Kenetic heliopile rotating sculpture by artist Joan Brigham.

Automata are self-operating machines to demonstrate scientific principles or for whimsy. Their origins can be traced to the Hellenistic period of Heron, known as Hero of Alexandria. Hero has been credited with the invention of the aeolpile, a steam engine that generates rotation of a sold object.

Hand blown pyrex glass, sterno fuel source metal base.

Dimensions: 5 ½” high x 3” diameter, 6 ½” arm to arm.

Sold as is.

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