Overbalancing wheel with rolling weights, gears and a siphon
Weight-driven perpetual-motion wheel with counterweight proportions and money sums
The central drawing is a large spoked wheel whose eight compartments carry rolling weights, one of Leonardo's attempts at a self-turning (perpetual-motion) machine, surrounded by studies of geared wheels, screw devices and a siphon. Notes analyse how the weights a g r n m S f b and their counterweights balance ('a n works for 6 against b m') and how a falling weight n m striking through a long counter-lever is most effective. A separate corner holds a column of monetary figures in lire and soldi.
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Central wheel of rolling weights (a g r n m S f b)
The central wheel carries weights lettered a g r n m S f b around its rim. Leonardo reasons that a n works for 6 against b m, that b has a space of 1 against 3, and that g r is balanced with f S, trying to show that the weights on the descending side always overbalance those rising.
Toothed wheel: the effective fall of weight n m
On a toothed wheel the fall of the weight n m is judged very effective because it is as far as possible from the central line of its pivot, so that through its counter-lever it strikes the load, which is likewise far from that central line.
Machine of wheels or cylinders (1000 - 8000 - 9000)
A subsidiary machine of wheels or cylinders is annotated with the figures 1000, 8000 and 9000, apparently ratios for the geared device sketched beside the main wheel.
Siphon lettered a - b
In the margin a small siphon is drawn and lettered a and b, one of several water devices Leonardo pairs with his weight-wheels for lifting or discharging water.
Column of money sums in lire and soldi
The upper-left corner holds a column of figures headed 79 lire with entries in soldi and denari, a running monetary calculation set apart from the mechanical studies.