THE ARCHITECTUREOF Leone Batiſta Alberti.

BOOK I. CHAP. I.

Of Deſigns; their Value and Rules.

Being to treat of the Deſigns of Edifices, we ſhall collect and tran­ſcribe into this our Work, all the moſt curious and uſeſul Obſervations left us by the Ancients, and which they gathered in the actual Execution of theſe Works; and to theſe we ſhall join what­ever we ourſelves may have diſcovered by our Study, Application and Labour, that ſeems like­ly to be of Uſe. But as we deſire, in the hand­ling this difficult, knotty, and commonly ob­ſcure Subject, to be as clear and intelligible as poſſible; we ſhall, according to our Cuſtom, explain what the Nature of our Subject is; which will ſhew the Origin of the important Matters that we are to write of, at their very Fountain-Head, and enable us to expreſs the Things that follow, in a more eaſy and per­ſpicuous Style. We ſhall therefore firſt lay down, that the whole Art of Building conſiſts in the Deſign, and in the Structure. The whole Force and Rule of the Deſign, conſiſts in a right and exact adapting and joining to­gether the Lines and Angles which compoſe and form the Face of the Building. It is the Property and Buſineſs of the Deſign to appoint to the Edifice and all its Parts their proper Places, determinate Number, juſt Proportion and beautiful Order; ſo that the whole Form of the Structure be proportionable. Nor has this Deſign any thing that makes it in its Na­ture inſeparable from Matter; for we ſee that the ſame Deſign is in a Multitude of Buildings, which have all the ſame Form, and are exact­ly alike as to the Situation of their Parts and the Diſpoſition of their Lines and Angles; and we can in our Thought and Imagination con­trive perfect Forms of Buildings entirely ſepa­rate from Matter, by ſettling and regulating in a certain Order, the Diſpoſition and Conjunc­tion of the Lines and Angles. Which being granted, we ſhall call the Deſign a firm and graceful pre-ordering of the Lines and Angles, conceived in the Mind, and contrived by an ingenious Artiſt. But if we would enquire what a Building is in its own Nature, together with the Structure thereof, it may not be amiſs, to conſider from what Beginnings the Habita­tions of Men, which we call Edifices, took their Riſe, and the Progreſs of their Improve­ment: Which unleſs I am miſtaken, may be reſolved as follows.

CHAP II.

Of the firſt Occaſion of erecting Edifices; of how many Parts the Art of Building conſiſts, and what is neceſſary to each of thoſe Parts.

In the Beginning Men looked out for Set­tlements in ſome ſecure Country; and ha­ving found a convenient Spot ſuitable to their Occaſions, they there made themſelves a Ha­bitation ſo contrived, that private and publick Matters might not be confounded together in the ſame Place; but that they might have one Part for Sleep, another for their Kitchen, and others for their other neceſſary Uſes. They then began to think of a Covering to defend them from Sun and Rain; and in order there­to, they erected Walls to place this Covering upon. By this means they knew they ſhould be the more compleatly ſheltered from pierc­ing Colds, and ſtormy Winds. Laſtly, in the Sides of the Walls, from Top to Bottom, they opened Paſſages and Windows, for going in and out, and letting in Light and Air, and for the Conveniency of diſcharging any Wet, or any groſs Vapours, which might chance to get into the Houſe. And whoſoever it was, whether the Goddeſs Veſta, Daughter of Saturn, or Euryalus and Hyperbius, the two Brothers, or Gellio, or Thraſo, or the Cyclop Typhinchius,that firſt contrived theſe Things: I am per­ſuaded the firſt Beginnings of them were ſuch as I have deſcribed, and that Uſe and Arts have ſince improved them to ſuch a Pitch, that the various Kinds of Buildings are become almoſt infinite: Some are publick, ſome private, ſome ſacred, ſome profane, ſome ſerve for Uſe and Neceſſity, ſome for the Ornament of our Cities, or the Beauty of our Temples: But no body will therefore deny, that they were all derived from the Principles abovementioned: Which being ſo, it is evident, that the whole Art of Building conſiſts in ſix Things, which are theſe: The Region, the Seat or Platform, the Com­partition, the Walling, the Covering and the Apertures; and if theſe Principles are firſt thoroughly conceived, that which is to follow will the more eaſily be underſtood. We ſhall therefore define them thus, the Region with us ſhall be the whole large open Place in which we are to build, and of which the Seat or Plat­form ſhall be only a Part: But the Platform ſhall be a determined Spot of the Region, cir­cumſcribed by Walls for Uſe and Service. But under the Title of Platform, we ſhall likewiſe include all thoſe Spaces of the Buildings, which in walking we tread upon with our Feet. The Compartition is that which ſub-divides the whole Platform of the Houſe into ſmaller Plat­forms, ſo that the whole Edifice thus formed and conſtituted of theſe its Members, ſeems to be full of leſſer Edifices: By Walling we ſhall underſtand all that Structure, which is carried up from the Ground to the Top to ſupport the Weight of the Roof, and ſuch alſo as is raiſed on the Inſide of the Building, to ſepa­rate the Apartments; Covering we ſhall call not only that Part, which is laid over the Top of the Edifice to receive the Rain, but any Part too which is extended in length and breadth over the Heads of thoſe within; which includes all Ceilings, halſ-arched Roofs, Vaults, and the like. Apertures are all thoſe Outlets, which are in any Part of the Build­ing, for the Convenience of Egreſs and Re­greſs, or the Paſſage of Things neceſſary for the Inmates. Of theſe therefore we ſhall treat, and of all the Parts of each, having firſt pre­miſed ſome Things, which whether they are Principles, or neceſſary Concomitants of the Principles of this Work which we have under­taken, are certainly very much to our Purpoſe: For having conſidered, whether there was any Thing that might concern any of thoſe Parts which we have enumerated; we found three Things by no means to be neglected, which relate particularly to the Covering, the Wall­ing, and the like: Namely, that each of them be adapted to ſome certain and determinate Conveniency, and above all, be wholeſome. That they be firm, ſolid, durable, in a Man­ner eternal, as to Stability: And as to Grace­fulneſs and Beauty, delicately and juſtly adorn­ed, and ſet off in all their Parts. Having laid down theſe Principles as the Foundations of what we are to write, we proceed to our Subject.

