THE NOTEBOOK

Pages from Leonardo's Workshop ~ Codex Splendidus

f. 446v

Design for a New Instrument

CONCEPTION

An armored vehicle proof against arrows and cannon fire

This design requires further consideration of the forces involved. The principles of the lever and the screw must be applied with precision. Nature herself provides the model: observe how the beetle folds its wings, how the seed disperses on the wind.

___________ / \ / [=] [=] \ |_____[=]_____| / | \ / | \ / | \ /___|___ \ | | | | | () | () | | |____|____|_| [Self-propelling mechanism]
MATERIALS REQUIRED
Seasoned oak wood
Brass fittings
Leather straps
Iron springs
Hemp rope
Copper wire
NOTES TO SELF

Test first with a small model. Increase scale only when the principle is proven. Remember the tower of Pisa and how weight multiplies with height.

wal lacitamehtam ot gnidrocca gnikrow tnemurtsni na si drib ehT
[Mirror writing]