Visit your local library to research the use of simple machines. Look through the library's stacks or enter such keywords as "history," "simple machines" and "recorded use" into the library's online catalog system to find books about the history of simple machines. Obtain the help of a librarian or research assistant if you have trouble finding the information you are looking for.
Consult encyclopedias and other reference material. Look for a "Simple Machines" entry or look at entries for specific simple machines such as "pulley" and "wheel." Nearly every encyclopedia should mention the earliest recorded use (or depiction of use) of each simple machine.
Look through academic journals. Use an online research database to search academic journals (most likely historical and scientific journals) for articles and other documents that may mention early use of simple machines. Each academic journal article will have a list of works cited to verify the information mentioned.