Section 1.1: The Aerial Screw

One of da Vinci's most remarkable concepts is the aerial screw, often regarded as a precursor to modern helicopters. Drawing inspiration from nature, da Vinci envisioned this device as an early flying machine. His intention was to illustrate that air behaves like a fluid, capable of being compressed and exerted upon. This concept led him to propose that one could ascend by pushing air downwards.

According to his notes, he specified the materials required for constructing this device:

“To make this instrument correctly, you would need to use starched-linen cloth so the air does not pass through. If it is rotated quickly, this machine will spin as though it were a screw that penetrates the air and it will rise.”

To operate the aerial screw, a spring mechanism must be employed. The user would wind the spring clockwise, and upon reaching maximum tension, release it. This would cause the aerial screw to spin rapidly, enabling it to lift off the ground momentarily before safely landing.

This video explores the 10 most innovative inventions by Leonardo da Vinci that were remarkably ahead of their time.

Section 1.2: The Self-Propelled Cart

Another groundbreaking invention by da Vinci is the self-propelled cart, which some consider to be a precursor to modern automobiles. Though opinions vary, there is no denying that this invention is one of the earliest examples of a self-propelled machine. The first design dates back to 1478, but for over a century, scientists struggled to comprehend how this cart would operate.

For many years, researchers mistakenly believed that the cart's propulsion came from two leaf springs. However, in 2004, scholar Carlo Pedretti clarified the mystery, revealing that the motor mechanism was actually located in two springs housed in drums beneath the cart.

These springs could be tensioned either by pushing the cart backward or winding its wheels. Initially, the cart could be held in place by a remote-controlled brake, which when released, would give the illusion that the cart was moving on its own. While it likely had no practical purpose, this invention may have been created for display at Renaissance court festivities or theatrical performances.

This animation showcases 10 incredible inventions by Leonardo da Vinci, illustrating the genius behind each creation.

Section 1.3: The Parachute

Da Vinci's fascination with flight is evident in his many designs aimed at achieving aerial movement, and the parachute stands out as one of his most extraordinary concepts. His earliest sketches date back to 1485, suggesting a design made from linen, sealed at the edges to prevent air from seeping in.

Remarkably, in June 2000, British skydiver Adrian Nicholas tested da Vinci's parachute design. With great confidence in the original sketches, he constructed a parachute and jumped from a hot air balloon at an altitude of 3,000 meters. To his astonishment, he landed safely, demonstrating that da Vinci's parachute descended more slowly than contemporary designs.

Sources

• Amazing and Extraordinary Facts about Leonardo da Vinci by Cynthia Phillips and Shana Priwer
• Leonardo’s Car Brought to Life — The Guardian, by John Hooper
• Da Vinci ‘Car’ is Brought to Life — BBC News, by Frances Kennedy
• Vinci Journal; An Engine That Could? This One Took 526 Years to Move — The New York Times, by Alan Cowell
• Museo Leonardo — http://www.leonardo3.net/en/