Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1903 edition. Excerpt: ... OF THE ELEMENTS OF ARCHITECTURE. The I. part. N Architecture as in all other Operative Arts, the end must direct the Operation. The end is to build well. Well building hath three Conditions. Commoditie, Firmenes, and Delight. A common division among the Deliverers of this Art, though I know not how, some what misplaced by Vitruvius himselfe. lib. i. cap. 3. whom I shalbe willinger to follow, as a Master of Proportion, then of Methode. Now, For the attayning of these Intentions, wee may consider the whole Subiect, under two generall Heads. The Seate, and the Worke. Therefore first touching Scituation. The Precepts thereunto belonging, doe either concerne the Totall Posture, (as I may tearm it) or the Placing of the Parts: wherof the first sort, howsoever usually set downe by Architects as a piece of their Profession: yet are in truth borrowed, from other Learnings: there being betweene Arts and Sciences, as well as betweene Men, a kinde of good fellowship, and communication of their Principles. For you shall finde some of them, to be meerely Physicall, touching the qualitie and temper of the Aire: which being a perpetuall ambient, and ingredient, and the defects thereof, incorrigible in single Habitations (which I most intend) doth in those respects, require the more exquisite caution; That it be not too grosse, nor too penetrative; Not subiect to any foggy noysomnesse, from Fenns or Marshes neere adioyning; nor to Mineral exhalations, from the Soile it selfe. Not undigested, for want of Sunne, Not unexercised, for want of Winde: which were to live (as it were) in a Lake, or standing Poole of Aire, as Alberti the Florentin Architect, doth ingeniously compare it. Some doe rather seeme a little Astrological, as when they warne us from...