometer. When construction his pain staking designed instruments, this craftsman made use of all mechanical aids at his disposal- for example pistons and cam shafts. Despite these impressive achievements, hero of Alexandria, one of the most important inventors of classical antiquity, remains virtually unknown today.

For centuries it was even unclear when he had actually lived. Now days, how ever, Historians are almost certain Hero was lived in the first Century AD. For many years he was dismissed as little more than a dabbler of humble origins, and it was speculated that he might even have earned his living as a shoe maker. But the discovery, during the 19^th century one of his manuscripts, The Metrica, completely transformed Hero’s image. He became recognized as an out standing mathematician and a physicist of the highest caliber, as competent in the field of hydraulics as he was in astronomy. It is possible that he taught natural science in one of the most significant school of classical world, the muse ion of Alexandria in Egypt.

Fortunately for historians, Hero wrote down his work and ideas and a large part of these writings have survived intact. His seven dissertations which represent the high point of ancient Greek technology, enjoyed extraordinary degree of popularity: for example, his dissertation on pneumatics was handed down from one culture to another; in their enthusiasm for science, that was superior to their own. The Byzantines, Armaeans, Persians and Arabs copied his work. Hero’s dissertations were read diligently during the middle ages and some scientists believe that one of them may have provided inspirations for the famed Renaissance Painter, inventor and thinker Le onardo davinci.

Hero’s greatest invention was his famous steam machine, which the Greeks called Aiolpyle. On the basis of the descriptions provided by Hero, the English classicist John Landels reconstructed the device several years ago. The main features of the Aiolipyle are a rotation water filled ball fitted with two small pipes facing one another. When the water is heated steam forms and escapes through the pipes, the resulting forces cause the ball to spin on its axis attaining a speed of 1500rpm.

By the standards of modern technology, Hero’s celebrated steam engine is very inefficient, due to its excessive friction and loss of heat. In order for the machine to give the same performance as the muscle power of man, Landels calculated that it would have to burn several hundred kilograms of wood for several hours without coal, without cast iron and with out gaskets and valves the Greeks had no chance of mastering the force of steam. Hero’s ball was probably little more than a toy; but the Alexandrian inventers brilliant gifts deserve our admiration even today