In the midst of pages of architectural drawings, studies of physiognomy, war machines and mechanical instruments, Leonardo’s Notebook also conceals notes and observations, often accompanied by drawings, on some topics of physics of particular interest to the artist. Among these may be mentioned his notes on optics and on the subject of shadows and light, which partly reappeared, further re-elaborated, in the Libro di pittura (Vatican Library, Urb. Lat. 1270), compiled by his pupil Francesco Melzi from the third decade of the sixteenth century.
Codex Trivulzianus 2162, p. 6. Codex Trivulzianus 2162, p. 6. (1487-1490) by Leonardo da VinciArchivio Storico Civico e Biblioteca Trivulziana
A note and a diagram of a lantern and its rays of light.
Two diagrams of balances and notes on the distribution of weights.
Codex Trivulzianus 2162, p. 12. Codex Trivulzianus 2162, p. 12. (1487-1490) by Leonardo da VinciArchivio Storico Civico e Biblioteca Trivulziana
Sketch of a method for looking at an eclipse of the sun without damaging the eyes.
Codex Trivulzianus 2162, p. 20. Codex Trivulzianus 2162, p. 20. (1487-1490) by Leonardo da VinciArchivio Storico Civico e Biblioteca Trivulziana
Drawing of an eye looking at a half-illuminated sphere.
Codex Trivulzianus 2162, p. 28 (bound upside down). Codex Trivulzianus 2162, p. 28 (bound upside down). (1487-1490) by Leonardo da VinciArchivio Storico Civico e Biblioteca Trivulziana
Sketches of spheres illuminated with natural and artificial light (candle), with related notes.
Codex Trivulzianus 2162, p. 34 (bound upside down). Codex Trivulzianus 2162, p. 34 (bound upside down). (1487-1490) by Leonardo da VinciArchivio Storico Civico e Biblioteca Trivulziana
Notes on balancing of weights.
Diagram of a balance arm.
Codex Trivulzianus 2162, p. 61. Codex Trivulzianus 2162, p. 61. (1487-1490) by Leonardo da VinciArchivio Storico Civico e Biblioteca Trivulziana
Note on the method for calculating the speed of a river current.
Codex Trivulzianus 2162, p. 71. Codex Trivulzianus 2162, p. 71. (1487-1490) by Leonardo da VinciArchivio Storico Civico e Biblioteca Trivulziana
Notes on the theory of impetus.
Note on perspective.
Codex Trivulzianus 2162, p. 74. Codex Trivulzianus 2162, p. 74. (1487-1490) by Leonardo da VinciArchivio Storico Civico e Biblioteca Trivulziana
Note on apparent and real motion of objects and note on painting.
Diagrams of visual rays.
Codex Trivulzianus 2162, p. 78. Codex Trivulzianus 2162, p. 78. (1487-1490) by Leonardo da VinciArchivio Storico Civico e Biblioteca Trivulziana
Two notes about ships.
Observations on the soul and the body.
Recipe for making red glass for painted stained glass windows.
Codex Trivulzianus 2162, p. 79. Codex Trivulzianus 2162, p. 79. (1487-1490) by Leonardo da VinciArchivio Storico Civico e Biblioteca Trivulziana
Diagram of a balance and note on weights.
