130 quotes
From food and water, then, we may learn whether sites are naturally unhealthy or healthy.
De architectura (The Ten Books On Architecture) (-15)
The design of a temple depends on symmetry, the principles of which must be most carefully observed by the architect.
De architectura (The Ten Books On Architecture) (-15)
Next I must tell about the machine of Ctesibius, which raises water to a height.
De architectura (The Ten Books On Architecture) (-15)
Copious springs are found where there are mines of gold, silver, iron, copper, lead, and the like, but they are very harmful.
De architectura (The Ten Books On Architecture) (-15)
One who in accordance with these notes will take pains in selecting his method of construction, may count upon having something that will last.
De architectura (The Ten Books On Architecture) (-15)
Next comes the consideration of stone quarries from which dimension stone and supplies of rubble to be used in building are taken and brought together.
De architectura (The Ten Books On Architecture) (-15)
Hence buildings made of these kinds of wood last for an unending period of time.
De architectura (The Ten Books On Architecture) (-15)
To guard against this, we must proceed as follows. Let down a lighted lamp, and if it keeps burning, a man may make the descent without danger.
De architectura (The Ten Books On Architecture) (-15)
There are also half bricks. ...As the bricks are always laid so as to break joints, this lends strength and a not unattractive appearance to both sides of such walls.
De architectura (The Ten Books On Architecture) (-15)
Propriety is that perfection of style which comes when a work is authoritatively constructed on approved principles. It arises from prescription, from usage, or from nature.
De architectura (The Ten Books On Architecture) (-15)
The accommodations within the city walls being thus multiplied as a result of the many floors high in the air, the Roman people easily find excellent places in which to live.
De architectura (The Ten Books On Architecture) (-15)
In order that the mortar in the joints may not suffer from frosts, drench it with oil-dregs every year before winter begins. Thus treated, it will not let the hoarfrost enter it.
De architectura (The Ten Books On Architecture) (-15)
Therefore it was the discovery of fire that originally gave rise to the coming together of men, to the deliberate assembly, and to social intercourse.
De architectura (The Ten Books On Architecture) (-15)
In walls of masonry the first question must be with regard to the sand, in order that it may be fit to mix into mortar and have no dirt in it.
De architectura (The Ten Books On Architecture) (-15)
Burn shavings and splinters of pitch pine, and when they turn to charcoal, put them out, and pound them into mortar with size. This will make a pretty black for fresco painting.
De architectura (The Ten Books On Architecture) (-15)
In the thickness there should be set a very close succession of ties made of charred olive wood, binding the two faces of the wall together like pins, to give it lasting endurance.
De architectura (The Ten Books On Architecture) (-15)
These rules for symmetry were established by Hermogenes, who was also the first to devise the principal of the pseudodipteral octastyle.
De architectura (The Ten Books On Architecture) (-15)
For siege works against bold and venturesome men should be constructed on one plan, on another against cautious men, and on still another against the cowardly.
De architectura (The Ten Books On Architecture) (-15)
Hence, men that are born in the north are rendered over-timid and weak by fever, but their wealth of blood enables them to stand up against the sword without timidity.
De architectura (The Ten Books On Architecture) (-15)
There is nothing to which an architect should devote more thought than to the exact proportions of his building with reference to a certain part selected as the standard.
De architectura (The Ten Books On Architecture) (-15)