The
lever type
The central
weights, A, each weigh one-fourth more than the weights, B, at the
extremities of the arms. The two sets of weights are connected pairs,
each pair being joined by a lever, link, and bell crank C. The action
of gravity in the central weights compels the sliding weights at the
ends of the arms to assume the positions shown in the engraving.
Had this inventor applied a little mathematical calculation to the verification of the truth or falsity of the principle of his device, he might easily have proved that it was a perfect balance, and saved himself both trouble and expense. The leverage of the outside is exactly counteracted by the leverage of the inside weights.
(Subsection 930, from
p.372)
From: Gardner D. Hiscox, M.E., Mechanical Appliances and Novelties of Construction (1927), Norman W. Henley Publ. Co.
In science it often happens that scientists say, 'You know that's a really good argument; my position is mistaken,' and then they would actually change their minds and you never hear that old view from them again. They really do it. It doesn't happen as often as it should, because scientists are human and change is sometimes painful. But it happens every day. I cannot recall the last time something like that happened in politics or religion. (1987) -- Carl Sagan
