Sanity

     As stated before, Da Vinci's concepts and ideas were extremely advanced for his time period, but they were used by future scientists and built upon to create things that are well-used today.  For example, according to Leonardo Da Vinci inventions, Da Vinci’s sketches from the late fifteenth century were believed to be the predecessor to the modern day flying machine, a.k.a the Helicopter.  The site states that Da Vinci’s helicopter was known as the “Aerial Screw” and a prototype was never actually constructed due to lack of the necessary technology.  However, the sketches and notes of this talented genius outlined how the device would operate if it were to be created.  Leonardo Da Vinci Inventions also stated that the construct was to be made from reed, linen, and wire.  In comparison, Leonardo Da Vinci: The Complete Works supports the claim of Da Vinci lacking the necessary technology.  This source states that this idea of Da Vinci’s, much like many of his others, were way ahead of his time, and the Aerial Screw would have never taken flight “due to weight constrictions.”  This concept of the helicopter has impacted our world today because helicopters are now used for numerous situations such as fast response medical attention, combat, and even common transport.

     Da Vinci had also conceptualized an armored car designed to "send enemy armies scattered in fear" (Leonardo Da Vinci Inventions).  This armored car is similar in design to today’s version of a tank.  Leonardo Da Vinci Inventions supports the comparison between the two machines best by stating that “Leonardo da Vinci’s armored car invention was capable of moving in any direction and was equipped with a large number of weapons.”  The “tank” was supposed to be able to fully rotate with cannons on a round platform, which was to be covered with metal for protection (Leonardo Da Vinci Inventions).  This is very similar to the tank today, because tanks have a rotating cannon on the top.  In addition, the similarities in conception continue with the ability to move in any direction.  Tank’s have this ability to shift directions easily; however, Leonardo Da Vinci Inventions states that scientists had discovered that the blueprints revealed a flaw that is believed to be intentionally placed there.  The powering cranks for the armored car moved in opposite directions which made forward movement impossible, and scientists believe that Da Vinci put the flaw there intentionally to discourage the actual creation of such a beast (Leonardo Da Vinci Inventions).   Althought this flaw hindered the construction of the war machine back then,  inventors around the first World War took his idea and made it reality.  Da Vinci's blueprints for the armored car have contributeda great deal to modern warfare.  Tanks have been a valuable asset for modern armies and will continue to be valuable in the near future.

     These are just two of the numerous ingenious inventions Leonardo Da Vinci created.  Leonardo's notebooks have been a treasure for modern scientists and inventors because of how many ideas he had put together.  By using his sketches and blueprints for his outlandish ideas, inventors have been able to pick up and improve his plans.  The Renaissance Man left his mark.