Tuning fork prongs and heron’s aeolipile: what they have in common

1. Step 1. Tuning fork prongs — is part of — Tuning fork. Two vibrating tines.
2. Step 2. Tuning fork — is part of — Quartz clock. Quartz shaped like a tuning fork at 32,768 Hz.
3. Step 3. Quartz clock — evolved from — Mechanical clock. Quartz clocks replaced mechanical ones: a vibrating quartz crystal took the place of the pendulum and balance.
4. Step 4. Mechanical clock — is part of — Parking meter. A clock mechanism.
5. Step 5. Parking meter — evolved from — Vending machine. A payment machine.
6. Step 6. Vending machine — was inspired by — Heron’s aeolipile. Heron described both a holy-water dispenser and the aeolipile; the dispenser is the prototype of the vending machine.

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