Unveiling Leonardo da Vinci's Lost Notebooks: The Extraordinary Madrid Codices I–II

The **Madrid Codices I–II** represent a monumental collection of two unique manuscripts by the legendary Renaissance polymath, Leonardo da Vinci. Designated as Ms. 8937 (Codex I) and Ms. 8936 (Codex II) within the archives of the Biblioteca Nacional de España, these invaluable documents offer an unparalleled glimpse into the mind of one of history's greatest thinkers. Their remarkable rediscovery in Madrid in 1965 by Dr. Jules Piccus, then a Language Professor at the University of Massachusetts, captivated the academic world and public alike, shedding new light on Leonardo's prolific intellectual journey.

What are the Madrid Codices?

More than just notebooks, the Madrid Codices are an eclectic compilation of Leonardo's thoughts, observations, and designs, meticulously penned and illustrated. Codex I, completed between 1490 and 1499, and Codex II, dating from 1503 to 1505, collectively span critical periods of Leonardo's life and career. These pages are a testament to his insatiable curiosity, encompassing a vast array of subjects that reflect his genius:

• Engineering Marvels: Detailed schematics and notes for complex machinery, including designs for hydraulic systems, fortifications, and even flying devices, showcasing his visionary approach to mechanics.
• Scientific Inquiry: Investigations into physics, mathematics, and the properties of materials, demonstrating his rigorous scientific method and empirical observations.
• Anatomical Studies: While less prominent than in other codices, elements of his profound understanding of human and animal anatomy can be discerned.
• Artistic Reflections: Insights into his artistic theories, techniques, and preparatory sketches related to his masterpieces.
• Everyday Observations: Personal notes, shopping lists, and philosophical musings that humanize the iconic figure and provide context to his daily life.

These manuscripts are not mere summaries but working documents, filled with revisions, cross-references, and the characteristic mirror writing that Leonardo often employed, making them a treasure trove for scholars.

The Journey and Rediscovery of the Codices

The path of these significant manuscripts to Spain is a story of historical intrigue. Following Leonardo da Vinci's death in 1519, his student and heir, Francesco Melzi, inherited his vast collection of papers. Eventually, many of these precious documents were acquired by **Pompeo Leoni**, a highly respected Italian sculptor who worked extensively at the court of King Philip II of Spain. Leoni, driven by a desire to compile and preserve Leonardo's scattered works, brought a substantial portion of these manuscripts, including what would become the Madrid Codices, to Spain.

After Leoni's death, the codices embarked on a complex journey through various private collections before finding their way into Spain's most prestigious institutions. They were first transferred to the esteemed monastic library of El Escorial, a monumental royal palace and monastery built by Philip II, renowned for its vast repository of knowledge. From El Escorial, they eventually moved to the Biblioteca Real (Royal Library), which later became an integral part of the modern Biblioteca Nacional de España.

Remarkably, despite being housed in such prominent libraries, the Madrid Codices remained **unknown and inaccessible for 252 years**. This lengthy period of obscurity was largely due to a clerical error; the manuscripts were mistakenly cataloged under "León, Juan de," rather than the correct "Leonardo da Vinci" or "Leoni, Pompeo." This misfiling rendered them effectively "lost" within the extensive collections, awaiting a diligent researcher to uncover their true identity.

The incredible rediscovery in 1965 by Dr. Jules Piccus was therefore a pivotal moment, reinserting these vital documents into the global understanding of Leonardo da Vinci's legacy and opening new avenues for research into his diverse intellectual pursuits.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Madrid Codices

When were the Madrid Codices discovered?

The Madrid Codices I and II were famously rediscovered in 1965.

Who discovered the Madrid Codices?

They were discovered by Dr. Jules Piccus, a Language Professor from the University of Massachusetts, during his research at the Biblioteca Nacional de España.

Where are the Madrid Codices currently located?

The Madrid Codices I (Ms. 8937) and II (Ms. 8936) are permanently housed in the Biblioteca Nacional de España in Madrid.

What subjects do the Madrid Codices cover?

These manuscripts cover an extensive range of subjects including engineering, mechanics, physics, mathematics, anatomy, and artistic theories, all reflecting Leonardo da Vinci's vast knowledge and observational skills.

Why were the Madrid Codices lost for over two centuries?

They remained unknown for 252 years primarily due to a miscataloging error; they were filed under a different name, "León, Juan de," preventing their association with Leonardo da Vinci until their rediscovery.