The volume comprises 103 drawings by Francesco di Giorgio Martini and his assistants, featuring machines and devices for lifting columns and other heavy weights, schemes for transporting water, and mechanisms for milling and moving boats. There are also a few drawings showing how people could "walk" or float on water standing on inflatable containers and using an oar to propel themselves. The devices designed for these mechanical actions are principally the cog wheel, screw, piston, block and tackle, and siphon. Some equipment was redesigned repeatedly. A few drawings show war machines such as scaling ladders, portable bridges, and a cart with scythe blades. Most of the machines were to be powered by water or horses, but some were to be operated by man power. Several drawings show horses and nude men, one with wings. The first drawing represents a female with cornucopia seated upon a cart with mechanical traction. This volume is one of several prepared by Francesco di Giorgio and his assistants, and it includes most drawings that are in an expanded version in the British Museum which is thought to be the volume recorded in the ducal library, Urbino.
