Stepped Water Conduits and an Elbow Conduit
Conduits shaped like steps preserve better; where does the water press harder, at b or at c?
Two red-chalk conduit studies fill the page. Above, a stair-like conduit illustrates Leonardo's remark that conduits made in the fashion of steps preserve themselves better. Below, an L-shaped elbow conduit lettered a, c, b prompts the question of where the water a b exerts more force, at b or at c. Further faint red-chalk text is present beyond the brief lines transcribed here.
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Stepped conduits are better preserved
Leonardo observes that conduits built in the fashion of steps preserve themselves better. The stepped, stair-like conduit is drawn above in red chalk.
Where does the water press harder, at b or c?
An elbow conduit is lettered a, c, b. Leonardo asks where the water a b exerts more force, whether at b or at c.