Leonardo is well known for his artwork, but that's not why I've included him among my list of great minds. Less known was his work as an engineer. Studies of his journal have revealed numerous detailed descriptions of machinary that were centuries ahead of his time. One of the best example was his drawings for flying machines. Born in the year 1452 in Italy, he had envisiones machines that wouldn't be possible until the Wright brothers came along in 1903. He had drawn incricate and detailed pictures of airplanes a good 400 years in advanced. A true Rennaissance Man. Be sure to check out the links to learn more.