Various Questions and Inventions

A circular diagram shows a horizontal balance beam with a central fulcrum marked 'c'. Two spherical weights, labeled 'A' on the left and 'B' on the right, are attached to the ends of the beam. A vertical needle points upwards from the center.

Let a circle also be described above the center c. according to the quantity of the span of the arms of the balance, which may be the circle e.a.f.b., the circumference of which we will suppose is for the journey that the centers of said bodies would make, turning around the said balance upon its center c.

First Definition.

The said two bodies therefore standing in equilibrium, as appears in the figure, in such a place the said two bodies are said to be in the site of equality.

Second Definition.

Also, drawing from the summit a perpendicular passing through the center c. (which is the line e.c.f.), such a line is called the line of direction.

A circular diagram represents the movement of a balance. A large circle contains a horizontal diameter with weights 'A' and 'B' at its ends and center 'c'. A vertical diameter is labeled 'e' at the top and 'f' at the bottom. The horizontal and vertical lines intersect at the center 'c'.

First Supposition.

It is also necessary to note how a heavy body is supposed to be so much heavier, in the place where it is found, the less its descent is oblique, that is, less curved in the same site or place. The example of this supposition is brought into the following figuration.

Second Supposition.

And the descent of a heavy body is supposed to be so much more oblique, the less it contains of the direct in the same quantity, that is, that it contains less part of the line of direction, or of another equidistant to it, in the same quantity, that is, in the same quantity of the circumference of the circle where it turns or goes. And this will be better understood in the following figuration.