If the force K H be directed obliquely to the axis, it will be equivalent to two forces (76.), one K L perpendicular to the axis, and the other K M parallel to it. The effect of each of these may be investigated as in the preceding cases. In all these observations the body has been supposed to be submitted to the action of one force only. If several forces act upon it, the direction of each of them crossing the axis either perpendicularly or obliquely, or taking the direction of the axis or any parallel direction, their effects may be similarly investigated. In the same manner we may determine the effects of any number of forces whose combined results are mechanically equivalent to forces which either intersect the axis or are parallel to it. (184.) If any force be applied whose direction lies in a plane oblique to the axis, it can always be resolved into two elements (76.), one of which is parallel to the axis, and the other in a plane perpendicular to it. The effect of the former has been already determined, and therefore we shall at present confine our attention to the latter. Suppose the axis to be perpendicular to the paper, and to pass through the point G, _fig. 71._ and let A B C be a section of the body. It will be convenient to consider the section vertical and the axis horizontal, omitting, however, any notice of the effect of the weight of the body. Let a weight W be suspended by a cord Q W from any point Q. This weight will evidently have a tendency to turn the body round in the direction A B C. Let another cord be attached to any other point P, and, being carried over a wheel R, let a dish S be attached to it, and let fine sand be poured into this dish until the tendency of S to turn the body round the axis in the direction of C B A balances the opposite tendency of W. Let the weights of W and S be then exactly ascertained, and also let the distances G I and G H of the cords from the axis be exactly measured. It will be found that, if the number of ounces in the weight S be multiplied by the number of inches in G H, and also the number of ounces in W by the number of inches in G I, equal products will be obtained. This experiment may be varied by varying the position of the wheel R, and thereby changing the direction of the string P R, in which cases it will be always found necessary to vary the weight of S in such a manner, that when the number of ounces in it is multiplied by the number of inches in the distance of the string from the axis, the product obtained shall be equal to that of the weight W by the distance G I. We have here used ounces and inches as the measures of weight and distance; but it is obvious that any other measures would be equally applicable.