Machines, Crossbows, and a Maxim on Happiness and Wisdom
Two mounted fragments: column and crossbow studies, a lettered machine, and a prose maxim
Two original fragments are mounted side by side. The larger, irregular fragment (Sheet 112a) carries capstan- or column-like devices on stems, a short prismatic block, two crossbows loaded with several bolts, and two lines of mirror-writing giving a maxim: the greatest happiness will be the greatest cause of unhappiness, and the perfection of wisdom the cause of foolishness. The smaller rectangular fragment (Sheet 112b) shows a table-like machine in perspective under an arched top, its parts keyed with the letters a, b, c, d, e, f.
On this page
Maxim on happiness and wisdom
Two lines of mirror-writing on the larger fragment set out a paradoxical maxim: supreme happiness will be the supreme cause of unhappiness, and the perfection of wisdom the cause of foolishness. It reads as one of Leonardo's short reflective sayings.
Lettered machine under an arch (Sheet 112b)
The right-hand fragment shows a table- or bench-mounted machine drawn in perspective, with a curved arch rising over one end and spindles or clamps set on the frame. Its parts are labelled with the letters AB, c, d, e and f.
Column- or capstan-like devices
At the top of the larger fragment stand several T-headed forms on stems, resembling columns or capstans, beside a short prismatic block. They are drawn without captions.
Crossbows with bolts
The lower part of the larger fragment shows two crossbows, each with a fan of several bolts or arrows across the stock. No text accompanies them.