Air From Machine Water

Air From Machine Water

Air From Machine Water

Leonardo da Vinci designed a screw like device which he said if turned at a sufficient speed would rise into the air. The screw is as old as Archimedes who applied it for lifting water, but Leonardo was the first to apply this principle to air. This device is the earliest known forerunner of both the helicopter, and the screw propeller.

Leonardo's most elaborate flying machine included a somewhat streamlined cabin in which two men could be seated with one operating each wing. The machinery is an elaborate set of screws and cranks, and has an amazing degree of sophistication, although, of course, it did not fly.