How to make a weight, that cannot take up an hundred pound, and yet shall take up two hundred pounds, and at the self same distance from the centre; and so, proportionally, to millions of pounds.
NOTE.
This is indeed paradoxical, and so completely contrary to every established principle or rule in science, that we may fairly set it down among the number of those inventions which, by partaking so highly of the marvellous, have contributed to bring the whole Century into disrepute.
No. XXVI.
To raise a weight so well and as forcibly with the drawing back of the lever, as with the thrusting it forwards; and by that means to lose no time in motion or strength. This I saw in the arsenal at Venice.
NOTE.
The mere application of a crank, such as is used for the foot-lathe, acting upon a drum and fly-wheel, with a chain attached to move a second lever or upright sliding bar, will fully effect the object here described.
No. XXVII.
A way to remove to and fro huge weights, with a most inconsiderable strength, from place to place. For example: ten ton with ten pounds, and less; the said ten pounds not to fall lower than it makes the ten ton to advance or retreat upon a level.
NOTE.