Francesco di Giorgio (1439–1501)

Abstract

Francesco di Giorgio was a prominent figure in Renaissance with a multidisciplinary activity as scientist-artist-architect-engineer. This chapter is focused on his significant character of inventor and designer of machines that were of inspiration and reference for further developments since his time. This activity was also summarized in very first treatises on machine design with an early modern approach looking at the variety of machine solutions within a common theoretical background. His work on machine design ranged from theory to practical application with visionary solution of still modern validity, even with very early teaching aims for dissemination and transfer of technological achievements and corresponding culture also for a large public.