REGULA Quinque Ordinum ARCHITECTURAE Aucthore I. B. VIGNOLA. Aucta et Emendata per Josephum Moxon.
LONDINI. Ex Officina Josephi Moxon▪
VIGNOLA: OR THE COMPLEAT Architect. Shewing in a Plain and Easie way the Rules of the Five Orders in ARCHITECTVRE: VIZ. TUSCAN, DORICK, IONICK, CORINTHIAN & COMPOSITE.
Whereby, any that can but Read and Understand English, may readily learn the Proportious that all Members in a Building have one unto another.
Set forth by Mr. James Barozzio of Vignola.
Translated into English, By Joseph Moxon.
The Third Edition, with Additions.
LONON. Printed for Joseph Moxon and sold at his Shop on Ludgate Hill, neer Fleet Bridge, at the Signe of ATLAS. 1673.
To the Ingenious Artist.
I Have here presented you with the Works of Mr. James Barozzio of Vignola in English, who for his great Skill and knowledge in the Art of Architecture, is much respected, and highly applauded among all Artificers throughout Christendome, there being few Nations of any note, that have not his works translated into their own Language: onely we here in England (I know not whether it be through carelesness in Artists, or else covetousness) mind not those things which make other Countries (that have nothing else to boast of) so famous among their Neighbours: Certain I am that England breeds as good wits as other Lands do, and would they but shew themselves more forward in commendable Studies, would doubtless share with them in their Praises.
Our Author first collected these things together for his own private use: and by the solicitations of many Persons of Worth and Honour, did at last (though unwillingly consent to make the World for a small price partakers of that which cost him so much labour, study and travel.
[Page] And whereas former Authors left their Works uncertain, or at least doubtfull to all but their own Nations, in respect of the several measures they used; as some the Fathom, some the Foot, some the Span, some the Inch of their own particular Country, which seldome agrees with the Fathom, Foot or Inch of any other Land; our Author to avoid that great inconven [...]ence, and certain uncertainty hath reduced all his measures to a convenient and universal measure, which is [...]alled by the name of a Model: the invention whereof hath made the whole Art of Architecture very easie to all Students therein: for it is nothing else but the half Diamter of the Column at the lower end thereof; as if the whole Diameter should be 10, 12, 14 or 16 inches, then will the half Diameter be 5, 6, 7, or 8 inches, and that is called the Model: which Model he divides into 12 equal parts, when he frames the Tu [...]can and Dorick Order: and into 18 for the Ionick, Corinthian and Composite.
In the Translation of this Book, I have followed (so neer as I could) the words of our Author, unless here and there I have been a little more large, thereby endeavouring the better to express his meaning, and instruct the young Practitioner. I confess the Book was formerly translated by another hand, but it was so generally disliked (indeed not without cause) that I chose rather to take the pains to translate it a new, than run the hazzard of discouraging young Artists with those dark and unproper directions.
Now for the better instructions of such as desire to [Page] study this pleasant, profitable and commendable Art, and yet are disheartned by the strange words used therein, I have collected all the hard words together, and given you the meaning of them: that so when you find your self puzzeled with any word of Art, you need but have recourse to this Alphabetical Table, and find the explanation of any hard word used in this Book.
- Abacus; the member ma [...]ked L in number V.
- Anulets, G numb X. Architrave. numb. I. word Architr. Astragaloes, B numb. XV.
- Band, B numb. IV. Base, word Base numb. I.
- Capital, numb. I. word Capital. Cathetus, a line drawn from the top of any thing to the bottom.
- Cimatium, L numb. V. Composite Order, read numb. XXV. Corinthian Order, The name of Columns made after the manner described in numb. XIX. Cornice, numb. I word Cornice.
- Dentils, B numb. X. Diagonal line, a line drawn from the two opposite Angles in a Square.
- Equilaterial Triangle, a Triangle whose sides are all of equal length.
- Flutes, D numb. X. Friese, numb. I. word Friese.
- Groeves, A numb. IX. Gula or throat F. numb. V.
- [Page] Ichnography, the ground or Plot on which any thing is projected. Intersection, the point where two lines cross one the other. Ionick Order, The name of Columns made after the manner discribed in numb. XII.
