Wax crayons, a bouncing muddy ball, and a wine note
Recipe for dry-colour crayons, a question on impact, and a short household memorandum
A mixed leaf in mirror-script combining a workshop recipe, a physical query, and a household note. Leonardo gives a method for making 'points' or crayons for dry colouring, binding pigment with wax so the point will not crumble, and adds that the colours must be ground on a hot stone. He also poses a question about why a well-inflated, muddy ball leaves a mark when struck against a wall, and records that wine was bought on two mornings. A small circle with crossed diameters and a radiating star are sketched among the lines.
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Recipe for wax crayons for drawing in dry colour
A workshop method for making 'points', or crayons, for dry colouring: temper the pigment with a little wax so that the point will not crumble. The wax is to be dissolved in water and the white lead (biacca) tempered, after which the distilled water is driven off as vapour, leaving the wax alone to bind the colour. Leonardo warns that the colours must be ground on a hot stone.
Why a well-inflated muddy ball leaves a mark on a wall
Leonardo poses a question: for what reason does a muddy ball, thrown against a wall when well inflated, leave such a design where it strikes? The query concerns the impact and rebound of an elastic body against a hard surface.
Memorandum of wine bought on two days
A brief household memorandum noting that the wine was bought on Tuesday morning, and again on Friday, the 4th of September.