CHAP. III.

Of the Region, of the Climate or Air, of the Sun and Winds, which affect the Air.

The Ancients uſed the utmoſt Caution to ſix upon a Region that had in it nothing noxious, and was furniſhed with all Conveniences; and eſpecially they took parti­cular Care that the Air was not unwholeſome or intemperate; in which they ſhewed a great Deal of Prudence; for they knew that if the Earth or Water had any Defect in them, Art and Induſtry might correct it; but they affirm­ed, that neither Contrivance nor Multitude of Hands was able ſufficiently to correct and a­mend the Air. And it muſt be allowed, that, as what we breathe is ſo conducive to the Nouriſhment and Support of Life, the purer it is, the more it muſt preſerve and main­tain our Health. Beſides, how great an In­fluence the Air has in the Generation, Pro­duction, Aliment, and Preſervation of Things, is unknown to nobody. It is even obſerved, that they who draw a pure Air, have better Underſtandings than thoſe who breathe a heavy moiſt one: Which is ſuppoſed to be the Rea­ſon that the Athenians had much ſharper Wits than the Thebans. We know that the Air, according to the different Situation and Poſiti­on of Places, affects us ſometimes in one Man­ner, and ſometimes in another. Some of the Cauſes of this Variety we imagine we under­ſtand; others by the Obſcurity of their Natures are altogether hidden and unknown to us. We ſhall firſt ſpeak of the manifeſt Cauſes, and conſider afterwards of the more occult; that we may know how to chuſe a Region com­modious and healthful. The Ancient Theo­logiſts called the Air Pallas. Homer makes her a Goddeſs, and names her Glaucopis, which ſignifies an Air naturally clear and tranſparent. And it is certain, that Air is the moſt healthy, which is the moſt purged and purified, and which may moſt eaſily be pierced by the Sight, the cleareſt and lighteſt, and the leaſt Subject to Variations. And on the contrary we af­firm the Air to be peſtiferous, where there is a continued Collection of thick Clouds and ſtink­ing Vapours, and which always hangs like a great Weight upon the Eyes, and obſtructs the Sight. The Occaſion of this Difference proceeds from ſeveral Cauſes, but chiefly I take it, from the Sun and Winds. But we are not here to ſpend Time in theſe phyſical En­quiries, how the Vapours by the Power of the Sun are raiſed from the moſt profound and hidden Parts of the Earth, and drawn up to the Sky, where gathering themſelves together in vaſt Bodies in the immenſe Spaces of the Air, either by their own huge Weight, or by receiving the Rays of the Sun upon their rari­fied Parts, they fall and thereby preſs upon the Air and occaſion the Winds; and being after­wards carried to the Ocean by their Drought, they plunge, and having bathed and impregna­ted themſelves with Moiſture from the Sea, they once more aſcend through the Air, where being preſſed by the Winds, and as it were ſqueezed like a Sponge, they diſcharge their Burthen of Water in Rains, which again create new Vapours. Whether theſe Conjec­tures be true, or whether the Wind be occaſi­oned by a dry Fumoſity of the Earth, or a hot Evaporation ſtirred by the Preſſure of the Cold; or that it be, as we may call it, the Breath of the Air; or nothing but the Air itſelf put into Agitation by the Motion of the World, or by the Courſe and Radiation of the Stars; or by the generating Spirit of all Things in its own Nature active, or ſomething elſe not of a ſepa­rate Exiſtence, but conſiſting in the Air itſelf acted upon and inflamed by the Heat of the higher Air; or whatever other Opinion or Way of accounting for theſe Things be truer or more ancient, I ſhall paſs it over as not making to my Purpoſe. However, unleſs I am miſtaken, we may conceive from what has been ſaid already, why ſome Countries in the World enjoy a pleaſant chearful Air, while others, cloſe adjoyning to them, and as it were laid by Nature in the ſame Lap, are ſtupified and afflicted with a heavy and diſmal Climate. For I ſuppoſe, that this happens from no other Cauſe, but their being ill diſpoſed for the O­peration of the Sun and Winds. Cicero tells us, that Syracuſe was ſo placed, that the Inha­bitants never miſſed ſeeing the Sun every Day in the Year; a Situation very ſeldom to be met with, but when Neceſſity or Opportunity will allow of it to be deſired above all Things. That Region therefore is to be choſen, which is moſt free from the Power of Clouds and all other heavy thick Vapours. Thoſe who ap­ply themſelves to theſe Enquiries have obſerv­ed, that the Rays and Heat of the Sun act with more Violence upon cloſe denſe Bodies, than upon thoſe of a looſer Contexture, upon Oil more than Water, Iron more than Wool; for which Reaſon they ſay the Air is moſt groſs and heavy in thoſe Places, which are moſt ſubject