Raising a spar: the level line versus the oblique
Why pulling along the equidistant cord f m costs less than the slant n m
A tall A-frame engine with a long angled arm, a base wheel and a sling at the foot is drawn to raise a heavy spar (antenna), its points marked n, f and m. The notes ask by which line the pull is easiest for the mover. Along the level cord f m the only resistance is the spar's friction on the ground, which stays constant because what lightens at n is regained at m; pulling along the oblique line n m instead loads the mover with the spar's full weight. Leonardo concludes that every weight moves more easily along the level line than along the oblique.
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Constant friction along the level cord f m
By the level cord f m the only effort is the friction the weight makes with the ground it moves over, and this stays constant: as much as it is lightened at n, so much it grows at m. The friction is much less than the weight of the beam itself.
The oblique pull loads the mover with full weight
If the spar is drawn along the oblique line n m, the mover feels far more of its weight, because as much as he loses of the first mode's friction he gains of the spar's weight, until the spar is sustained entirely on the cord. Hence every weight moves more easily by the level line than by the oblique.
Spar-raising engine lettered n, f, m
The A-frame carries a long angled arm pivoting over a base wheel, with a cup or sling at its foot for the load. The lettering n, f m marks the points through which the analysis of the level and oblique pulls is worked.
