Online Exhibits > Leonardo and the Engineers of the Renaissance > General Index

Natural energy

For the Sienese engineers, the main natural source of energy was water. However, they also repeatedly investigated the possibility of harnessing wind.

Taccola's interest in tide mills - of both the horizontal- and vertical-wheel variety - suggests that such systems were in operation in the Sienese Republic.

Francesco undertook a painstakingly methodical analysis of the hydraulic engines on mills. He made accurate drawings of them, each accompanied by valuable notes that reveal his technical expertise. In some cases, Francesco states he has performed operating tests on the systems illustrated.

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