Three weights raised on a rope through pulleys
Problems on loads at r, c and n and the pull needed to support the 2-pound weight f
A pulley system runs a rope over two wheels labelled v and S, supporting a central weight (marked p, r) that hangs in a V between two side weights. Leonardo poses three problems: what weight raises n to the height of b once 8 weights at r-c lift it to a; what makes c heavier than r so that n sits twice as near v as to S; and, referring to the figure on the facing page where the weight f is 2 pounds, what load at a b just supports it where it is placed.
On this page
What weight raises n to height a, and to height b
If 8 weights placed at r c raise the weight n up to the height of a, Leonardo asks what weight would raise it instead to the height of b. A further question sets c heavier than r so that n comes to rest twice as near to v as to S.
Rope led over the pulleys v and S
The cord passes over two pulleys marked v and S at the top and carries a central weight (p, r) hanging in a V between two side weights that rest above the base line. The note cross-refers to the facing page, where the weight f is stated to be 2 pounds.