Weights on cords over pulleys, in proportion
How much weight at f holds the weight r; the weights follow the proportion of the lines
The sheet, drawn with the page inverted, studies weights hung on cords running over pulleys. One experiment asks the reader to hold the thread at c n and see how much weight placed at f will hold the weight r beneath c; another states that the weights at f and m keep the same proportion as the lines m n and n f. Numbers such as 16 and 28 label the cords, and a note observes that the line a n is 3/8 of its arc.
On this page
Balancing a weight over two pulleys
A cord runs over two pulleys carrying weights. Leonardo invites the reader to hold the thread by hand at c n and observe how much weight, placed at f, keeps the weight r beneath c.
Weights in the proportion of the lines
A figure states that whatever proportion the line m n has with the line n f, the weight at f will have that same proportion with the weight at m.
Cord, pulley and a weight of 16
On the right a single cord passes over a pulley to carry a weight marked 16. The figure is drawn with the page turned upside down.
Arithmetical working
A short calculation set beside the figures handles 20 and 2 2/7 with a divisor of 7.
A chord three-eighths of its arc
A figure notes that the line a n is 3/8 of its arc, with the numbers 8, 3 and 4 attached to it.