Forces between two weights and a stringless arch
Statics of a bow/arch against resisting weights, with annotated triangles and squares
The sheet works out problems in the statics of forces alongside small geometric figures. In the main passage Leonardo reasons about a 'power' distributed between two movable weights and about a stringless arch: when the resistances balance the force, the weights, the arch and the driving power all come to rest and remain immovable. Around the text are triangles and squares annotated with numbers (8, 4, 4-8, 16), tying the mechanical argument to measured geometric quantities.
On this page
A power spread between two resisting weights
If a power extends between two movable bodies, and one body's resistance equals half the power while the other is less, the lesser weight is moved from its place. But if each movable body equals half the power, then both bodies together with the power that pushes them become immovable.
A stringless arch pressing on two weights
An arch without a chord, containing four degrees of force and resting with its ends between two movable bodies of four degrees of resistance, brings the powers to a standstill so they become immovable. Where two such bodies constrain the arch to four degrees of force, the powers end one in the other and remain at last without motion.
Triangles and squares with measures
To the left is a group of geometric figures: a triangle whose base and height are marked 4-8, and a triangle and rectangle superimposed with 8 4 - 16 16. Small squares elsewhere on the sheet carry the numbers 8 and 4.