In the latter part of the fifteenth century, however, there is evidence of a renaissance of science no less than of art.

The German Muller became famous under the latinized named of Regio Montanus (1437-1472), although his actual scientific attainments would appear to have been important only in comparison with the utter ignorance of his contemporaries.

The most distinguished worker of the new era was the famous Italian Leonardo da Vinci--a man who has been called by Hamerton the most universal genius that ever lived.

Leonardo's position in the history of art is known to every one.

With that, of course, we have no present concern; but it is worth our while to inquire at some length as to the famous painter's accomplishments as a scientist.
From a passage in the works of Leonardo, first brought to light by Venturi,( 1) it would seem that the great painter anticipated Copernicus in determining the movement of the earth.