Many figures, one rule: beams held by cords and pulleys
One horizontal-beam problem repeated in many configurations
The sheet is crowded with small diagrams of horizontal beams suspended from cords that run over pulleys, arranged at a range of angles, with hanging weights on the right. A single line of text explains Leonardo's method for the whole series: he draws many figures so that the reader may recognise every case that obeys one and the same rule. The studies belong with the following folios on the statics of beams carried by angled cords.
On this page
One rule shown through many cases
The lone line of text states the purpose of the whole sheet: Leonardo multiplies figures so the reader can grasp all the cases governed by a single rule. Accordingly one problem, a beam held by cords, is repeated in many arrangements.
Beams carried on cords and pulleys
Rows of horizontal beams hang from cords passing over pulleys; on the right the cords fan down to meet the beams at progressively sharper angles, each small study varying how the load is shared. Weights are shown suspended from several of the cords.