to great Heats. The Ægyptians con­tending for Nobility with all the other Nati­ons in the World, boaſted, that the firſt Men were created in their Country, becauſe no Place was ſo fit to plant the firſt Race of Men in, as there, where they might live the moſt healthily; and that they were bleſſed by the Gods with a Kind of perpetual Spring, and a cónſtant unchangeable Diſpoſition of Air above all the Reſt of the Word. And Herodotuswrites, that among the Ægyptians, thoſe chief­ly who lived towards Libia, are the moſt healthy, becauſe they enjoy continual gentle Breezes. And to me the Reaſon why ſome Cities, both in Italy and in other Parts of the World, are perpetually unhealthy and peſti­lential, ſeems plainly to be the ſudden Turns and Changes in the Air, from Hot to Cold, and from Cold to Hot. So that it very much concerns us to be extremely careful in our Ob­ſervation, what and how much Sun the Regi­on we pitch upon is expoſed to; that there be neither more Sun nor more Shade than is ne­ceſſary. The Garamantes curſe the Sun, both at it's Riſing and it's Setting, becauſe they are ſcorched with the long Continuation of it's Beams. Other Nations look pale and wan, by living in a Kind of perpetual Night. And theſe Things happen not ſo much, becauſe ſuch Places have the Pole more depreſſed or oblique, tho there is a great deal in that too, as becauſe they are aptly ſituated for receiving the Sun and Winds, or are skreened from them. I ſhould chuſe ſoft Breezes before Winds, but even Winds, though violent and bluſtering, before a Calm, motionleſs, and conſequently, a heavy Air. Water, ſays Ovid, corrupts, if not mov­ed: And it is certain the Air, to uſe ſuch an Expreſſion, wonderfully exhilerated by Moti­on: For I am perſuaded, that thereby the Va­pours which riſe from the Earth are either diſ­ſipated, or elſe growing warm by Action are concocted as they ſhould be. But then I would have theſe Winds come to me, broken by the Oppoſition of Hills and Woods, or tir­ed with a long Journey. I would take heed that they did not bring any ill Qualities along with them, gathered from any Places they paſſed through. And for this Reaſon we ſhould be careſul to avoid all Neighbourhoods from which any noxious Particles may be brought: In the Number of which are all ill Smells, and all groſs Exhalations from Marſhes, and eſpecially from ſtagnating Waters and Ditches. The Naturaliſts lay it down for cer­tain, that all Rivers that uſe to be ſupplied by Snows, bring cold ſoggy Winds: But no Water is ſo noiſome and pernicious, as that which rots and putriies for want of Motion. And the Contagion of ſuch a Neighbourhood will be ſtill more miſchievous, according as it is more or leſs expoſed to unwholeſome Winds: For we are told, that the very Winds them­ſelves are in their own Natures ſome more wholeſome than others. Thus Pliny from Theophraſtus and Hippocrates informs us, that the North is the beſt for reſtoring and preſerv­ing of Health; and all the Naturaliſts affirm, that the South is the moſt noxious of all to Mankind; nay further, that the very Beaſts may not ſafely be left in the Fields while that Wind blows; and they have obſerved, that at ſuch Times the Stork never flies, and that the Dolphins in a North Wind, if it ſtands fair to­wards them, can hear any Voice, but in a South, they are more ſlow in hearing it, and muſt have it brought to them oppoſite to the Wind. They ſay too, that in a North Wind an Eel will live ſix Days out of Water, but not ſo in a South, ſuch is the Groſſneſs and un­wholeſome Property of that Wind; and that as the South Wind brings Catarrhs and Rheums, ſo the North-Weſt is apt to give Coughs. They likewiſe find Fault with the Neighbourhood of the Mediterranean, upon this Account chiefly, becauſe they ſuppoſe, that a Place expoſed to the Reflection of the Sun's Rays, does in ef­fect ſuffer two Suns, one ſcorching them from the Heavens, and the other from the Water; and ſuch Places upon the Setting of the Sun feel the greateſt and moſt ſenſible Alrerations in the Air when the cold Shadows of Night come on. And there are ſome who think, that the Weſtern Reverberations or Reflections of the Sun, either from the Sea or any other Water, or from the Mountains, moleſt us moſt of all: Becauſe they double the Heat of a Place already ſufficiently warmed by whole Day's Sun. And if it happens, that with all this Sun the heavy groſs Winds have free Acceſs to you, what can be more annoying or intollerable? The early Morning Breezes too, which bring the Vapours crude juſt as they are raiſed, are certainly to be avoided. Thus we have briefly ſpoken of the Sun and Winds, by which the Air is altered and made healthy and noxious, as much as we thought neceſſary here: And in their Places we ſhall diſcourſe of them more diſtinctly.

