Leonardo da Vinci

This course explores the history of science and technology during a fascinating and complex period when modern sciences and engineering are just beginning to emerge in Western Europe. Our focus will be on the artist and thinker Leonardo da Vinci, whose writings, drawings and other works of art provide a vivid picture of the state of imagination, observation, and the pursuit of scientific and technological knowledge, both theoretical and practical, during a time of great change. Leonardo's remarkably varied interests will allow us to study a wide range of subjects, from botany, optics and astronomy to hydraulic, civil and military engineering; from mining and metallurgy to anatomy and medicine; from diving bells to flying machines. This course has no prerequisites.