fl. 1200s

Arab inventor who is remembered for his design of five water-raising machines. The first two, powered by animals, used an open channel and a scoop. The third machine relied on water power and a series of gears to lift pots, which in turn raised the water. His fourth device was the first known machine to use a crank. The fifth machine was the most complex and utilized a cog wheel, pistons, and suction pipes.