- List, C numb. V.
- Metops, D numb. X. Model, I have just now told you what it is in this Epistle. Modilion, B numb. X.
- Overture, an arch as is described between the Columns in numb. VII. Ovolo, A numb. V.
- Pedestal, that whereon the Column stands, as in numb. VI. Perpendicular, a line that cuts a second line at right angles, is said to be perpendicular to the second line. Pilasters, the Pillars that stand behind the Columns, whereon the Arches rests: see numb. VII. Plinthus, D numb. IV. Profile, see Ichnography.
- Quadrant, the fourth part of a Circle.
- Right angles, right angles are neither more nor less then square Corners.
- Scroll, the winding figure in numb. XVIII is called a [Page] Scroll. Scotia, A numb. XV. Semi-circle, half the circumference of a circle. Spiral line, the two outmostlines of the wreathed Column, numb. XXX. are called Spiral lines. Swathe, the same that Band is.
- Triglyph, D numb. X. Tondino, B numb. V. Torus, A & B numb. XXII. Tuscan Order, the names of Columns made after the manner described in numb. I.
- Voluta the same that Scroll is.
The understanding of this Table is so easie, that I shall not need to explain any thing in it, that I know of: only take notice that where you see a Letter, as BC, &c, and numb. I. V. X. or the like follow any word, that then you are referred to the leaf marked with that number; therefore in that leaf seek for the same Letter, and the Member that that Letter stands in, is called by that name.
I know some that are already sufficient Artists) may think the sleighter of this Book, meerly because I have made it plain to common Capacities: But if such will but look back upon their own younger endeavours, they may perhaps remember the time when themselves would have been glad of any help that might have furthered them in their then-thought tedious and difficult Studies. Besides, they may also know, that it is easier for themselves to know the meaning of plain and easie expressions, than for young Students to understand the directions of hard and difficult Instructions.
I
BEcause I have not found among the Antiquities of Rome any Tuscan Ornaments, from whence I might frame a Rule, as I have done in the other Orders, viz. Dorick, Ionick, Corinthian and Composite, I have made use of Vitruvius his Authority, in his 4th Book and 7th Chapter: where he saith, The Tuscan Order with Base and Capital must be 7 times its thickness: In the rest of the Ornaments, namely, the Achitrave Friese and Cornice, I believe that Rule ought to be followed which I found in the other four Orders, viz. that the Architrave Friese and Cornice must be one fourth part of the Column with Base and Capital, which is 14 Models, as may be seen in the figure; And therefore the Architrave Friese and Cornice ought to be 3 Models and an half, that being one fourth part of the 14 Models contained in the Column; as shall be mentioned in several other places.
II.
WHen you make the Tuscan Order without a Pedestal, you must divide its whole height into 17 parts and a half, and call them Models; which Models you must again divide into 12 equall parts; and from the same is the whole Order made with its severall members, as may be seen in this Figure, described in whole and broken Numbers.
III.
WHen you make the same Order with a Pedestal, the whole height must be divided into 22 and one sixth part, by reason that the Pedestal doth require the height of one third part of the Column, with Base and Capital, which being 14 Models, its third part doth contain 4 Models, and two third parts, which being added to 17 and a half, make together 22; and one sixth part.
IV.
THough it seldome happen in the Tuscan Order to have a Pedestal, yet to follow the Order, I have set it forth in this Figure; advising you that in all the five Orders I have followed this for a generall rule, that the Pedestal with its Ornaments, must be one third part of the Column with its Basis and Capital: even as in the Ornaments above, the Architrave, Friese and Cornice must make one fourth part of the same. This being well understood, will prove very profitable and delightfull unto your labour; for being to make any of the five Orders, you must divide the height of the Column with its Ornaments into 19 parts, then take the height of the Column with its Basis and Capital, and make the divisions of the Models according to its Order, Dorick, Ionick, &c. then you must frame the Fabrick with this Model, dividing its parts as may be seen in the Figure: where A represents the Body of the Column, B the nether Band or Swathe of the Column, C the Torus, D the Plinthus, E the List, (a generall name used in all members alike, whether less or more,) F the Gula or throat, reversed in the Pedestal.
