Windlass

For the tool used to raise paddle gear on canal locks, see Lock (water transport) § Windlass ("lock key"). For the specific ship's windlass, see Anchor windlass.
Turnbridge windlass lifting road bridge over Huddersfield Broad Canal
Differential windlass

The windlass /ˈwɪndləs/ is an apparatus for moving heavy weights. Typically, a windlass consists of a horizontal cylinder (barrel), which is rotated by the turn of a crank or belt. A winch is affixed to one or both ends, and a cable or rope is wound around the winch, pulling a weight attached to the opposite end. The Greek scientist Archimedes was the inventor of the windlass.[1] A surviving medieval windlass, dated to 1360-1400 is in the Church of St Mary and All Saints, Chesterfield.[2] The oldest depiction of a windlass for raising water can be found in the Book of Agriculture published in 1313 by the Chinese official Wang Zhen of the Yuan Dynasty (fl. 1290–1333).[3]

  1. ^ Sarton, George (1959). A History of Science. Vol. 2. Harvard University Press, Cambridge. p. 123. {{cite book}}: |work= ignored (help)
  2. ^ "BBC - A History of the World - Object : Medieval Builders' Windlass". www.bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 2 June 2024.
  3. ^ Needham, Joseph (1986). Science and Civilisation in China. Vol. 4, Physics and Physical Technology. Taipei: Caves Books, Ltd. {{cite book}}: |work= ignored (help)