Weighing the force of a blow: percussion experiments
Balances, spring-driven throwers and the test of the rule of three
Written in red ink and mirror-script, this sheet lays out a programme of experiments to measure the difference between a static weight and the same weight delivered as a blow. Using a balance a b, Leonardo proposes dropping a pound through measured motions and recording how much must be added to the opposite pan to resist the impact, then testing whether the rule of three predicts the result. A second, longer scheme weighs the force of a beam or bow by driving weights into mud so their range can be measured, comparing single versus divided masses and small versus large volumes. A third apparatus is preferred because it neither tires nor bends, so its readings cannot be dismissed as false.
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Dead weight versus weight delivered as a blow
With a balance a b carrying a pound on each pan, a pound c is dropped onto pan b through a motion b c of one braccio; Leonardo records how much weight must be added at a to resist the blow, repeats it for motion d b, and asks whether the rule of three carries from one braccio of fall to two.
Measuring a spring's force by range in mud
To weigh the force of beam e c, a weight at d is doubled to see whether the force and the flight double in turn; projectiles are fired into mud (c d e, b a, fango) so the distance travelled can be measured, comparing single against divided masses and small against large volumes.
A thrower that neither tires nor bends
Multiplying the weight b step by step, he notes the growing flight of weight a and applies the rule of three. This instrument is used precisely because, unlike the one above, it does not tire or take a set, so no objection can be raised that the experiment is false.
Testing the rule of three against experiment
Throughout, Leonardo repeatedly asks whether the rule of three serves: whether doubling the motion or the driving weight doubles the measured effect, so that a linear proportion could stand in for the physical trial.
