Which pivot turns more freely? Angular balances and screws
Two comparative problems: the easier-moving pivot, and the freest of three roller-fitted screws
Two comparative mechanics problems are set out in short notes. In the right margin Leonardo records two angular balances and asks which is the pivot of easier motion, a or b, remarking that the question is framed by analogy with two screws drawn below. On the left he compares three types of screws (cochleas) fitted with anti-friction rollers, labelled a, b and c, asking which of the three arrangements gives the easier movement. The folio itself is densely covered with mirror-script prose that is not transcribed here.
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Which pivot of the angular balance moves more easily, a or b?
In the right margin Leonardo notes two angular balances and asks which is the pivot of easier motion, a or b. He adds that the question is posed by analogy with the two screws drawn below.
Three screw arrangements with anti-friction rollers
On the left he records three types of screws (cochleas) fitted with anti-friction rollers, labelled a, b and c. He asks which of these three arrangements would be of easier movement.