In his research into gliding flight, Leonardo studied the motion of air and air currents in the attempt to understand how these could interact with flying machines. Accordingly, he designed an instrument to be able to provide, as he wrote, “experience of the motion of air or water.”
The device consists of two wooden tablets positioned at right angles: on the vertical tablet, two pierced cones are inserted, of the same length, but with different openings. On the horizontal tablet two vertical supports are fixed, sustaining the axis of a wheel with blades, around which a cord is wrapped, having two weights at the ends. In order to measure the wind pressure, Leonardo suggested positioning the vertical tablet in the direction of the wind and making the air pass first through one hole and then through the other. The wind would thus drive the bladed wheel, causing the connected weights to rise in a manner directly proportional to the breadth of the hole used for measurement.
This instrument can also be used in the same manner for measuring water speed.
Technical informations
Type of exhibit
Model
Collection
Material
Carved wood, copper, brass, rope
Measures
Height: 38.5 cm; Length: 47 cm; Depth: 24.8 cm.
Storage location
Relationship with the original work
Source: Leonardo da Vinci, British Museum, f. 241
Inventory number
Record n. OA: 00000042