Arts
Artisans
Leonardo Da Vinci - Inventor
Leonardos journals are
mostly written in
mirror-image cursive. The reason may have been more a practical
expediency than for reasons of secrecy as is often suggested. Since
Leonardo wrote with his left hand, it is probable that it was easier
for him to write from right to left. This would also allow him to write
quickly without a risk of smearing the ink.
Leonardo
developed a unique new
attitude about machines. He reasoned that by understanding how each
separate machine part worked, he could modify them and combine them in
different ways to improve existing machines or create inventions no one
had ever seen before.
Leonardo set out to write
the first
systematic explanations of how machines work and how the elements of
machines can be combined.
His tremendous talents as
a
illustrator allowed him to draw his mechanical ideas with exceptional
clarity. Five hundred years after they were put on paper, many of his
sketches can easily be used as blueprints to create perfect working
models.
**Many of the following pictures can be clicked on for a larger image.
This is his design for a leaf-spring loaded self propelled automobile and a working model built from his design.
|
|
|
This is Leonardos design for a device to disprove the theory of pertetual motion with a working model.
 |
 |
This is a device to test the effects of friction along with a working model.
 |
 |
This is Leonardos design for a paddle wheel driven boat.
 |
 |
This is a flapping machine. It's purpose is to test the feasability of producing enough human generated force with a flapping motion to become airborne.
 |
 |
A Parachute, any volunteers?
 |
 |
The Arial Screw is one of Leonardos many attempts at designing an air craft.
This is a design for a diving bell.
Armored Car
An Articulated Wing
Another flying machine