V.
HAving heretofore described in general the chiefest Dimensions to make the Tuscan Order by; and having here and in the fore-going leaf set down the parts at large, to the end you may see in the particulars the division of every small member, and also the Draughts (though the Draughts with the Members alone might be sufficiently understood of any ingenious capacity without any Comment upon them) yet for the more easie instructing of all Lovers of Art, I shall also give you the meaning of some generall Terms used in Art; as for Example, the Member marked with A in this Figure, is called the Ovolo, or the Egg, B the Tondino, or round, C the List or Rule, D the Crown, E the List, F the Gula or Throat reversed, G the Friese, H the List of the Architrave, I the Architrave, K the List of the Abacus, L the Abacus or Cimatium, M the Ovolo. N the List, O the Friese of the Capital, P the Neck of the Column, Q the hanging over of the Capital, R the Body of the Column.
VI.
TO make the Dorick Order without a Pedestal, you must divide the whole height into 20 parts, and one of those parts shall be the Model; which Model you must divide into 12 parts, as in the Tuscan Order; The Foot or Basis, with the nethermost Swathe or Band, shall be of one Model; the height of the Column between the Base and Capital, shall be 14 Models; the Capital 1 Model, which added together, make 16 Models, for the height of the Column, with Base and Capital: Then (as I told you before in the Tuscan Order) the Architrave, Friese and Cornice, must be one fourth part of the Column with its Base and Capital, as you may see in the Figure: where the Architrave is 1 Model, the Friese 1 and a half, and the Cornice 1 and an half, which added together, make 4 Models, for the height of the Architrave, Friese and Cornice, which is one quarter of 16. the height of the Column with its Base and Capital. And if you adde the 4 Models for the Architrave, Friese and Cornice to 16, there will arise 20 Models, for the height of the Column with its Base and Capital; which is the whole height, as aforesaid.
VII.
WHen you make Galleries of the Dorick Order, you must (as aforesaid) divide the height into 20 parts, and one of those shall be the Model: the distance between the two Pilasters must be 7 Models, and the bredth of the Pilasters must be 3 Models; the width of the Overture or Arch must be half the length of the Column, which is 7 Models; and for the division of the Metops and Trygliphs, you may make them as you see in this Figure.
But this you must note, that the Column must stand out before the Pilaster one third part of a Model more then its half; because the Projectors of the Arch are no more then half the length of the Column. And this you may observe for a Rule in all the other Orders upon the like occasion.
VIII.
WHen Galleries are to be made after the Dorick Order, with Pedestals, you must divide the Column into 25 and one third part; and one of these make the Model: the bredth of the Pilaster shall be 5 Models, and the distance between the Pilasters shall be 10 Models; so shall the divisions of the Metopes and Trigliphs fall into a proportionall Dimension: the width of the Arch shall be 10 Models; which is half the height of the Arch, as may be seen in the Figure.
IX
THe height of the Pedestal of the Dorick Order, must be 5 Models and one third part; the Impost, or seting on of the Arch, must be 1 Model: and the other particular Members must be divided according to the numbers set down in the Figure.
A, shews the Groeves or Gutters of the Column (as it shall be called in all the other Orders) and the Round.
X.
THis piece of the Dorick Order is taken out of Marcellus his Theater in Rome, and is laid down here only for a Pattern: And because the Dimensions of every Member is sufficiently set down in the Figure, I shall not need to say any thing to the Proportions of them.
- A The Grove or hollowing of the Vpper List.
- B The Dentils or Teeth.
- C The Capital of the Triglyph.
- D The Triglyph in which those parts that are framed inwards are called Flutes, or Hollows, and the square place of the Friese between the Triglyphs is called a Metops.
- E The Props or little Bells.
- F The Cimatium.
- G The Annulets, Bands, or Lists.
In Figure XXXIII, and XXXIV, you have other Ornaments to set under the Cornice of the Dorick Order.
XI.
THis other piece of the Dorick Order is taken from the remainder of some of the Antiquities of ROME, of which Work I have seen such a comely Composure, that it hath been very pleasant and gracefull to behold.