CHAP. IV.

Which Region is, and which is not commodious for Building.

In chuſing the Region it will be proper to have it ſuch, that the Inhabitants may find it convenient in all Reſpects, both as to its na­tural Properties, and as to the Neighbourhood and its Correſpondence with the reſt of Man­kind. For certainly I would never build a City upon a ſteep inacceſſible Cliff of the Alps, as Caligula intended; unleſs obliged by the ut­moſt Extremity: Nor in a ſolitary Deſart, as Varro deſcribes that Part of France to have been which was beyond the Rhine, and as Cæſarpaints England in his Days. Neither ſhould I be pleaſed to live, as in Ægina, only upon the Eggs of Birds, or upon Acorns, as they did in ſome Parts of Spain in Pliny's Time. I would if poſſible have nothing be wanting that could be of Uſe in Life. For this Reaſon, more than any other, Alexander was perfectly in the right in not building a City upon Mount Athos(though the Invention and Deſign of the Archi­tect Policrates muſt needs have been wonder­ful) becauſe the Inhabitants could never have been well ſupplied with Conveniences. Ariſtotlewas indeed beſt pleaſed with a Region that was difficult of Acceſs, and eſpecially to build a City in: And we find there have been ſome Nations, which have choſe to have their Con­fines quite ſtript and laid into a Deſart for a great Way together, only in order to diſtreſs their Enemies. Whether this Method is to be approved or blamed, we ſhall examine in an­other Place. If it is of Service in a publick Regard, I cannot find Fault with it: But for the Situation of other Buildings, I ſhould much rather chuſe a Region that had many and dif­ferent Ways of Acceſs, for the eaſy bringing in all Manner of Neceſſaries, both by Land-Car­riage and Water-Carriage, as well in Winter as in Summer. The Region itſelf likewiſe ſhould neither be too moiſt through too great abundance of Water, nor too much parched with Drought, but be kindly and temperate. And if we cannot find one exactly in all Re­ſpects as we would have it, let us chuſe it ra­ther ſomewhat cold and dry, than warm and moiſt: For our Houſes, our Cloaths, Fires, and Exerciſe, will eaſily overcome the Cold; neither is it believed, that the Dryneſs of a Soil can have any thing in it very noxious, either to the Bodies or Mind, only that by Dryneſs Men's Bodies are hardened, and by Cold per­haps made ſomewhat rougher: But it is held for certain, that all Bodies corrupt with too much Humidity, and are relaxed by Heat. And we find that Men either in cold Weather, or that live in cold Places, are more healthy and leſs ſubject to Diſtempers; though it is al­lowed, that in hot Climates Men have better Wits, as they have better Conſtitutions in cold. I have read in Appian the Hiſtorian, that the Numidians are very long lived, becauſe their Winters are never too cold. That Region therefore will be far the beſt, which is juſt moderately warm and moiſt, becauſe that will produce luſty handſome Men, and not ſubject to Melancholy. Secondly, that Region will be moſt eligible, which being placed among Countries liable to Snow, enjoys more Sun than its Neighbours; and among Countries burnt by the Sun, that which has moſt Humi­dity and Shade. But no Building, let it be what it will, can be placed more unſightly or inconveniently, than in a Valley down be­tween two Hills; becauſe, not to inſiſt upon more manifeſt Reaſons, an Edifice ſo placed has no Manner of Dignity, lying quite hid; and it's Proſpect being interrupted can have neither Pleaſure nor Beauty. But what is this to thoſe greater Miſchiefs which will ſhortly happen, when the Houſe is overwhelmed by Floods and filled with Waters that pour in up­on it from the adjoining Hills; and imbibing continual Wet, rots and decays, and always exhales Vapours extreamly noxious to the Health of its Inhabitants. In ſuch a Place, the Underſtanding can never be clear, the Spirits being dampt and ſtupified; nor will any Kind of Bodies endure long. The Books will grow mouldy and rot; the Arms will ruſt, nothing in the Storehouſe will keep, and in ſhort, the Exceſs of Moiſture will ſpoil and deſtroy every Thing. If the Sun ſhines in, you will be ſcorched inſufferably by the fre­quent Reflection of his Rays, which will be beat back upon you from every Side, and if it does not, you will be dried and withered by the continual Shade. Add to this, that if the Winds gets in, being confined as it were in a Channel, it will rage there with greater Fury than in other Places; and if it never enters, the Air for want of Motion will grow thick and muddy; ſuch a Valley may not impro­perly be called a Puddle, or Bog of Air. The Form of the Place therefore in which we in­tend to build, ought to be graceful and plea­ſant, not mean and low, as if it were buried below the reſt of the Earth, but lofty, and as it were a Hawk to look clear round about, and conſtantly refreſhed on every Side with de­lightful Breezes. Beſides this, let there be Plenty of every Thing neceſſary, either to the Convenience or Pleaſure of Life, as Water, Fire and Proviſions: But Care muſt be taken, that there is nothing in any of theſe Things prejudicial to the Health. The Springs muſt be opened and taſted, and the Water tried by Fire, that there be no Mixture in it of mucous, viſcous or crude