SCIENTIST AND ENGINEER

Acknowledged as one of the greatest painters of all time, Leonardo da Vinci was also an accomplished architect, engineer, inventor and, above all, an observer of nature.

His notebooks were the repositories of his ideas and he used his great drafting skills to illustrate his research and describe his theories and inventions.

Today Leonardo is celebrated for his forward-thinking technology. He is credited with designs for flying machines (including helicopters) tanks, submarines and even a mechanical man. While his inspired designs evoke wonder, he is also renowned for such practical inventions as ball bearings and lifting devices. Leonardo often advised clients on technical matters. He was in touch with major construction projects and produced many drawings.

Throughout his life, Leonardo's buoyant faith in finding technical solutions to human problems was tempered by his respect for natural phenomena. 'Nature is my only master,' he said.

Study of siphons
from folio 34v of the The Codex Leicester. Seth Joel/©Corbis

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