As Leonardo da Vinci’s interests were varied,his research covered a great range,including various aspects of applied mechanics(应用力学).Therefore,some of his biographers think such a man,having great artistic genius,would “waste” precious years of his life on such a “lowly” pursuit as engineering.
To appreciate Leonardo’s contribution to technology,one need only examine his analysis of the main problem of technology.In Leonardo’s time,the main burden of human industry still relied on the muscles of humans and animals.But little attention was given to analyzing this primitive muscle power so that it could be used most effectively for the required tasks.Against this background,Leonardo’s approach to work was revolutionary.When he searched for the most efficient ways of using human muscle power,the force of every leg and arm was analyzed and measured.
Consider Leonardo’s painstaking approach to the construction of canals.After analysis of constructing a particular canal by hand,he concluded that the only reasonable solution was to mechanize the whole operation.Then he considered and finally abandoned numerous plans in the course of the construction.
Having systematically rejected several solutions in this way,Leonardo began to consider using a system of cranes (吊车).Power was again his main concern.To activate a crane,the only transportable motor available at the time would have been a treadmill(踏车).This is not to suggest that Leonardo invented the treadmill.However,it was Leonardo who first used the principle of the treadmill reasonably and in accordance with engineering principles.
Because Leonardo’s insights were sometimes so far beyond the standards of his time,their importance to the development of modern engineering is often undervalued.Many scholars,in fact,still refused to concede that Leonardo was one of our earliest and most significant engineers.
1.Why does the author consider Leonardo’s approach to work “revolutionary” in Paragraph 2?
A.Because he attempted to replace humans and animals with machines.
B.Because he adapted traditional solutions to previously impossible tasks.
C.Because he studied muscle power in a way that no one had used before.
D.Because he moved the main burden of industry from human to animal power.
2.Which of the following can best describe Leonardo?
A.Cautious but anxious. B.Considerate but painful.
C.Cooperative and efficient. D.Determined and creative.
3.What does the underlined word “concede” in the last paragraph mean?
A.Admit. B.Prove. C.Explain. D.Revalue.
语篇解读:本文是议论文。列奥纳多·达·芬奇在工程技术方面的贡献很大,但是很多学者却对此拒不承认。
答案及剖析:
1.C 推理判断题。根据第二段中的But little attention was given to analyzing this primitive muscle power so that it could be used most effectively for the required tasks及When he searched for the most efficient ways of using human muscle power,the force of every leg and arm was analyzed and measured可知,列奥纳多以前所未有的方式研究了肌肉力量,因此作者说他的方法“具有革命性”。
2.D 推理判断题。根据第三段内容可知,建造运河的过程很辛苦,列奥纳多不断推翻方案,但仍然意志坚定、不言放弃;根据第四段内容可知,列奥纳多创造性地运用踏车使吊车运行。故D项正确。
3.A 词义猜测题。根据最后一段内容可知,由于时代的局限性,人们往往低估列奥纳多的见识。实际上,很多学者仍然拒绝“承认”列奥纳多是我们最早、最重要的工程师之一。