Particles, that may affect the Conſtitutions of the Inhabitants. I omit the ill Effects that often proceed from Water, as breeding Wens in the Throat, and giving the Stone; as likewiſe thoſe other more wonderful Effects of Water, which Vitruvius the Archi­tect has learnedly and elegantly ſummed up. It is the Opinion of the Phyſician Hipocrates,that they who drink Water not well purged, but heavy and ill-taſted, grow Cholicky, and to have large ſwelled Bellies, while the reſt of their Members, their Arms, their Shoulders and their Faces become thin and extenuated. Add to this, that though the Fault of the Spleen ill digeſting of the Blood, they fall into ſeveral Kinds of Diftempers, ſome even peſtilential. In Summer, Fluxes of the Belly by the ſtir­ring of the Choler, and the diſſolving of the Humours waſte all their Strength; and all the Year round they are continually liable to heavy and tedious Infirmities, ſuch as the Dropſy, Aſthma and Pleuriſy. The young loſe their Senſes by melancholy Bile; the old are burnt by the Inflammation of the Humours; the Women with Difficulty conceive, and with more Difficulty bring forth: In a Word, every Age and every Sex will fall by early and un­timely Deaths, deſtroyed and worn away by Diſeaſes; nor will they enjoy a ſingle Day while they live, without being tormented with Melancholy or black Humours, and fretted with Spleen and Vapours; ſo that their Minds will never be free from Vexation and Uneaſi­neſs. Many other Things might be ſaid of Water, which have been obſerved by the an­cient Hiſtorians, very curious and remarkable, and of extream Efficacy to the Health of Man­kind; but they are uncommon, and might ſeem rather intended to make a Shew of Knowledge than for actual Uſe; beſides that we ſhall ſpeak more copiouſly of Waters in their proper Place. Thus much certainly is not to be neglected, and is moſt manifeſt, namely, that Water gives Nouriſhment to all Plants, Seeds, and every Thing elſe that has the vegetative Life, with the Plenty of whoſe Fruits Men are refreſhed and ſupported. If all this be granted, certainly we ought very carefully to examine what Veins of Water the Country is furniſhed with, in which we intend to dwell. Diodorus tells us, that the Indiansare generally luſty ſtrong Men, and very ſharp witted, which he imputes to their having a wholeſome Air and good Water. Now that Water we conceive to be the beſt taſted which has no Taſte, and that is beſt coloured which has no Colour at all. It is agreed, that the beſt Water is clear, tranſparent and light, ſuch as being poured upon a white Cloth leaves no Stain; and upon boiling has no Sediment, and which does not cover the Bed it flows in with Moſs or Slime, nor eſpecially the Stones which it runs over. A further Proof of the Goodneſs of Water is, when boiling any Kind of Pulſe in it makes them tender, and when it makes good Bread. Neither ſhould we be leſs careful to ex­amine and note, whether the Region ingenders nothing peſtiferous or venemous, that the Inha­bitants may be in no Danger. I paſs over ſome Things, which are recorded by the An­cients, to wit, that in Colchos there diſtills from the Leaves of the Trees a Honey, which who­ſoever taſtes falls ſenſeleſs, and for a whole Day ſeems to be dead: As alſo what is ſaid to have happened in Antony's Army, occaſioned by certain Herbs, which the Soldiers eating for want of Bread, grew beſotted, and employed themſelves in nothing but digging Stones out of the Ground, till their Choler being ſtirred they fell down dead; nor was any Remedy found againſt this Plague, as we are informed by Plutarch, but drinking of Wine; theſe Things are commonly known. But good Heavens! what ſhall we ſay to what has hap­pened in our own Days in Apulia in Italy;what incredible Effects of Poiſon have we ſeen there! the Bite of a ſmall Earth Spider, com­monly called a Tarantula, throwing Men into various Kinds of Madneſs, and even Fury; a Thing ſtrange to be told. No Swelling, no livid Spot appearing in any Part of the Body from the ſharp Bite or Sting of the venomous Beaſt; but ſuddenly loſing their Senſes, they fall piteouſly to bewail themſelves, and if no Aſſiſtance is given them they die. They cure this Diſtemper with Theophraſtus's Remedy, who ſays, that Perſons bit by Vipers uſed to be cured by the Sound of Pipes. The Muſi­cians therefore with different Kinds of Har­mony try to aſſwage the Pain, and when they hit upon the Kind proper to the Patient, im­mediately, as if he were ſuddenly awakened, he ſtarts up, and tranſported with Joy, falls to beſtirring himſelf to the Muſick with all his Strength, in whatever his Fancy prompts him to. Some that are thus bit, you ſhall ſee ex­erciſe themſelves in Dancing, others in Singing, and others ſtirring in other Motions, juſt as their Inclination or Madneſs guides them, till through mere Wearineſs they are forced to give over. And thus without giving them­ſelves the leaſt Reſt, they will ſweat themſelves for ſome Days, and ſo recover their Health merely by their Madneſs having quite ſpent it­ſelf. We read too of ſomething like this that happened among the Albanians, who ſought againſt Pompey with ſuch a Power of Horſe; that there was a Sort of Cobweb among them, which whoever touched ſurely died, ſome Laughing, and others on the contrary Weeping.

