Filippo Brunelleschi

1
Filippo Brunelleschisgiant, 3-speed, reversing,
ox-driven hoistSanta Maria del Fiore, 1420-1421

• To lift heavy blocks for the stone chains and
  lantern, Brunelleschi devised unprecedented
  machines including a hoist with the following
  features
• three lifting speeds fast (large drum), for the
  lightest blocks, medium (small drum) for heavier
  blocks and very slow (secondary shaft) for the
  heaviest blocks weighing up to two tons.
• a reversing gear, to avoid un-harnessing and
  turning the oxen around at the end of each
  lifting session.

Buonaccorso Ghiberti, Zibaldone, fol. 103v
The hoist drew the admiration of many Renaissance
artist-engineers. Sketches and descriptions
survive from the manuscripts of Buonacorso
Ghiberti, Taccola, Bartolomeo Neroni, Giuliano da
San Gallo, Francesco di Giorgio and a young
Leonardo da Vinci.
Francesco di Giorgio Variants on Brunelleschis
hoist - Codex Saluzziano 148 fo. 50r
ME122 - The Art of Engineeringand the
Engineering of Art in Renaissance Italy, Spring
2005