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Chapter 1, Who Was Archimedes?

• Archimedes was the son of astronomer Phidias, and he was a Greek citizen born in Syracuse, Sicily, in 287 B.C.

• An olive branch was hung on the door of his family's home when he was born to announce his birth.

• Two family parties were given to celebrate his birth.

• The first party was held when he was five days old to place him under the care and protection of the family gods.

• The other celebration was held when he was ten days old, and Phidias stood up in front of the guests and promised to raise his son as a good Greek citizen.,
• Archimedes received his name when he was ten days only, one name only with no last or first name.

• Archimedes may have been named after his grandfather, a friend of a family, or a god.

• Little was known about science when...

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