CHAP. V.

By what Marks and Characters we are to know the Goodneſs of the Region.

Nor are thoſe Things alone ſufficient for the chuſing of the Region, which are obvious and manifeſt of themſelves; but we muſt weigh every Circumſtance, and conſider the moſt occult Tokens. Thus it will be a good Sign of an excelient Air and of good Wa­ter, if the Country produces Plenty of good Fruits, if it foſters a good Number of Men of a good old Age, if it abounds with luſty hand­ſome Youth, if the People are fruitful, and if the Births are natural and never monſtrous. I have myſelf ſeen ſome Cities, which out of Re­ſpect to the Times I forbear to name, where there is ſcarce a Woman, but what ſees herſelf at the ſame Inſtant, the Mother both of a Man and of a Monſter. Another City I know in Italy, where there are ſo many People Hump­backed, Squint-eyed, Crooked and Lame, that there is ſcarce a Family, but what has Some­body in it defective or diſtorted. And cer­tainly, where we ſee ſuch frequent and great Inequalities of Pody to Body, and Member to Member; we may well conclude, that it pro­ceeds from ſome Defect in the Climate or Air, or from ſome more hidden Cauſe of the Cor­ruption of Nature. Nor is it foreign to our Purpoſe what has been obſerved, that in a groſs Air we are more inclined to Hunger, and in a thin One to Thirſt: and we may not impro­bably draw ſome Conjectures from the Shape and Looks of other Animals, what Conſtituti­ons the Men will have in the ſame Place; for if the Cattle look lively, fat and large, you may not unreaſonably hope to have Children that will be ſo too. Neither will it be amiſs to gather Notice of the Air and Winds, even from other Bodies not endued with animal Life; thus if the Walls of the neighbouring Buildings are grown ruſty and rugged, it ſhews that ſome malignant Influence has Power there. The Trees too bending all one Way, as if by general Conſent, ſhew that they have ſuffered the Force of high rough Winds; and the very Stones, whether growing in their na­tive Seats, or placed in Buildings, if their Tops are any thing conſiderably rotted, ſhew the Intemperature of the Air, ſometimes too hot and ſometimes over cold. A Region ſo ex­poſed to the furious Aſſaults of Tempeſts is to be avoided, as the very worſt of all; for if the Bodies of Men are ſeized with too exceſſive Cold or Heat, the whole Frame and Contex­ture of all the Parts is preſently broken and diſſolved, and ſalls into dangerous Diſtempers and immature old Age. A City ſtanding at the Foot of a Hill, and looking towards the ſetting Sun, is accounted unhealthy, more for this Reaſon than any other, that it feels too ſuddenly the cold chilling Breezes of the Night. It may likewiſe be convenient by looking back into Times paſt, according to the Obſervations of the Wiſe, to examine into Properties yet more hidden, if there be ſuch in the Place: For there are Countries which have in their Nature ſome Secret undiſcovered Qualities, which confer Happineſs or Unhappineſs. Lo­cris and Crotona are ſaid to have never been infected with any Plague. In the Iſle of Candia there is no miſchievous Creature. In France very few Monſters are born; in other Places the Naturaliſts ſay, that in the Middle either of Summer or Winter it never Thunders: But in Campania, according to Pliny, it Thun­ders at thoſe very Times over thoſe Cities that ſtand to the South; and the Mountains near Albania are ſaid to be called Ceraunia, from the frequent Lightnings that fall upon it. The Iſle of Lemnos too being very ſubject to Light­ning, was the Reaſon, Servius informs us, of the Poets feigning that Vulcan fell there from Heaven. About the Streights of Gallipoli and the Eſſedones, it was never known either to Thunder or Lighten. If it Rains in Ægyptit is reckoned a Prodigy. Near the Hydaſpesin the Beginning of Summer it Rains continu­ally. They ſay that in Lybia the Air is ſo ſeldom ſtirred by Winds, that it grows ſo thick, that ſeveral Kinds of Vapours are viſible in the Sky: And on the Contrary, in moſt Parts of Gala­tia, the Winds blow in Summer with ſo much Violence, that it drives along the very Stones like Sand. In Spain near the Ebro, they ſay the North-Weſt Wind blows ſo hard, that it overturns Carts heavy laden: In Æthiopia we are told the South never blows, and Hiſtorians write, that this Wind in Arabia and the Country of the Troglodites burns up every Thing that is green: And Thucydides affirms, that Delos was never troubled with Earth­quakes, but always ſtood firm upon the ſame Rock, though the other Iſlands all about it were often laid in Ruins by Earthquakes, We ourſelves ſee, that the Part of Italy, which runs from the Selva dell' Aglio below Rome,all along the Ridge of Hills of the Campagna di Roma quite to Capua, is perpetually ſtript and almoſt quite laid waſte by Earthquakes. Some believe Achaia was ſo called from its ſre­quent Inundations of Water. I find that Romewas always ſubject to Agues, and Galen takes thoſe Agues to be a new Kind of double Ter­tian, which muſt have varions and almoſt di­rect Remedies applied to it at different Sea­ſons. It is an old Fable among the Poets, that Typho the Giant being buried in the Iſland of Prochyta, often turns himſelf about, and with his turning ſhakes the whole Iſland from its very Foundation. The Reaſon of this Ficti­on of the Poets was, becauſe that Iſland was ſo tormented with Earthquakes and Eruptions, that the Erythreans and Chalcidians, who in­habited it, were forced to fly for it. And a­gain, aftewards thoſe who were ſent by Hiero of Syracuſe to build a new City there, frightened with the continual Danger of Deſtruction, de­ſerted it too. Wherefore all Things of this Nature are to be ſifted out from long Obſer­vation, and examined and compared by other Places, in order to come at a clear and full Knowledge of every Particular.

CHAP. VI.

Of ſome more hidden Conveniencies and Inconveniencies of the Region which a wiſe Man ought to enquire into.

