Analysis of the First Treatise on Machine Elements: Codex Madrid I Articles uri icon

publication date

  • January 2023

start page

  • 19

end page

  • 40

volume

  • 29

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 1233-1821

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1572-8471

abstract

  • In this article, the manuscript of Codex Madrid I, Leonardo da Vinci's workshop drawings collection, is reviewed and the main mechanisms that appear in the aforesaid codex are analysed. It begins with a short reference to Leonardo da Vinci works and, subsequently, Leonardo's manuscripts and Codex Madrid I, in particular, are placed in their historical context. After analysing the historical scope of Codex Madrid I, a compilation of the 100 main drawings of the manuscript is made, composing nine Mechanisms Drawings Boxes. Each Mechanisms Drawings Box is a collage made up of 10 to 14 drawings of mechanical elements that appear in Codex Madrid I, with a brief description of each drawing. This compilation illustrates the wide range of mechanical elements and simple mechanisms of Codex Madrid I, forming, as a whole, a complete treatise on mechanisms, understanding mechanisms as basic elements of machines.

subjects

  • Mechanical Engineering

keywords

  • leonardo da vinci; codex madrid i; mechanisms; machines; history