Notebook on Mechanics and Natural Philosophy

If the ring moves from f to m, the weight at the column m-r will decrease. It will remain of that weight of the r? of the column original: "con."; likely an abbreviation for "colonna" (column) or "contrappeso" (counterweight). m-r, which shall be m and r. And if the ring moves in the arm of the balance m-n to n, it will remain of weight at the column f-f. If the ring moves in the arm f of the balance to q, n? of the f shall be.

If the ring moves in the arm p to q, it will remain of weight in p. m-m-r? of the f shall be. If the ring moves in the arm m-n to o, it will remain? of weight at the column f-f. m-f-a-b? shall be. And if the ring moves in the arm of that balance p-r to s, it will remain at the column original: "con."; likely "colonna". m-r of the f shall be.

If it be balanced as r-m is, and if from it is taken the whole half f-m-f-n, leaving f-n-a-p with f-n-p-q-f-q, it will be balanced such that m-f shall be 2 and f-n shall be 1; and the ring in arm f shall be 4, and in arm n shall be 1; and the r shall be 8 Leonardo is calculating the moments of force: Weight multiplied by Distance. Here he posits specific numerical values to demonstrate how the balance is maintained.. Which, being taken from the balance, it will remain in itself in balance by the ring f-n.

The ring, or rather the ring Leonardo often repeats words as he refines his thought. that moves upon a balance—whether that balance by itself be in equilibrium or not in equilibrium—the ring will move toward that part where there is weight meaning the heavier side., and it will never stop in any place except where? the part where the ring rests is in balance This describes the principle of a self-centering weight or the seeking of a center of gravity..