This seems an uninformed response, in some ways as much as was the
original claim.  Learn something about the History of Science.  It was as
much driven by the development of the arts as by any other field.  The
list of books on this subject is long, but extremely interesting.  The
main point here is that simply because a certain model for communication
happened to develop, one cannot assume that "science" or "scientists"
sprang fully developed from such a clamshell.  I think that the
development of a way of seeing the world, of imagining the world, of a
certain philosophy, began with the work of Renaissance artists.  Even if
Leonardo had never tinkered with mechanical invention or imagination, he
would still be one of the greatest of scientists.  And yet his fertile
mind brought so much more.

If you like, I'll provide a bibliography relevant to this discussion...

On Tue, 2 Apr 1996, Edward Rodley wrote:

> I would just add that there were no "scientists" in the Renaissance. The
> word "scientist" and our idea of what it means is a product of the last
> century.  To say he's overrated because he didn't publish is a trifle
> harsh, IMHO.  He certainly intended to.  If you read his writings, you'll
> find him constantly referring "the reader" that he intended his writings
> for.
>
> I would agree that he was no scientist in the same way that Galileo was.
> However, I think it would as foolish to leave him out of the history of
> science  as would be to leave out any of the Classical philosophers or
> other non-"scientists" who have shaped the way we see the world.
>
> Cheers,
> Ed
>
> P.S. My vote's with Eric on this. Name one other
> painter/sculptor/engineer/inventor/anatomist/philosopher/musician who's had
> as much impact on Western society.
>
> >  Eric Seagel has commented that Leonardo di Vinci is "exceptionalism
> >personified"; I would strongly argue that he is history's most overrated
> >person.
>
> ___________________________________________________________
> Edward Rodley            email:            [log in to unmask]
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>
>   Opinions expressed are the author's alone (thankfully)
> ___________________________________________________________