3.

a) When was the first lift installed?

The earliest known reference to an elevator is in the works of the Roman
architect Vitruvius, who reported that Archimedes (c. 287 BC c. 212 BC) built his
first elevator probably in 236 BC.

b) How did this first lift works?

Animal or man power was the main force behind hoisting. The first lift was operated
by hoisting ropes wound around a drum and rotated by manpower applied to a capstan
(winch). Hoists operated by water wheels, humans and animals were used for the
lifting purposes.

References:
1) https://www.gartec.com/the-history-of-lifts/
2) https://www.engineersgarage.com/invention-stories/elevator-history