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Week 11 [13.01-19.01.20] Pythagoras cup

Pythagoras cup was comonly used during siege of the island Samos, when water (and the wine) were rationed. Cups allows equal divide of the drinks and if somebody was greedy and pour himself more, all content of the cup poured out and recived nothing. Here is a quick video showing how does it works and also small experiment.



1) What do you think about Pythagoras cup? 
2) Would you like to play with one?
3) Knowing that you can buy it as a gift on Samos island would you consider this location as holiday spot?

Comments

Roman Dubovyi said…
1. I have heard about Pythagoras cup earlier. First thought was “wow, how did they actually come up with this device back in time?”. I know that it’s simple physics, but come on, sharing knowledge and experimenting wasn’t the easiest thing to do when it’s 500 years BCE.
Probably the first one was developed for the purpose of pranking people, haha.

2. If I had one, first my friends would suffer, then I would suffer when it’s time to clear the floor from whatever will be poured in it. Tricky question.

3. No, honestly I don’t want this device so much. Even if I would - I’d purchase it via internet with delivery.
1. It is a clever solution for greedy guests ;) However, in reality, if this cup would be to use at a house party, a guest could just fill his cup twice and the result would be the same.

Anyway, I appreciate an intelligent design, but I have two queries about it. I can't help but wonder, if I fill the cup to the point it almost leak and tilt it to take a sip, will it not reach a point of overflown? I think not, as even a tiny air bubble would break the tension, but some of the liquid could slip out. Also, if you know about this, and you probably do as there is a pillar in your glass, you could just place a finger to cover the hole and the problem is solved.

2. I'd like to play with one to confirm my doubts!

3. I would go there even without that knowledge. My parents were there a while back and were very happy about the trip. Mostly they prised the Pythagoras Cave, from where you can see a stunning view that complements a difficult climb up.
Maciej P s16488 said…
I've heard about it being called greedy cup, but never knew the original name. I think it is interesting for demonstration of the combination of the physics properties. Apart from that I think this cup is pretty useless. It is quite petty in my opinion.
I wouldn't like to play with one. It is interesting to observe what happens but since I've seen it, it isn't much of an interest to me.
I wouldn't consider location for a holiday spot simply for that kind of a reason especially when you can order things instead of personally visit distant shops. In my case - pythagoras cup wouldn't encourage me to visit that place but because I didn't know about Samos island (It seems pretty big and I feel like i should have known about it) it still might be interesting place to visit, independently from the cup.
Mehmet KONUK said…
1) What do you think about Pythagoras cup? 
The justice cup, also called the Pythagoras Cup, has a secret feature. There is a hole in the base of the cup, which has an inverted bell-like structure similar to ink well.
The cup, which can be filled with liquid up to a certain limit, discharges the liquid inside when the border is exceeded, therefore it has named the cup justice cup.
Emphasizing that being greedy is bad, Pythagoras summarizes the cup as follows;
"Sometimes, one should know how to be content with what life has to offer, because while desiring more, those in his possession may be lost."
2) Would you like to play with one?
It would be nice to try but I didn't know if someone would like it.
3) Knowing that you can buy it as a gift on Samos island would you consider this location as holiday spot?
I think I wouldn't want it. I prefer to do other things
1) What do you think about Pythagoras cup?

That's very interesting. The principle is very simple, but I have not heard of its existence before.

2) Would you like to play with one?

I see great potential for pranks. I'd probably just use it to show my friends as a curiosity. I wouldn't want to clean up the wine poured on the carpet later.

3) Knowing that you can buy it as a gift on Samos island would you consider this location as holiday spot?

