The Sciences
Leonardo and the Invention of the Wheellock
Leonardo da Vinci's notebooks are full of inventions, from intricate gun parts to bicycles to automobiles. But were any of Leonardo's many creations actually made during his lifetime?...
Stories by Vernard Foley
Technology
The Trebuchet
Recent reconstructions and computer simulations reveal time. Operating principles of the most powerful weapon of its time
The Sciences
Leonardo's Contributions to Theoretical Mechanics
A close look at his visual mode of thinking, particularly in his studies of the crossbow, reveals that his ideas had a bearing on the evolution of four aspects of mechanics
The Sciences
The Crossbow
This formidable weapon, invented 2,400 years ago, became popular in the 11 th century. For 500 years, untill the advent of eficient firearms, it was preponderant in defensive situations
The Sciences
Ancient Oared Warships
The city-states of classical Greece deployed Beets of swifi ramming galleys equipped with as many as three banks of oars. These vessels later evolved into huge weapons platforms with thousands of rowers...
The Sciences
Ancient Catapults
Surviving Greek and Roman texts reveal the remarkable level of mathematical and engineering skill that went into the development of these early ballistic-missile launchers
