A Balance That Lifts Infinite Weight
A weighted balance beam, curved timbers, and a note that continuous quantity is infinitely divisible
This leaf combines mechanics with mathematics. At its centre a balance beam is drawn with weights applied in the doubling series 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, beside Leonardo's claim that a balance, by its principle, lifts infinite weight mathematically. In red chalk he adds the axiom that every continuous quantity is divisible to infinity, with the note 'in Sant'Ambrogio,' while pen sketches at top and bottom study a group of curved timbers.
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A balance that lifts infinite weight
A balance beam carries weights applied in the doubling sequence 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32. Leonardo asserts that the balance, by its ratio or principle, lifts infinite weight mathematically.
Every continuous quantity is infinitely divisible
A red-chalk maxim states that every continuous quantity is divisible to infinity, followed by the location note 'in Sant'Ambrogio.'
Group of curved timbers
Pen sketches at the top and across the lower half of the leaf study a group of curved timbers or struts, drawn as paired arcing members.