Foliate balance In a verge escapement, the foliate balance acts an inertial oscillator, controlling the oscillation rate and determining the timekeeping of the clock. It is a horizontal beam with weights on either end attached to the top of the verge, forming a T shape. Increasing the distance of the weights from the centre increases the inertia and slows the period of rotation. The leg of the T then forms part of the verge escapement.
