Adjustable counterweight and a maxim on economical design
Mechanical devices, a large basin under an overhead rig, and advice to seek the briefest means
The upper sheet shows a large elliptical basin or ring beneath an overhead frame, a patch of brickwork, and at the foot a cluster of small mechanical devices with cranks and levers. One note explains that the counterweight a is set further forward or back according to whether it is meant to act heavy or light. A second, more reflective note urges that in producing an effect by an instrument one should not lose oneself in a confusion of parts but seek the briefest way. Much additional faint mirror-script and several device sketches remain untranscribed.
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Counterweight a set forward or back
The counterweight a is placed so much further forward or back as one wishes it to act heavy or light. Shifting the weight along its arm alters the leverage it exerts. The note labels the weight a on the device beside it.
Maxim: seek the briefest means
When you wish to produce an effect by an instrument, do not lose yourself in a confusion of many parts, but seek the briefest way. Do not act like those who, unable to name a thing by its proper word, resort to circumlocution and many confused lengths. The precept applies Leonardo's economy of language to the design of machines.
Cluster of small mechanical devices
The lower half of the sheet is filled with small sketches of mechanical devices, several showing cranked handles, uprights and hinged linkages. They are recorded here by their appearance, since the transcribed text does not describe them.
Large basin beneath an overhead frame
At the top a large elliptical basin or ring is drawn beneath a frame of posts and a horizontal beam carrying small fittings, with a patch of brickwork alongside. The assembly reads as a large device or work, but it is not named in the transcribed notes.