Printing press

The movable type print invented by Gutenberg a few years before, is closely studied by Leonardo. This hand-press is provided with an automatic system that moves the type-saddle forward in time with the pressure movement. The saddle then returns to its initial position, sliding along a tilted surface thanks to a weight. The forward movement and descent of the saddle are combined so as to allow a single person to conduct more than one operation, thus reducing the working time.
Codex Atlanticus, sheet 995 recto, 1497