Multiple-cylinder mill

This mill is designed to be placed across a river and has a great number of millstones moved only by motive power. The paddle wheels are set in motion by the fall of water and operate a number of shafts and gears, each connected to a set of four millstones. The drawing possibly dates back to Leonardo's stay in Vigevano - Ludovico il Moro's favourite ducal city - where Leonardo is studying and observing draining, hydraulic and irrigation works. Leonardo points out how they can be used not only in agriculture but also in the field of textiles and mechanics.
Codex Atlanticus, sheet 830c v.