EQUILIBRIUM

(Lat. aequus, equal, and libra, balance.) In Statics, results from the simultaneous action of several forces on a body, or material point, when they 411 EQUITES. reciprocally destroy each other's action, so that the body or point, though free to move, remains at rest. Two equal forces, acting in contrary directions, destroy each other; and when a body submitted to the action of several forces remains at rest, it is necesary that the resultant of one part of the forces be exactly equal and opposite to the resultant of the remainder, or that the resultant of the whole be nothing. The science of equilibrium is thus founded entirely on the composition of forces. See Statics. Equilibrium. (Lat.) In the Fine Arts, the just poise or balance of a figure or other object, so that it may appear to stand firmly. Also the due equipoise of objects, lights, shadows, . against each other by some striking feature. This quality is obvious in the works of nature, as well in the human form as in landscape. In the latter, for instance, the sun is generally the medium of producing it by strong contrasts of light and shadow. In architecture, the same means are employed to produce the most striking effects, on the theory of which Le Roy has ably written. Equilibrium. In Politics. See Balance of Power. [s. 424]