Vitruvius
Vitruvius
Marcus Vitruvius Pollio, commonly known as Vitruvius, was a Roman author, architect, civil engineer and military engineer during the 1st century BC, known for his multi-volume work entitled De architectura...
NationalityRoman
ProfessionAuthor
begins bright edge effect less line passes side splendour sun thin towards
When it passes towards the east, the sun begins to have less effect upon it, and a thin line on the edge of its bright side emits its splendour towards the earth.
appearance beauty dimensions good parts pleasing produced taste
Beauty is produced by the pleasing appearance and good taste of the whole, and by the dimensions of all the parts being duly proportioned to each other.
general parts scale
Dimension regulated the general scale of the work, so that the parts may all tell and be effective.
arises consistency found whose work
Consistency is found in that work whose whole and detail are suitable to the occasion. It arises from circumstance, custom, and nature.
architecture due requires
Nothing requires the architect's care more than the due proportions of buildings.
agreeable agreement parts proportion regular result several
Proportion is that agreeable harmony between the several parts of a building, which is the result of a just and regular agreement of them with each other; the height to the width, this to the length, and each of these to the whole.
floating whose
Wind is a floating wave of air, whose undulation continually varies.
neither properly
Quicksilver is used for many purposes; without it, neither silver nor brass can be properly gilt.
adorned architecture arising formed judgment result science varied works
Architecture is a science arising out of many other sciences, and adorned with much and varied learning; by the help of which a judgment is formed of those works which are the result of other arts.
alliance appear branches close explain man retain variety
Perhaps, to the uninformed, it may appear unaccountable that a man should be able to retain in his memory such a variety of learning; but the close alliance with each other, of the different branches of science, will explain the difficulty.
abundance contented fortune rather sought wealth
But I, Caesar, have not sought to amass wealth by the practice of my art, having been rather contented with a small fortune and reputation, than desirous of abundance accompanied by a want of reputation.
armed men sufficient
The thickness of the walls should be sufficient for two armed men to pass each other with ease.
ability according afforded care consists due economy employer means proper situation taken
Economy consists in a due and proper application of the means afforded according to the ability of the employer and the situation chosen; care being taken that the expenditure is prudently conducted.
annoyed enemy exterior face towers wall
From the exterior face of the wall towers must be projected, from which an approaching enemy may be annoyed by weapons, from the embrasures of those towers, right and left.