Leonardo developed an interest in various diverse fields of mathematics and mechanics
Leonardo developed an interest in various diverse fields of mathematics and mechanics. According to Ball, Leonardo had an interest in the mechanics of hydraulics and optics, and scholars accredit him with offering insights into this field, although the extent of his contribution is subject to debate and controversy (213). A significant contribution by Leonardo was in the development of the concept of the mechanism of friction. Leonardo first worked on the premise that different materials are subject to different levels of friction, and realizing the significance of friction on the functioning of different machine devices, theorized that a smoother material would contribute to less friction. One of his laws on friction states that doubling the load of an object doubles its friction, a law that scientists have proved correct. His second law stated that the surfaces’/material in contact do not affect friction, an idea that was not prevalent then. The modern world accredits him as the first person to have studied friction in a systematic and calculative manner. Significantly, Leonardo did not receive much credit from contemporary mathematicians and engineers for his ideas and contributions. Having not gone to formal schooling like most of the recognized mathematicians and engineers of his time, he was continuously overlooked by his contemporaries (Veltman 383). Therefore, his status as an illegitimate child continued to haunt him even in adulthood, and his ability to outsmart his contemporaries who had received better education is proof of his extraordinary talents.
