− rν + qν = L,
dt
− pν + rλ = M,
dt
− qλ + pν = N.
dt

(1)

These equations are applicable to any dynamical system whatever. If we now apply them to the case of a rigid body moving about a fixed point O, and make Ox, Oy, Oz coincide with the principal axes of inertia at O, we have λ, μ, ν = Ap, Bq, Cr, whence

A dp− (B − C) qr = L,
dt
B dq− (C − A) rp = M,
C dr− (A − B) pq = N.
dt

(2)

If we multiply these by p, q, r and add, we get