We ought further to enquire carefully, whether the Region is uſed to be mo­leſted with any more hidden Inconveniency. Plato believed, that in ſome Places the Influ­ence of Spirits often reigned, and was at ſome­times miſchievous, and at others propitious to the Inhabitants. It is certain there are ſome Places where Men are very ſubject to run mad, others where they are caſily diſpoſed to do themſelves a Miſchief, and where they put an End to their own Lives by Halters or Preci­pices, Steel or Poiſon. It is therefore very ne­ceſſary to examine by the moſt occult Traces of Nature, every Thing that can be attended with ſuch Effects. It was an ancient Cuſtom brought down even from Demetrius's Time, not only in laying the Foundations of Cities and Towns, but alſo in marking out Camps for the Armies, to inſpect the Entrails of the Beaſt that grazed upon the Place, and to ob­ſerve both their Condition and Colour. In which if they chanced to find any Defect, they avoided that Place as unhealthy. Varro in­forms us of his own Knowledge, that in ſome Places the Air was full of minute Animalcules as ſmall as Atoms, which being received toge­ther with the Breath into the Lungs, faſtened upon the Inteſtines, and gnawing upon them, cauſed dreadful raging Diſeaſes, and at length Plagues and Death. Nor ought we to forget that there are ſome Places, which, though in their own Nature, they are ſubject to no In­convenience or Miſchief whatſoever, yet are ſo ſituated, that by the Arrival of Foreigners they will often be infected with peſtilential Diſtem­pers. And this ſhall happen, not only by Means of Armies of Enemies endeavouring to do you all the Miſchief they can, as befals thoſe Nations which are expoſed to inhuman Barba­rians; but by a friendly Reception and Enter­tainment of them you ſhall expoſe yourſelf to extreme Calamities. Others by having Neigh­bours deſirous of Innovations, have by their Broils and Deſtruction fallen into great Dangers themſelves. Pera a City upon the Pontus, a Colony of the Genoeſe, is continually afflicted with the Plague, by their giving daily Admiſ­ſion to Slaves, both infirm in Mind, and almoſt quste rotten and worn away with mere Filth and Naſtineſs. Some likewiſe will have it, that it is the Part of a prudent and wiſe Man to en­quire by Augury and the Obſervation of the Heavens, what Fortune he ſhall have in ſuch a Place. Which Arts, provided they are not incompatiable with our Religion, I own I do not diſpiſe. Who can deny that what they call Fortune, whatever ſhe be, has a very great Power over human Affairs? Can we venture to affirm, that the publick Fortune of Rome had not a great Share in the Enlargement of the Empire? The City of Iolaus in Sardinia, built by a Grandſon of Hercules, though oſten at­tacked both by the Carthaginians and the Ro­mans, yet as Diodorus writes, always preſerved its Liberty. Can we ſuppoſe that the Temple at Delphos, firſt burnt by Flegias, ſhould after­wards in Sylla's Time be conſumed by Fire, the third Time, without the particular ill For­tune of that Place? What ſhall we ſay of the Capitol? How often has that been in Flames? The City of the Sybarites, after repeated Cala­mities, often deſerted and often reſtored, at length quite ruined, was utterly abandoned; nay, thoſe who fled from it were purſued by ill Fortune, nor could they, by removing their Dwellings and leaving the ancient Name of their City, ever ſave themſelves from Miſery and Deſtruction: For new Inhabitants coming in upon them, all their moſt ancient and prin­cipal Families, their ſacred Edifices and their whole City, were utterly laid waſte and de­ſtroyed with Fire and Sword. But we need not dwell upon theſe Things which Hiſtorians are full of. Our whole Deſign is to ſhew, that it is the Part of a wiſe Man to do every thing which may make him ſecure, that the Trouble and Expence of his Building ſhall not be in vain, and that his Work itſelf may be perma­nent. And certainly to omit no Precaution which may effect ſo great a Deſign, is the Bu­ſineſs of every prudent Man. Or will you ſay, that it is not of the utmoſt Importance both to you and yours to execute an Undertaking, that brings with it Health, Dignity and Pleaſure, and recommends your Name with Reputation to Poſterity? Here you are to apply yourſelves to your Studies, here you are to breed your dear Children and live with your Fa­mily, here you are to ſpend your Days both of Labour and Reſt, here all the Schemes of your whole Life are to be executed; ſo that I do not think any Thing in the World can be named, except Virtue, which can deſerve more Care and Application, than to fix a good and convenient Habitation for yourſelf and Family. And who can be ſure of having ſuch a one, who deſpiſes the Precautions before-mention­ed? but of theſe enough. Come we now to the Seat or Platform.

CHAP. VII.

Of the Seat or Platform, and of the ſeveral Sorts of Lines.

In chuſing the Platform, we ought to ob­ſerve all the ſame Rules that we have laid down about the Region; for as the Region is a determinate and ſelect Part of the whole Country, ſo the Platform is a certain determi­nate Part of the Region taken up by the Building; and for this Reaſon, any Thing that may annoy or be of Service to the Region, may do the ſame to the Platform. But though this be ſo, yet our Diſcuſſion and Conſiderati­ons here will offer us ſome Precepts, which ſeem particularly to regard the Platform only; and ſome again which do not ſeem ſo proper­ly to belong to the Seat as in a great Meaſure to the Region; which are theſe. It is neceſ­ſary to conſider what Work we are taking in Hand, publick or private, ſacred or profane, and ſo of the Reſt, which we ſhall treat of diſ­tinctly in their proper Places. For one Situa­tion and one Space is to be allotted to an Ex­change, another to a Theatre, another to a Palæſtra, or Place of Exerciſe, and another to a Temple; ſo that we muſt have regard to the Quality and Uſe of every Edifice in the Deter­mining of its Situation and Form. But to proceed here only in a general Diſcuſſion of theſe Things as we began, we ſhall touch on­ly upon thoſe Points which we judge neceſ­ſary: Firſt ſaying ſomething of Lines, which may be of Service for underſtanding what fol­lows. For being to treat of the Deſign of the Platform, it will not be inconvenient to explain thoſe Things firſt whereof that Deſign con­ſiſts. Every Deſign therefore is compoſed of Lines and Angles; the Lines are that extreme Deſign which includes the whole Space of the Platform. That Part of the Superficies of this Deſign, which is contained between two Lines touching at ſome certain Point, is called an Angle. The Interſection therefore or croſſing of two Lines over each other form four Angles. If each of theſe Angles be equal to all and each of the other three, they are called right Angles; if they are leſs, they are called acute, and the greater obtuſe. Of Lines too ſome are ſtrait and others curve; of involved winding Lines it is not neceſſary to ſpeak here. The ſtrait Line is a Line drawn from one Point to an­other, the ſhorteſt Way that poſſibly can be. The curve Line is Part of a Circle; a Circle is a Draught made from one of two Points, and turned upon the ſame Superficies in ſuch a Manner, that in its whole Circumference it is never nearer nor farther from that immoveable Point the Centre, than it was at the firſt Turn. But to this it is neceſſary to add, that the curve Line, which was ſaid to be Part of the Circle, among us Architects, for its Similitude, is call­ed an Arch. And the ſtrait Line, which is drawn from the two extreme Points of the curve Line, for the ſame Reaſon is called a Chord. And that Line, which goes from the middle Point of the Chord up to the Arch, leaving equal Angles on each Side, is called the Sagitta. And that which is carried from the fixed immoveable Point within the Circle to the curve Line of the Circle, is call­ed the Radius. And that immoveable Point in the Middle is called the Centre. And the Line which paſſes through the Centre and touches both Sides of the Circumference, is

called the Diameter. Arches too are different, for ſome are entire, ſome are imperfect, and ſome are compoſite. The entire is that which is the full Half of a Circle, or that whoſe Chord is the Diameter of the whole Circle. The Imperfect is that whoſe Chord is leſs than a Diameter, ſo that this imperfect Arch is Part of a Semi-circle. The compoſite Arch is formed of two imperfect Arches, and ſo the joyning of thoſe two Arches, interſecting each other, makes an Angle at Top, which never happens either in the entire or imperfect Arch. Theſe Things being premiſed, we proceed as follows.

