Perpetual-motion vessels and cord-suspension studies
Statics of loaded cords and self-pouring vessels, with a Florence-Rome freight cost
The sheet combines the statics of loaded cords with a series of vessels drawn as perpetual-motion schemes. The right column argues that bending a cord over its supports multiplies its power and that a straight support joined to a hanging body is burdened by twice the weight it carries; a horizontal rod hung from several obliquely set cords is analysed alongside. On the left, double-sphere vessels are labelled 'continuous motion' and 'distilled quicksilver', with another that 'seems to pour forever'. The lower margin records a freight cost of 13 ducats per 500 pounds from Florence to Rome, with the distances and calculations, and an inverted line of numbers.
On this page
Power multiplied in a bent cord
The right column states that as many times as a cord is bent between one support and the next, so many times is its first power multiplied within it. A straight support joined at one end to a hanging body is said to be burdened by double the weight sustained at that end.
Rod suspended by several oblique cords
A horizontal rod hung from several variously bent cords is analysed: the cords support it together, and a cord stands nearer the perpendicular the closer it lies to the weight fixed on the rod.
Double-sphere vessel for continuous motion
On the left half a vessel with a double sphere is labelled 'continuous motion' (moto continuo) — one of the perpetual-motion schemes sketched across the sheet.
Vessels with distilled quicksilver
A double sphere is charged with 'distilled quicksilver' (argento vivo stillato), and among the other vessels of various shapes one is noted as seeming 'to pour forever' — apparatus intended to run without stopping.
Freight cost Florence to Rome
The lower margin records 13 ducats per 500 pounds from here to Rome, notes that it is 120 miles from Florence to Rome and 180 miles from here to Florence, and works the figures out in a column of multiplications.
Inverted calculation
Written with the sheet upside down is a short pair of figures, 33 . 9 and 39 . 27, a stray calculation among the other numbers on the page.