Article 2.
FULCRUMS, AND PROPS.
Any piece of strong timber of suitable dimensions may serve for a fulcrum, or a prop. It is called a fulcrum when used to support a lever, and a prop when used as a temporary support for anything else.
Fulcrums.
The distance of the fulcrum from the weight which is to be raised should be such that, when the lever rests upon the top of it, the point may be put under the weight, and the lever form such an angle with the horizon that, when it is heaved down, and the small end nearly touches the ground, the weight may be raised to the required height.
Except with very heavy bodies, care must be taken, in placing a fulcrum, that it is inclined in a small degree towards the body, so that when the lever acts it may bring the fulcrum into a vertical position.
Props.
There cannot be a better prop than a quoin, when it is long enough, or a piece of wood of that shape, of proportionate size.
If the wheels of a carriage are to be taken off, and the carriage propped, the trail should be first secured from slipping.
The props are placed under each cheek, or under the shoulder of the axletree, with a slight inclination towards the carriage.