Book of Ingenious Devices

Atilla Bir’s book The Book ‘Kitāb al-Hiyal’ of Banū Mūsā ibn Shākir: Interpreted in the Sense of Modern System and Control Engineering examines the contributions of the three brothers, Banū Mūsā, 9th-century scholars who authored Kitāb al-Hiyal (Book of Ingenious Devices). The book describes around one hundred mechanical devices, many of which were precursors to modern machines. These devices, including water clocks, automata, and complex mechanical systems, laid the foundation for future technological advancements. Bir applies modern system and control engineering principles to interpret these ancient devices, connecting medieval engineering with modern technology. His work offers a historical and technical analysis, emphasising the lasting impact of Banū Mūsā’s innovations in engineering.