Friction and the inclined plane: the effort of ascent
Sliding versus rolling resistance, and why man and beast tire more going up than down
Two diagrams — a roller or wheel and an inclined line — accompany Leonardo's study of sliding (radente) and rolling (volvente) friction. He notes the difference between hauling weights uphill by dragging them, where rubbing resists, and by rolling them. A second note on the inclined plane observes that on a steep descent the momentum ruins the runner, while ascent consumes his motion. Man and every animal tires more going up than down, because uphill he must carry his own weight while downhill he need only let it go.
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Sliding versus rolling friction when hauling weights uphill
The note sets out the difference between raising weights by dragging them, where rubbing (confregazione) resists, and by rolling them (circulazione). A roller or wheel and an inclined line are drawn below the text.
Why ascent tires more than descent
On a steep slope the momentum of a descent ruins the runner, while going up consumes his motion. Man and every animal tires more climbing than descending, because uphill he must carry his own weight and downhill he has only to let it go.