Surely that wouldn't be the decisive factor. I think I will look for it to be ordered on the Internet rather than specially choose the Samos island as a travel destination.
Kyrylo said…
1) What do you think about Pythagoras cup?
Nice contraption. Fits Pythagoras nature completely. Though there are a lot of exploits with it, that you can see in the comments -- just put a finger over that hole, as the simplest one.
2) Would you like to play with one?
No, this contraption is not that interesting for me :(
3) Knowing that you can buy it as a gift on Samos island would you consider this location as holiday spot?
I am not that big on going on a vacation to seaside resorts. I am a city man, not a coastal one.
This is amazing and simple invention. It could be very useful not to get drunk too quickly on parties or weddings etc. Incredible how brilliant were ancient Greek minds. Also, Greece is always good idea for vacation.
I've never heard of this Pythagoras invention. I think it's a very interesting gadget that could make a good impression on guests at a party for example. I would definitely get someone to fill this cup to the brim. Probably wanting to buy such a souvenir wouldn't make me visit Samos Island especially, besides I think that you can buy such a cup online :p
It is the first time i read about Pithagoras Cup. I think it is an ingenious invention. I would buy it for my best friend because is a very curious thing and at the same time it seems funny. I think i would visit the island even without the possibility of buying the cup.
1. I have never heard about the Pythagoras cup before. Even though there apparently is a way to “trick” it, it is definitely a smart invention and there is quite an amusing history behind its creation.

2. I would like to use one just for the sake of entertainment, perhaps to pull a prank on somebody who is unfamiliar with the concept of the Pythagoras cup.

3. I would absolutely consider Samos as a holiday destination given it is one of the beautiful islands of Greece. Nevertheless, a Pythagoras cup as a souvenir would be a nice addition to the trip.
1) What do you think about Pythagoras cup?
I have heard about Pythagoras cup before and I think it’s really clever and funny idea, but if someone would give me one to pour a drink and I wouldn’t know how it worked, I would be really angry.

2) Would you like to play with one?
Definitely I would like to play with one, I’m curious how would it work if I would put my finger on the hole on the bottom.

3) Knowing that you can buy it as a gift on Samos island would you consider this location as holiday spot?
I would consider Samos island as a holiday spot, but not because of the Pythagoras cup. I would probably buy it online, but Samos island as a holiday destination sounds interesting because of the weather and sea.

Kgajewska said…
I've never heard about Pithagoras Cup, but I find it as such an intresting and funny idea. It's simple but for someone who doesnt have any clue how it works, this cup could be seen as some kind of magic trick. Taking into consideration the time of it's invention - like, they didn't have technology - it amazes me. People used to be so creative. I think i would want to play with it once or twice, but I think about it more like a funny toy, a souvenir. Although, going on the island just to buy it, it's too much - maybe in case when this island can offer something other than just the cup i would consider it as a holiday spot
Bartosz Waś said…
1. I have never heard about it before. It looks like a simple solution for a specific problem. That’s a definitive way to keep greedy people away from pooring too much drink into their cup. I don’t think it has any usage nowadays expect being some funny souvenir.

2. Sure I would like to see how it works and play around with it a little bit.

3. It’s interesting but I would go there just because of that.
Pawel Bluszcz said…
1. Wow! I have never heard of such a dish. To be honest I am amazed that such a thing exists. I would gladly check on my friends if they don't drink too much sometimes haha.
2. Of course! I wanted to play with this cup.
3. No, not really. Personally, I have been to Greece a few times and it seems to me that I should explore other countries than go to the same place. Maybe I will find this cup on Ebay.
Yurii Gevtsi said…
Cool thing, I once read about this cup that Pythagoras was a lover of wine and in order not to exceed the norm and remain in a working condition, he invented this cup

Of course I'd like, who wouldn't want to? I'd like to buy one for myself, depending on how much it costs.

Of course I would go to Samos island at least because I like to travel and I haven't been to Samos as well as in Greece as a whole.
1. I found it very interesting mostly because it was invented in ancient Greece. It also shows how water or other liquids act in different conditions. I wonder if there are more devices from ancient times like this.

2. Yes. I really like objects that has bizarre properties in terms of physics. Maybe i would find other ways to use it. Just kinda contemplating it or watching from time to time, experimenting with it sounds interesting for me enough.