- A The Gola reversed, or upright.
- B The Modillion (by which name all such Members are called, though they be severally framed) or Underprop to bear up the Cornice.
- C The Bead string.
XII.
WHen you make the Jonick Order without a Pedestal, you must divide its whole height into 22 parts and an half, and one of those parts shall be a Model; then divide each Model into 18 parts: The reason why each Model is divided into more parts than the Tuscan, or Dorick Order, is, because this being a more curious and spritely Order, doth require more small and acute divisions for the more exact setting down of the Dimensions of every particular Member.
The length of the Column with Base and Capital, must be 18 Models, the Architrave 1 and one quarter, the Friese 1 and an half, the Cornice 1 and three quarters; which numbers and fractions added together, make 22 and an half, as aforesaid.
And if you add the numbers and fractions of the Architrave, Frise, and Cornice together, they will make 4 Models and an half, which is one quarter of the Column with Base and Capital.
XIII.
WHen you make Galleries or Lodges after the Ionick Order, you must make the Bredth of the Pilasters 3 Models, the Bredth of the Arch 8 Models and an half, the Height of the Arch 17 Models, which is twice the bredth of the Arch: & this rule is strictly to be observed in all the Arches of the like Order, unlesse by necessity you are compelled to the contrary.
XIV.
NOw when you make Galleries or Lodges after the Ionick Order with Pedestals, you must divide the whole height into 28 parts and an half, and allow for the height of the Pedestal with its Ornaments 6 Models, which is one third part of the height of the Column with its Base and Capital, which (as was said before) ought to be observed in all the Orders.
The bredth of the Arch shall be 11 Models, the height 22 Models, and the bredth of the Pilasters shall be 4 Models; as you may see in the Figure.
XV.
THe upper List or Cornice of the Impost is one Model, and its Out-jetting one third part of a Model; the Dimensions of the other particular Members may be known by their severall Numbers in the Figure.
- A The Scotia, or Upper-hollowing.
- B The Astragaloes, or Rounds.
- C The Scotia, or Nethermost-hollowing.
XVI.
THough the manner of making the Jonick Capital be designed in this Figure, with the Ichnography thereof, and Profile; yet for the better understanding thereof, you ought to draw two Cathetus, or Perpendicular lines distant from one another the space of two Models, through the Centers of the Eyes of the Voluta or Scroll. The whole height of the Voluta, or Scroll, ought to be 16 parts of a Model, 8 parts whereof are above the Center, or Eye, and 6 parts under the Eye, so that there will remain two parts of a Model for the depth of the Eye.
The manner of designing this Scroll is set down in the Figure over the leaf, together with as ample a description upon it, as can be expected in so small a Room.
XVII.
The manner of making the Voluta or Scroll.
FIrst, Draw a Cathetus, whose length must be 16 parts of a Model, and upon the 7th▪ part upwards, make the Center of the eye of the Scroll, and upon that Center describe a Circle, whose half Diameter shall be one part, and that Circle shall be the eye of the Scroll, then through the Center of the Eye draw a straight line, that shall both cut the Cathetus at right Angles, and divide the Circle into 4 equall parts; then from the points of Intersection of the straight lines with the Circle, describe a Square within the Eye, and every side of this square divide into two equall parts, and from each Division to its Opposite, draw straight lines; then divide each of these lines from the Center into 3 equal parts, and with figures mark every point of Division (as in the Draft) with 1, 2, 3, &c. and from this ground-worke you may with great ease describe the whole Scroll, as followeth.
First place one foot of your Compasses upon the side of the Square, at the point 1, and extend the other to the top of the Cathetus, and from thence describe a Quadrant, which will reach from the top of the Cathetus aforesaid, to the streight line that is perpendicular to the Cathetus: then remove the one foot of your Compasses to figure 2, and bring the other foot to the ending of the former Quadrant, and from thence describe another Quadrant, which shall end at the bottom of the Cathetus: then move your Compasses again, and place one foot at figure 3, and the other foot where the second Quadrant ended, and from thence describe another Quadrant: then move your Compasses to figure 4, and where your last Quadrant ended, describe another; then move one foot of your Compasses into the point of Division marked with Figure 5, and fit the other foot to the place where your last Quadrant ended, and from thence describe another Quadrant; from thence move to 6, and describe another Quadrant; then to 7; then to 8, &c.
