Balances and Weight-Calculations, with a Cloth Memo
Two irregular fragments with lever-balance diagrams, columns of figures, and the rule for weighing by the longer arm
Two L-shaped fragments carry studies of the balance and the lever: schematic beams pivoted at a fulcrum, with hanging weights and points labelled c a b, worked through columns of numbers. A short rule is set down for reckoning the moment: multiply the weight on the longer arm of the balance by the degrees of that arm. Among the technical matter a domestic memorandum notes to get some veils of tawny cloth.
On this page
The rule of the balance arm (c, a, b)
Schematic balances are drawn as horizontal beams pivoted at a central fulcrum with weights hung at the ends, one scheme lettered c a b. The accompanying rule directs: multiply the weight of the longer arm of the balance by the degrees of that arm, and of the sum ... The figures test how weight and arm-length combine.
Columns of figures for the weighing problems
Beside the balances stand columns of numbers worked out for the weight problems, with pairings such as 6 and 16, 8 and 6, and 22 with 68. The reckonings support the proportion between weight and the length of the balance arm.
Memorandum: get tawny-coloured veils
Written from the top of the second fragment, a brief domestic note among the calculations: 'Get some veils of tawny cloth.' It is a shopping reminder set down beside the mechanical studies.