The machines of Leonardo da Vinci and Franz Reuleaux. Kinematics of machines from the Renaissance to the 20th Century (Q2426220)

This book, written by an expert in mechanical engineering and curator of the historic Cornell collection of kinematic models, focuses on two towering figures in the design of kinematic machines which are separated by some 300 years in history, Leonardo da Vinci and Franz Reuleaux. In the course of the discussion important developments in between the days of the two main protagonists are presented. The book consists of four parts. In the first part Leonardo and Reuleaux are introduced and their influence on the design of machines is discussed. The second part is devoted to the evolution of the designs of machines. It is here where a short history of mechanical machines from the Greeks to Lilienthal can be found, touching upon the middle ages, James Watt's steam engine, and the prime mover machines, in particular. In part three kinematic mechanisms of Leonardo and Reuleaux are directly compared. Part four contains very useful information on references, sources, and material available at Cornell about their collection. Now that the mainstream of the history of technology, as well as of history of sciences and mathematics in general, has turned towards social aspects of the field, a book like the present one is refreshingly focused on technical detail and ingenuity. The compilation of the material is of course coloured by personal preferences but it is these preferences which renders the book a highly interesting one. Many figures from the sources as well as photos of model mechanisms make the book a truly unique one.