A screwdriver is a type of wheel and axle, which is a simple machine consisting of a wheel attached to an axle in order to move or rotate objects. The screwdriver works by using the friction between the screw and the handle to turn the screw. This action can be used to loosen or tighten screws, depending on which direction the screwdriver is turned.
The first known screws were invented by Archimedes around 250 BC. He designed them as a way to lift water from one place to another. The ancient Greeks and Romans used screws extensively in construction, including for building ships. In fact, many of the terms we still use today when referring to screws are derived from Latin words meaning to wind or to twist.
Screws became more widely used during the Renaissance as a way to join wood together without nails. They were also used in clocks and other mechanical devices. It wasn't until the late 18th century that Henry Maudslay invented the first screw-cutting lathe, which made mass production of screws possible.
Today, screws are an essential part of our everyday lives and can be found in everything from furniture to electronic devices. And while they come in many different shapes and sizes, they all work using the same basic principle as Archimedes' original design: twisting motion creates linear force that can be harnessed for various purposes.