ClipArt ETC
A group of boys moving wooden boxes and barrels.

Boys with Boxes

A group of boys moving wooden boxes and barrels.

This medieval elevator shows the use of two simple machines: wheel and axle on the right, and a pulley on the left. "An elevator of the Middle Ages. History tells us this form of elevator was used in monasteries for hoisting passengers and supplies." -Hill, 1921

Early Elevator

This medieval elevator shows the use of two simple machines: wheel and axle on the right, and a pulley…

Tool for exerting pressure or lifting

Lifting Jack

Tool for exerting pressure or lifting

"In some cases it is desired to raise water higher than it can be forced by the pressure of the atmosphere into the chamber of a simple suction pump. To accomplish this the pump chamber with its bucket and valves are set at a distance above the supply not exceeding that to which the air will successfully force the water. A closed pipe, P', called the delivery, or discharge, pipe, is then led from the upper part of the chamber to the point where it is desired to deliver the water." —Hallock 1905

Lifting Pump

"In some cases it is desired to raise water higher than it can be forced by the pressure of the atmosphere…

"Liquid is pumped up through pipe A, through valve H. The airtight piston G allows the liquid to pass up into the spout F where it is discharged from the pump." —Quackenbos 1859

Lifting Pump

"Liquid is pumped up through pipe A, through valve H. The airtight piston G allows the liquid to pass…

"In printing, an iron hammer with a split curved claw at the end which serves for a handle. The claw is used as a pry for lifting forms from the bed of a press." —Whitney, 1889

Sheep's Foot Tool

"In printing, an iron hammer with a split curved claw at the end which serves for a handle. The claw…

Tongs are gripping and lifting tools, of which there are many forms adapted to their specific use. Some are merely large pincers or nippers

Kitchen Tong Utensil

Tongs are gripping and lifting tools, of which there are many forms adapted to their specific use. Some…

"Devices for lifting water are older than written history, and various forms of pumps are used on almost every farm in the country, every citizen being familiar with a number of ways of lifting water."—Government Printing Office, 1897

Homemade Jumbo Windmill

"Devices for lifting water are older than written history, and various forms of pumps are used on almost…