In order to optimize and improve the operations carried out by a traditional grinding mill, Leonardo conceived of a curious device that, in addition to grinding the grain, also separated the flour from the bran at the same time.
The machine houses a millstone at its upper part and, in its lower part, all the gears needed for its movement. A wooden box fitted with a small service hatch is used to collect the ground product. When a crank is moved, the entire mechanism comes to life: the wheat is fed into the mill, where it is ground; it then comes out from a side hole and descends through a sloping channel into a long narrow bag, called the burattello, a sort of meal sifting sack made of bolting cloth. The sifting sack is shaken by a long rod connected to the gears positioned under the millstone, causing the separation of the ground flour from the bran. The sifted flour can be made more refined by using a tighter weave of cloth for the sifting sack.
Technical informations
Type of exhibit
Model
Collection
Material
Carved wood, stone, iron, hemp canvas
Measures
Width: 41 cm; Length: 82 cm; Depth: 32 cm.
Storage location
Relationship with the original work
Source: Leonardo da Vinci, Madrid Codex I, f. 22 r
Inventory number
Record n. OA: 00000021
Location
Museo Leonardiano, Counts Guidi's castle, ground floor
Digital archive
Last update: 11 November 2025, 11:34