Lesser Known Inventions

Acredited with inventing the parachute, the transmission, and the helicopter, Leonardo's other work often goes un-noticed. He disigned a device for making sequins! Did I mention last post that he liked the ladies?

Leonardo worked on the development of transportation; not just by sketching flying devices and spring-loaded wheeled vehicles, but by designing a two-barge dredging system to clean the canals of Italy.

Much of Da Vinci's work in technical development was for the purpose of war. He designed many crossbows, one of which was incredibly large. He designed a multi-chamber fire-arm capable of firing 8 rounds virtually simultaneously. One sketch depicts a war chariot outfitted with sythes that rotated with the wheels. The carriage is elegant in design despite its grizzly purpose.

Leonardo's curiosity doesn't end with art and engineering. He was fascinated with the human body, and documented much of his research. Let's take a look next time.