Why? a simple crane can be made without any counterbalancing at all and isn't usually counterbalanced very accurately. I don't think understanding of the principles of mechanics follows from the discovery and use of a single invention.
>> Then again you don't want the gates of a fortress or city to be
>> opened easily - a windlass or two means relatively few men can
>> open it in a reasonable time. If there are counterweights on
>> the gates at WW they will be able to be disconnected both in case
>> of siege or more commonly (given WW's position on top of a hill)
>> during storms.
>
>This could be solved by making the counterweights detachable, or by
>locking them, providing extra stability.
I'm sure they are heavy wooden bars, rather than locks, to hold the gates shut but that isn't going to be enough so detachable counterweights are a must.
>Getting a wind to do menial work
>has always been something of an issue of dispute. IMG it is accepted to
>invite a wind to push along, but it is frowned upon letting the wind do
>the work all by itself.
Yes, it's a bit of an dubious area and I suspect not altogether reliable. A very good way of ensuring the PCs keep on the right side of the winds though - if they're going to have to do a lot of hard work because the winds won't co-operate.
-- Donald Oddy http://www.grove.demon.co.uk/
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