The text discusses how bodies, when in rapid motion, are perceived as almost weightless, making them easier to maneuver. It references how various workers manage loads by initiating motion, allowing easier manipulation and control. Additionally, the concept is extended to writing, where skilled writers use motion to skillfully create embellished letters, albeit with less attention from contemporary writers.
Position of the Figures
The Bodies are very light in a rapid movement.
It is suggested that during rapid movement, they are almost weightless, and therefore can be easily controlled. Indeed, by the slightest effort, an adept person or a quick-witted mind can determine this. Anyone who has often observed how laborers, weighers, packers, and wine carriers set up or maneuver sacks, barrels, bales, or other burdens, generally bring these into motion first; and during that motion with a winding spin, can decide and direct very easily as if without labor; which would be impossible if the load lay still and unmoving. The reason is nothing else, but that during and in the movement, bodies have less weight, and thus can be more easily controlled back and forth. These things are so universally true in human handling that they find their justification and place even in the smallest and quietest of activities. That we also often see good and skilled writers manage with unnecessary flourish or swirled characters happens without any other reason than to awaken the delay of their hand by motion from time to time and to proceed more skillfully; although perhaps a hundredth part of writers does not pay attention to it. And hence, it also comes about that the elegantly written letters of a firm hand generally are loose and somewhat flowing, and do not have the sedateness they might have if they were written slowly and with a slow movement. It is a great adornment in a
Translation Notes
1. "Trek-Letter": This refers to a style of writing or lettering that includes flourishes or embellishments.