Columns of numbers in continued proportion
Red-chalk tables of halving ratios headed 'multiplici' (multiples)
In red chalk Leonardo sets out columns of numbers that step down by halving, such as 8, 4, 2 and 12, 6, 3, joined by braces on either side of the sheet. One group is headed 'multiplici' (multiples). The tables explore continued proportion and the doubling and halving of quantities rather than any drawn object.
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Braced column of halving numbers
A bracketed column of figures descends by successive halving, set out with the values 6, 3, 2, 1 and their companions. The arrangement records a series in continued proportion in whole numbers.
Table of multiples ('multiplici')
A second bracketed table headed 'multiplici' (multiples) sets out the values 8, 4, 2 and 6, again stepping by halving and doubling. It pairs with the neighbouring column to show the proportional relations between the terms.