118 



THE BALANCE. 



flat. The usual form of the beam is nearly that oi 

 a very elongated lozenge. In fig. 87, A and B, tw< 

 beams are represented, the breadth being exaggeral 

 for the sake of distinctness ; in both the point of sus- 



EIG. 87. 



pension is marked a, and the centre of gravity, the 

 point at which the weight of the beam may be regarded 

 as acting, is marked s. 



The sensitiveness of a balance depends on the condition 

 that a small amount of work done should produce con- 

 siderable motion. Suppose a small weight u to be sus- 

 pended at one end of the beam. The beam will 

 assume an inclined position, its centre of gravity 



