Leonardo's Codex Leicester: A Masterpiece of Science (Exhibition)

Exist Dates

1996 October 26 - 1997 January 1

Biographical or Historical Note

abstract

Exhibition. Opened in October 26, 1996 and closed January 1, 1997. Located in Section 3, Floor 3 in Gallery 3 at the American Museum of Natural History. "Leonardo's Codex Leicester: A Masterpiece of Science" an exhibition exploring the a record of the thoughts of Leonardo da Vinci; the Codex Leicester (c.1506-10) features a wide variety of topics from astronomy to hydrodynamics, and includes his observations and theories related to rivers and seas; rocks and fossils; air; fire; and celestial light.

Summary

"Leonardo's Codex Leicester: A Masterpiece of Science" an exhibition exploring the a record of the thoughts of Leonardo da Vinci; the Codex Leicester (c.1506-10) features a wide variety of topics from astronomy to hydrodynamics, and includes his observations and theories related to rivers and seas; rocks and fossils; air; fire; and celestial light. The Codex comprises seventy-two pages and includes Leonard's ideas and observations along with more than 300 pen-and-ink sketches, drawings and diagrams of his theories on natural phenomena. The notebook includes practical inventions such as designs for strengthening bridges and for flood control. The exhibition displayed the Codex sheets in five thematic sections: The Nature and Movement of Water; From the Rivers to the Oceans; Measuring and Using Water; Fossils and the Flood; and The Moon and the Sky. The manuscript was on loan from William H. Gates III. Principal sponsorship of the exhibition was provided by Merrill Lynch. Additional support was provided by Compaq Computer Corporation. The exhibit was organized by Craig Morris, dean of science and curator in the Department of Anthropology at the American Museum of Natural History. A number of curators and scientists served as advisors to the exhibition including Neil deGrasse Tyson, Frederich P. Rose Director of the Hayden Planetarium; Neil H. Landman, chairman and curator, Department of Invertebrates; and James Webster, associate curator, Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, all of the American Museum of Natural History. The exhibit was on view in the 3rd floor Gallery of the American Museum of Natural History from October 26, 1996 through January 1, 1997.

Individuals and institutions involved in the creation og the exhibition: Craig Morris; William H. Gates III; AMNH Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences; AMNH Department of Invertebrates; AMNH Department of Anthropology.

Sources

American Museum of Natural History Press Releases, May 13, 1996, September 1996 and October 1996. Departmental Records, 101; American Museum of Natural History Library Archives.

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Related Corporate, Personal, and Family Names

American Museum of Natural History. Gallery 3.
Location of exhibition.

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