To make the thickness of the List of the Scroll.
THe thickness of the List must be one quarter of the space of the shortest distance between the two edges in the Scroll; therefore when you draw a List about it, you must divide the space between every one of the 12 Centers, into 4 equall parts, and place one foot of your Compasses upon the division that fals next to the Centre of that Arch whose List you mean to draw, and with the other foot you may describe the Arch that shall be the bounds of the List of the Scroll in that place. Do the like in all the rest, and your Scroll, and List about it will be finished.
XVIII. A Second way to make the Voluta.
DEscribe the Triangle BCD after this manner. Let the side CD be 7 parts of a Model, then let fall the perpendicular BC upon the point C, whose length must be 9 parts of a Model, and from the points BD, draw the other line in the Triangle. Then upon the point C, describe a Circle, whose half Diameter shall be 1 part of a Model, and this Circle shall represent the Eye of the Scroll: Then set one foot of your Compasses upon the point D, and extend the other to the point C, and so describe the Arch EF: Then divide that Arch EF into 24 equall parts, and from the Centre D, draw a streight line through every Division of the Arch, and let those streight lines be prolonged to the perpendicular BC, and where those streight lines divide the perpendicular BC, there mark every division with Arithmetical figures, beginning at the top with 1, 2, 3, &c. and so proceed downwards to 25, and so shall you have a Scale of the perpendicular that will give you the Center of every arch in the Scroll, as you shall see hereafter.
Therefore draw your Cathetus of 16 parts of a Model (as was said before) and place your Center of the eye of the Scroll upon 7 parts upwards, and upon that Center describe a Circle, whose half Diameter shall be 1 part of a Model, and this Circle shall be the Eye of the Scroll: Then draw a streight line through the Center that shall cut the Cathetus at right Angles; so have you the Eye divided into 4 equall parts or Quadrants; then divide every Quadrant into 2 equall parts, and through the two opposite divisions draw streight lines (which must be continued out to a convenient length, that will comprehend the bredth of the Scroll in that place) so shall you have the Eye divided into 8 equall parts; then set the one foot of your Compasses in the point C of the Triangle, and extend the other to the Division marked 1, and so transfer that distance to the Scroll, placing one foot at the Center of the Eye, and the other foot to the top of the Cathetus, and mark that with figure 1; having so done, remove your Compasses to the Scale again, and placing the one foot in the Center of the Eye, as afore, extend the other to the division marked 2, then remove your Compasses again to the Scroll, and placing one foot upon the Center of the Eye, mark where the other foot falls upon the second line, and there mark: Then remove your Compasses again to the Scale, as before, and take the distance of number 3 from the Center of the Eye, and transfer that to the third line of the Scroll, as before, and mark that with 3. Then remove to the fourth in the Scale, and do as before, then to the fifth, and so to all the rest till you come to 25, as you may see in the figure.
Then to describe the Arches of the Scroll, do thus: Place one foot of your Compasses upon the point marked 1, and extend the other to the Center of the Eye; then keeping your first foot of your Compasses at the figure, with the other foot describe a small occult Arch; then remove the first point of your Compasses to figure 1, and with the other foot describe another small Arch, that may intersect the former, and the very point of the Intersection shall be the Center of the Arch 1, 2. Then setting the one foot of your Compasses to figure 2, upon the second line of the Scroll, extend the other to the Center of the Eye, and your Compasses being at that distance, describe another small Arch through the Center of the Eye of the Scroll: Then remove the first foot of your Compasses to the point 3, upon the third line, and with the second foot describe another small Arch, that shall cut the former Arch, and the very point of Intersection shall be the Center of the Arch 2, 3, as you may see in the Figure. Do the like with all the other Figures, till the whole Scroll is finished.
XIX.