3. No, at least not in the near future. I have other plans and places i want to go first. Also i don't have necessity right now to own one of these cups.
1. What do you think about Pythagoras cup?
Pythagoras cup is an interesting solution. I've never heard of it before. It is a fantastic solution for greedy guests. It is a kind of scam. Filling the cup twice will give the same result.

2. Would you like to play with one?
Yes, I would love to do that.

3. Knowing that you can buy it as a gift on Samos island would you consider this location as holiday spot?
I would decisively consider Samos Island a holiday destination. I think that even if there was no cup I would happily go there on holiday.

1) I think it is incredible, it shows that simple cup can be interesting. What is more it makes people curious how it this Pythagoras cup works. The physics is great and powerfull it is worth to learn it, because the mysterious things like this are logical when you know it.

2) If I had a chance, I would love to play with it. As i said, it looks great. I would like to try it.

3) I will consider Samos Island as holiday destination even if it is not able to buy there. I like to visit interesting places like this. However, it makes this place more attractive to see.
Anna Moskalenko said…
It’s interesting, I’ve never heard about it. But have this cup really had any practical application or is this just another story for tourists?
Yep, I would like to! I’m curious if the liquid inside won’t pour out if you’re fill the cup just below the line, but then tilt the cup a little bit to the sides. Probably not, but I’m not very good at physics, so some good old experiment is better for me to understand how the cup works :)
I’m pretty sure you can buy one online, I don’t see buying a Pythagoras cup as a good pretext to go to the Samos island. But it’s probably a good vacay spot, so why not.
The Pythagorean cup looks like an ordinary cup but it's not that simple. I think this is good cup to Prank and practical joke for too greedy person. The cup is based on a genius design, and still tricks people to this very day.

Definitely yes, I would have one and prank my friends! I think this is good item not just to prank people but also use as unique cup for tea or anything else.

I have seen many prototypes of this cup in different online stores, I would order one from it but I see no reason to visit Samos island only for that free gift.
1. I have never heard of the Pythagorean Cup, but this is a more interesting thing, given that it was invented so long ago. It is definitely a way to check how greedy we are.
2. Why not? I could try it with my friends.
3. If it were to be the only incentive to visit this place, it would not necessarily convince me. I really like traveling and exploring new places so maybe I would be tempted.
1. I think it is a clever invention. I have heard about it before, but I didn't know that it was used to split the portions evenly.
2. Yes, but it would be a toy for 5 minutes.
3. Yes, I like to travel and discover new places.
1) What do you think about Pythagoras cup?

I think it is a very interesting and clever invention. Maybe it is not so stunning, but to create something like this, you should know a couple of physics laws. Besides, it could be used as an interesting experiment for the beginners, who only start to learn physic.

2) Would you like to play with one?

Yes, I would like to play with it. I think it will be interesting to mix some different kinds of liquids and see what will happen.

3) Knowing that you can buy it as a gift on Samos island would you consider this location as a holiday spot?

To be honest, I am not sure. It is a great gift, but I am choosing the location of my next holiday using a little bit different kind of reasons rather than gifts. But I think Samos has more things to show and present, so I would like to visit it someday and see what is there.
1) What do you think about Pythagoras cup?
I have read about Pythagoras cup before, probably at school. It is very interesting way to check people. Moreover, I was amazed that humans knew such a lot about physics so many centuries ago.
2) Would you like to play with one?
I would like to try, it must be funny to make such a surprise to my friends.
3) Knowing that you can buy it as a gift on Samos island would you consider this location as holiday spot?
Unfortunately, I don't know anything about Samos island and can't consider this location as holiday spot only because of cup. Also I can buy it online :)
1. Not quite interesting concept. In fact I have heard about a lot of concepts alike. I think as a scientist Pyphagorus was very k knowleldegable, but I guess the cup is something that was just made up as a legend.
2. No, I don't want to waste my time for that.
3. There are so many beautiful Greek islands to visit, and I believe Samos is not the best one. So no, I would not plan a visit there.

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