Weight Drawn by Tackles; Compound Balances
A cord strengthens as it bends over pulleys; experience before reason in natural science
Continuing the study of natural and accidental weight, Leonardo observes that a cord raising a load through tackles grows more powerful the higher the load rises, and that a cord is strengthened wherever it bends and condenses over a pulley. He then announces a 'definition of compound balances,' promising to treat both circular balances (pulleys and wheels) and rectilinear ones. A celebrated methodological statement follows: he will first set out the experiment and only then demonstrate its cause by reason, for although nature begins from reason and ends in experience, the investigator must proceed the other way, beginning from experience to search out the reason. Three lettered diagrams of compound balances (with pendants a, b, c, d, e, f, and p, q, r, n, m) fill the right margin.
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A cord strengthens the more it bends over the pulleys
A cord that raises a load through tackles becomes more powerful the higher the load is lifted, and it is strengthened in proportion to how often it bends over the pulleys that carry it. Where it bends it continually condenses and fortifies itself over that place.
Experience first, then reason: Leonardo's method
Leonardo declares he will first cite the experiment and only afterward demonstrate by reason why it is constrained to act as it does, calling this the true rule for investigators of natural effects. Although nature begins from reason and ends in experience, we must follow the contrary path, beginning from experience and with it investigating the reason.
Three compound balances, circular and rectilinear
Three lettered balances are laid out for study: circular ones made of pulleys and wheels and rectilinear ones. In the rectilinear balance of the second demonstration the descent of one end equals the rise of the other because their arms are equal; but in the last balance of the first demonstration the pendant a b cannot fall with b as far as the opposite pendant f r rises.