TO make the Corinthian Order without Pedestals, you must divide the whole height into 25 parts, and one of those parts shall be the Model; which Model you must divide into 18 parts, as in the Jonick Order. The distance between the Columns must be 4 Models, and two third parts of a Model; both because the Architrave above may not bear too much, and also because the Models in the Cornice may be just over the middle of the Column, in their due proportions and proper places. The other Divisions and Dimensions of every particular Member, may be seen in the Figure, and therefore will need no further Explanation.
XX.
IF you make Arches of Galleries according to the Corinthian Order, you must make the distance between the Pilasters 9 Models, and the height to the top of the Arch 18 Models; and the bredth of the Pilasters 3 Models: For the rest of the work, you may proceed according to the figures in the Description.
XXI.
BVt if you make Lodges or Galleries with Pedestals, you must divide the whole height into 32 equal parts, and one of them shall be a Model: The distance between the Pilasters must be 12 Models, and the height to the top of the Arch must be 25 Models; the bredth of the Pilasters must be 4 Models; the height ought to contain more then twice the bredth, yet for Neatness sake it must be born withal in this Order.
XXII.
IF the Pedestal of this Corinthian Order were the third part of the Column; it should be 6 Models, and two third parts of a Model; but for the greater strength, it may be made of 7 Models; which in this Order will not do amiss; and also, because the meer Pedestal without the Cimatia and Base, may be twice the length of its bredth.
- A The upper Torus, or Swathe.
- B The nether Torus, or Swathe.
XXIII.
FIrst measure the Ground or Compass, and upon it describe a square, whose 4 sides shall be equall thereunto, and whose Diagonal line shall be 4 Models; then upon the sides of the Square make 4 Equilateral Triangles, like that in the Figure marked † thus: and at the Angle opposite to the side of the Square, set one foot of your Compasses, and with the other foot describe an Arch of a Circle, which shall be the Hollow of the Abacus.
For the height of the Leaves, Stalks and Abacus, you must follow the directions in the Figure; which because they are so very plain to be understood, will not need any Explanation.
Then for the standing out of the Leaves and Stalks, you must draw a line from the utmost point of the Abacus, to the upper Band of the Column, and let the Leaves and Stalks reach just to the line, as you may see in the Figure.
AB together are called the Abacus of the Capital, but for distinction, A is taken for the Cimatium of the Abacus, C the Stalks, D the lesser Leaves, E the middle Leaves, F the under Leaves, G the Flower.
XXIV.
THe Corinthian Cornice is taken out of severall places in ROME, but especially out of the Church called La Rotunda, and from 3 Columns standing in the Market place: Now I having compared its principall Members together, have found their several Dimensions, and have here set them down; that so when you have occasion to use the like, you shall not need to be to seek of a Rule to worke it by, which Rule differs not a straws bredth from the Antiquities themselves.
Wherefore one Model comes to the middle of the Column, and its Ovals, Beads and Dentils, are strung right over one another, in a decent Order, as may be seen in the Figure.
The numbers in the Figure consist of Models, and parts of Models, every Model being divided into 18 parts.
For the Divisions of the severall Members, I shall not need to say any thing here, it being so plainly set down in the Figure it self, that any (though but meanly skill'd in the Art,) may easily understand it.
XXV.
THis Pedestal of the Composite Order, keeps the proportions of the Corinthian, there being no other difference but in the Members of the Cimatium and Base, as you may see in the Figure. And because the Composite Ornaments observe the same proportion as the Corinthian does, I have not judged it needfull to make any several Columns or Arches thereof, referring you therein to the Corinthian Order: Only here I have shown you the varieties of the Base and Capital, and its other Ornaments, as you may see in their proper places.
XXVI.
THis Ichnography and Profile, or Compass of the Composite Capital, is made after the same manner as the Corinthian Capital is made: onely where the Corinthian hath its small Stalks, the Composite hath Voluta's, or Scrolls, after the Jonick Order. This Invention came from the Ancient Romans, who borrowing one part of the Jonick, and another of the Corinthian Order, strove thereby to joyn as much Beauty and Bravery as they could together.
XXVII.
