Issue 1/2 Vol. 38 1996

The idea of ergonomics in the "Memorabilia" of Xenophon

BÄUMLER, G.

A text in the "Memorabilia" of the Greek historian Xenophon from about 380 B.C. reports a dialogue between Socrates and the armourer Pistias in which the principle of producing the best fitting armours are discussed. The dialogue begins with an analysis of the more geometrical terms "proportionate" and "fitting" which seemed to be an important criterion for the construction of armour, and ends with an idea of the well-fitting armour which is in accordance with the more functional concepts of "comfort" and "handiness". Therefore, Socrates seems to have been the first to make ergonomic construction a subjet of scientific consideration.

Keywords: history of ergonomics, fitness of armours, proportionality, comfort, handiness, Xenophon, Socrates

Short Title: Bäumler, G. (1996) PsyBeit 1-2:205

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