Agostino Ramelli was a 16th-century Italian military engineer of some note who designed many machines and other contributions used in the go-go Renaissance period, including cranes, grain mills, and water pumps. But his most compelling apparatus was a real mindbender - a revolving wooden wheel with angled shelves that allowed users to read multiple books at one time.

You have to admit, having an engine named after you is a singularly impressive achievement.

He was an Italian polymath of mystery, mischief and mayhem who also managed to make significant contributions to gear technology and games of chance along the way.