Leonardo da Vinci's contribution to foot biomechanics

NewsBot · Oct 2, 2012

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Leonardo da Vinci's Foot: Historical Evidence of Concept
James R. Jastifer, Luis H. Toledo-Pereyra
Journal of Investigative Surgery October 2012, Vol. 25, No. 5 , Pages 281-285

Introduction: Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519), world-renowned Italian renaissance master, is known for his contributions to, and broad interests in science and art. The objective of this work is to demonstrate the extent of his science by applying the use of his concepts to current models of foot and ankle mechanics.

Methods: The art and science of Leonardo Da Vinci were extensively analyzed by reviewing his original drawings and hand written notebooks as well as their English translation. Current medical journals including the topics of foot, ankle, and biomechanics were reviewed for modern evidence and application of his concepts. The library of Michigan State University and the electronic library of the Royal Library at Windsor Castle were extensively utilized. Results: From the depths of Santa Maria Nuova Hospital in Florence and Santo Spirito Hospital in Rome, through his commentary and anatomical drawings of around 30 cadaver dissections he performed, Leonardo da Vinci expressed his concept of foot and ankle anatomy and mechanics. He laid forth concepts, which vary little from current theories including those of proportion, statics and joint stability, sesamoid biomechanics, and structural support of the foot.

Discussion: Leonardo da Vinci, by combining an interest in anatomy and a gift of genius and artistic ability laid a foundation of foot and ankle anatomy and mechanics that have been applied in modern clinical sciences. Leonardo in this way made important contributions to the practice of foot and ankle orthopedics.
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admin · Oct 9, 2012

A new book has just been announced and is due to be published next yr:
Leonardo's Foot: How 10 Toes, 52 Bones, and 66 Muscles Shaped the Human World

Leonardo's Foot stretches back to the fossil record and forward to recent discoveries in evolutionary science to demonstrate that it was our feet rather than our brains that first distinguished us from other species within the animal kingdom. Taking inspiration from Leonardo da Vinci's statement that "the human foot is a masterpiece of engineering and a work of art," Carol Ann Rinzler leads us on a fascinating stroll through science, medicine, and culture to shed light on the role our feet have played in the evolution of civilization.

Whether discussing the ideal human form in classical antiquity, the impressive depth of the arching soles on the figures in Sandro Botticelli's Birth of Venus, an array of foot maladies and how they have affected luminaries from Lord Byron to Benjamin Franklin, or delving into the history of foot fetishism, Rinzler has created a wonderfully diverse catalog of details on our lowest extremities. This is popular science writing at its most entertaining—page after page of fascinating facts, based around the playful notion that appreciating this often overlooked part of our body is essential to understanding what it is to be human.
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It can be pre-ordered from Amazon.com

Kevin Kirby · Oct 9, 2012

Admin said: ↑

A new book has just been announced and is due to be published next yr:
Leonardo's Foot: How 10 Toes, 52 Bones, and 66 Muscles Shaped the Human World
It can be pre-ordered from Amazon.com
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Sounds like an interesting book.....however it won't be published until June 2013 or eight months from now??!! Is it common for books such as this to be taking preorders eight monthis before the book is published? I would imagine the author is only halfway through writing the book by now.....:cool:

Craig Payne · Oct 9, 2012

Kevin Kirby said: ↑

Sounds like an interesting book.....however it won't be published until June 2013 or eight months from now??!! Is it common for books such as this to be taking preorders eight monthis before the book is published? I would imagine the author is only halfway through writing the book by now.....:cool:
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I think its just a business decision by Amazon.com to get the orders. They do this a lot. I preorder a lot through them, so you get the book as soon as its available. They don't charge the credit card until shipping. .... also when the say June 2013 ..... my experience is that it will probably be at least several months later than that!

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Leonardo's Foot: How 10 Toes, 52 Bones, and 66 Muscles Shaped the Human World

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