(from the ArcaMax Book Club)

Leonardo da Vinci began drawing and painting during his youth in Florence, and he was discovered at fourteen by the painter Andrea del Verrocchio. After working side-by-side with other artist, he began creating his own work, and developed many innovative painting techniques. Besides his artistic work, he is famous for his sketchbooks, filled with scientific theories and inventions. He is also known for his study of anatomy, much of it aided by research through dissection. In the 1950s, it was discovered that he had also created the first known design for a robot.


There's been a lot of talk about Leonardo's work lately. (No, it's not "da Vinci" ... that is in reference to where he lived, rather than being his last name. He should be called "Leonardo.") Independent of all the conspiracy theories and rumors about what his work may or may not have meant, it's fascinating on its own.

Here is a link to more information on Leonardo's robot.