Online Exhibits > Leonardo and the Engineers of the Renaissance > Manuscripts > Madrid Ms. I

LEONARDO DA VINCI - Block of 33 pulleys


Madrid Ms. I (BNM), fol. 36v (detail)

The block comprises 33 pulleys, of which 17 are fixed and 16 mobile. Leonardo claims that a one-pound load applied to the block will balance a 33-pound counterweight. He does not, however, allow for the considerable friction effect.

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