THis piece of Composite Order, namely, the Capital, Architrave, Friese, and Cornice, is also taken out of severall places among the Antiquities of Rome, and brought into the Proportion shown you in the Corinthian; wherefore the Proportion of the several Members being marked in the Figure, I shall omit speaking of them in this place.
XXVIII.
WE finde among the Antiquities of Rome, almost infinite varieties of Capitals, which have no proper name at all▪ but may be comprehended under this generall name Composite. They do likewise agree in their Dimensions with the other Composite, derived from the Ion [...]ck and Corinthian; only in some of them you find Beasts instead of Stalks▪ in others Cornucopia's, and in others other varieties, even what pleased the Fancy of the Artist best; as you may see here in this Designe: where you have 4 Eagles instead of Stalks, and instead of Fruits and Flowers, 4 Jupiters faces, with Thunder-bolts under them; from whence you may gather, that it stood in some Temple dedicated to Jupiter. The like we may concieve of the other (which hath 4 Griffins instead of Stalks, and 4 Eagl [...]s in the midst, with Dogs in their Tallons or Claws) that it did properly belong to some of their Idols. The proportions (excepting the Beasts) is like unto the Corinthian Capitals.
The Base (which is last delineated) Vetruvius in his th [...]d chapter of his third Book calleth A [...]ticurga as being first invented and wrought in A [...]hens. In our times we use indefinitely to make use of it under the Dorick, Corinthian, Jonick and Composite Order; but it agreeth best with the Composite, and is tolerable in the Jonick:
XXIX.
THere are divers wayes to lessen Collumns, whereof I have here and in the following page set down those two which are most esteemed of. The first and best is this▪ After you know the height and thickness of the Column, you must divide the Cathetus thereo [...] into 3 equal parts, and in the point of the first division upwards, draw a thwart line through the Column, that shall cut the Cathetus at right Angles, then in the point of Intersection, set one foot of your Compasses, and extend the other foot to one of the sides of the Column, or to half the bredth, which is all one, and so describe a Semi-circle upon the thwart line, then divide half that Semicircle into so many parts as you please, as into 6, 9, 12, 15, or more, and no [...]e that into so many parts as you divide the Semi-circle, so many equall parts you must divide the two upper thirds of the Cathetus into, and upon every Division draw straight Lines through the Column, that shall cut the Cathetus at right Angles; then from every point of Division in the Semicircle, draw straight Lines parallel to the Cathetus, and where these straight lin [...]s intersect the Lines drawn athwart the Column, there shall be the severall points that you must lessen the Column into in every particular place. But you must take notice, that the Line drawn from the first point of Division in the Sem [...]circle, must intersect the line drawn from the first Division in the Cathetus; and the second in the Semicircle, the line drawn from the second in the Cathetus; the third in the Semi-circle, from the third in the Cathetus, and so forth; every line drawn from the severall points of Division in the Semi-circle, must intersect the line drawn from the same number of Divisions in the Cathetus.
Having thus drawn one side of the Column, you may by the same Rules draw the other side also, or else measuring with your Compasses the distance of every point of lessening from the Cathetus, you need but turn your Comp [...]sses about upon the point that stands in the Cathetus, and so transfer the distance to the other side of the Column.
This kind of lessening may be used in the Tuscan and Dorick Order, which Orders are not to be lessened below the nethermost third part of the Column.
XXX.
Another way to lessen Collumns.
