The balance: equal weights and the angle of the cords
Why equal weights on a balance behave differently unless the cords make right angles
The recto is filled with pulley-and-balance diagrams: a large eight-spoke wheel and several sheaves from which small labelled weights hang. The note argues that equal weights hung at the ends of a balance's arms, even when equally distant from its pole, do not reveal their true effect unless the cords carrying them meet at a right angle the line running from the pole to the point of attachment. Leonardo points to the angle b and the angle d as his demonstration. The weights are marked with repeated numerals (3, 4, 5) beside the word 'Bilancia' (balance).
On this page
Equal weights known only when the cords make a right angle
Equal weights hung at the ends of a balance's arms, though equally distant from its pole, do not disclose their nature or quality unless the cords carrying them join at a right angle the line from the pole to the point of attachment. The angles b and d are given as the proof.
Spoked wheel with pulleys and hanging weights
A large wheel with eight spokes carries ropes over several pulleys, from which small bucket-like weights hang at the foot of each cord. Further arrangements of sheaves and weights fill the middle and lower parts of the page, one group captioned 'Bilancia' (balance).