Testing projectile weight, material and spherical form
Instructions for experiments on how a motor's power carries bodies of different make
This text-only page continues the study of motive power with a program of experiments. Leonardo proposes making the arrow-figure of one fixed weight in various materials, heavier or lighter in themselves, and recording where it comes to rest in proportion to its motor's power. He directs that the tests first be done with the mobile body in spherical form, and that the weight of the instrument and the other intervening means between motor and moved object be taken into account.
On this page
A program of experiments on projectile motion
Leonardo asks that the arrow-figure of one given weight be made of various materials that are of themselves heavier or lighter, and that one note where it stops in proportion to the power of its motor. He wants to learn whether the moved body's motion lengthens or shortens as the motor's power increases, testing first with a spherical body. He adds a reminder to reckon the means acting between motor and moved object — the weight of the instrument and of the other things.