THis second way of lessening Collumns, our Authour found out by his own study and Invention, and though it be not very common, yet it is easie enough to be understood by the Figure: Wherefore in the first place, [...]ou must divide the whole Cathetus into 3 equall parts, and through the first point of Division (counting upwards) you must draw a thwart line, as CD that shall cut the Cathetus at right Angles, which line must be continued to a convenient length, as to E, that so it may be intersected by the lines drawn from the divisions in the Cathetus, as you shall learn hereafter: then divide each of them three equall parts into four equal parts more, and if you intend to have your Collumn wreathed, divide every one of those four parts, into four equall parts more▪ so shall your Cathetus be divided into 48 equal parts: Then with your Compasses meas [...]ure the length of the line CD, and carry that length to the top of the Collumn, placing one foot of your Compasse; in the point A, and noting where the other foot falls upon the Cathetus, as in the point B, and through these two points draw a straight line, and continue it till it interlect the line CDE, as here it doth in the point E: Then from the point E, draw straight lines through every fou [...]th Di [...]ision in the Cathetus, as in the Figure, or if you lease (for more exactness) through every single division in the Cathetus, and continue them to the outside of the Collumn: Then keeping your Compasses to their former distance, place one foot upon the point of Intersection of every one of the slope lines with the Cathetus, and extend the other towards the outside of the Collumn upon the same slope line; and where the other fo [...] of you [...] Compasses falls, there shall be the point of the Collumns lessening in that place. And note that though the former Collumn was lessened but from one third part upwards, yet this which [...] for other Orders viz. for the Jonick, Corinthian and Composite orders, must be lessened from the first third part both upwards and downwards, as you may see in the Figure; and therefore you must as well draw slope lines through the Divisions in the nether part of the Cathetus, as through the upper.
Having thus divided and wrought upr [...]ght Collumns, if you will have your Collumns w [...]eathed (as those of St. Peters Church at Rome) y [...]u mu [...]t draw straight lines through every one of the 48 divisions in the Cathetus to the outsides of the Collumn, whish streigh [...] lines must be Parallel to the line CDE; then on the Plot or Ground-work, upon the Cathetus, describe a smal Circle, and divide it into 8 equall parts, and draw lines through the opposite points of divisions; and upon the same Center that you drew this Circle, describe another smaller Circle within the former, which by the Lines drawn through the Center, will also be divided into the same parts that the greater Circle is: Then from the points of Division in the small Circle, draw 4 lines through the Collumn parallel to the Cathetus, and where those lines intersect the thwart line; drawn before, there shall be the several points, through which you must carry on a Spiral line a l [...]ng by the Cathetus, as in the figure. But you must note, that at the four first lines at the bottom and top of the Collumn, the Spiral line must not touch the outmost Parallel line, but must run as you see in the Figure. Then on the Cathetus most you measure the thickness of the straight Collumn in every Division, and transfer that thickness to the same Division in he wreathed Collumn, placing one foot of your Compasses at the intersection of the spiral line with the divisions of the Cathetus, and the lines parallel to the Cathe us, and extending the other to the sides of the wreathed Collumn; and where the other f [...]ot of your Compasses falls, there shall be the bounds of the sides of the wreathed Collumn in that place.
Note, that if you make the little inmost Circle bigger, then will the Collumn be more wreathed; if less, then will the Collumn be less wreathed.
XXXI.
WInding Stairs that belong to Steeples, or high Ascents, are projected on a round Profile, which hath its circumference divided into 12 or 16 equall parts, according to the conveniency of the Room you have to place them in, and according to the number of Steps you intend shall winde once about the Newel. The Semi-Diameter of the Profile is sometimes divided into 6 equall parts, and one of them taken for the Newel, sometimes into 4 parts, and one of them taken for the Newel, and sometimes into 3 parts, and one taken for the Newel, according to the convenience of the Room, &c.
Thus in the Figure you have the Semidiameter of the Profile, divided into 4 equall parts, one whereof is allowed the Newel, and the rest for the length of the Steps: You have the Circumference divided into 16 equall parts, and lines drawn from each part to the Newel; each space contained between two of those lines on the Profile, is the true figure of a Step; and if they were all cut out, and placed one above another, over their true place on the Profile, round about a Newel, whose Diameter should be one quarter of the length of each Step; you would by supporting each Step underneath, already have the Model of a true pair of Stairs, as they are laid down in the Figure.
XXXII.
THis Cornice I have often made use of for finishing of a Frontispiece, and hath been very well liked of: and though it be of my own invention, yet I have thought fitting to set it down at the end of this little work, for the benefit of them that shall think fitting to make use of it: its proportion with the Frontispiece is such, that the whole height being divided into 11 parts, there remains 1 for the Cornice, and 10 for the Frontispiece, and the rest is plain enough to be seen in the Figure.
XXXIII.
THis Figure and Ornament under the Cornice of the Dorick Order, is set down also in the tenth figure.