*

CHAP. VIII.

Of the Kinds of Platforms, their Forms and Figures, and which are the moſt ſerviceable and laſting.

Of Platforms, ſome are angular and others circular; of the angular, ſome conſiſt all of right Lines, and ſome of right Lines and curve mixed together. But I do not re­member among the Buildings of the Ancients to have met with any angular Deſign, com­poſed of ſeveral curve Lines, without any Mix­ture of ſtrait Lines at all: But in this we ſhould have regard to thoſe Things, which be­ing wanting in all Parts of the Structure, are greatly blamed; and which, where they are, make the Edifice handſome and convenient. It is that the Angles, the Lines and all the Parts have a certain Variety, but not too much nor too little of it, but ſo ordered both for Uſe and Beauty, that the entire Parts may an­ſwer to the entire, and like Parts to like. Right Angles are very convenient; the Acute are never uſed even in mean inconſiderable Plat­forms, unleſs upon abſolute Neceſſity, or the Conſtraint of the Nature and Manner of the Situation, or to make ſome other Part of the Platform more graceful. The obtuſe Angles, have been thought very convenient, but it has always been obſerved as a Rule never to place them any where in unequal Numbers. The circular Platform is eſteemed to be the moſt capacious of all, and the leaſt expenſive to en­cloſe either with Wall or Rampart. The neareſt to this is ſaid to be that which has ſe­veral Sides, but then they muſt be all alike and anſwerable to each other, and equal through­out the whole Platform. But thoſe are com­mended moſt of all, which are moſt conveni­ent for raiſing the Wall to the juſt Heighth of the Work, as are thoſe which have ſix and eight Sides. I have ſeen a Platform of ten Angles very commodious and majeſtick. You may make them very well of twelve, nay, ſix­teen Angles. I myſelf have ſeen one of twenty­four; but theſe are very rare. The Side Lines ought to be ſo ordered, that thoſe which are oppoſite may be equal to them, nor ſhould we ever in any Work apply a long Line to correſ­pond to a ſhort one; but let there be a juſt and reaſonable Proportion, according to the Degree of the Thing, among all the Parts. We would have the Angles ſet towards that Side, which either any Weight of Earth, or the Violence and Aſſaults of Waters or Winds may threaten and endanger; to the Intent that the Force and Shock that beats upon the Edifice may be broken and ſplit into ſeveral Parts, re­ſiſting the Attack (to uſe ſuch an Expreſſion) with the ſtout Corner of the Wall, and not with one of the weak Sides. But if the other Lineaments of the Structure hinder you from diſpoſing of ſuch an Angle in ſuch a Part as you could deſire, at leaſt make uſe of a curve Line; that being a Part of a Circle, and the Circle itſelf according to the Philoſophers be­ing all Angles. Further, the Seat muſt be either upon a Plain, or on the Side or Top of a Hill; if it is on a Plain, it is neceſſary to raiſe the Earth and make ſomething of an E­minence; for beſides that, ſuch a Situation in a Plain adds much of Dignity, if you neglect to do it, you will find very great Inconveniences. For the overflowing of Rivers and Rains gene­rally leaves Mud upon level Grounds, which by degrees raiſes the Earth higher and higher, which ſtill increaſes, if through Negligence the Rubbiſh and Dirt, which gathers every Day be not removed. Frontinus the Architect uſed to ſay, that ſeveral Hills were riſen in Rome in his Time by the continual Fires. But we in our Days ſee it in a Manner quite buried under Ground with Filth and Rubbiſh. In the Dutchy of Spoletto, I have ſeen a ſmall ancient Temple, which at firſt was built in a Plain, that is now almoſt wholly buried by the raiſ­ing of the Earth; that Plain reaching to the Foot of the Hills. But why ſhould I menti­on Buildings that ſtand under Mountains? That noble Temple by the Wall of Ravenna,which has for its Covering a Cup of Stone of one ſingle Piece, though it be near the Sea and far enough from the Hills, is above a fourth Part ſunk in the Earth, through the Injury of Time. But how high this Eminence ought to be raiſed for each Platform, ſhall be ſhewn in due Time, when we come to treat of that Subject more particularly, and not ſummarily as we do here. It is certain every Situation ſhould be made ſtrong, either by Nature or Art. And therefore it is not amiſs to follow their Method, who adviſe firſt to try the Good­neſs of the Earth by digging in ſeveral Places at ſome Diſtance the one from the other, whe­ther it be firm or looſe, or ſoft, fit or unfit to bear the Weight of the Wall. For if it ſtands upon a Deſcent, we muſt have a Care that the upper Part does not lie too heavy and break down the lower; or that the lower Part, if any Accident ſhould ſhake it, does not pull the upper down along with it. I would have this Part of the Building, which is intended to be the Baſis of all the Reſt, particularly ſtrong and tightly knit together in all its Parts. If the Seat be upon the Summit of an Hill, either it ſhould be raiſed where it is not even, or elſe be made level by plaining away the Top. But here we are to conſider, that we ſhould always chuſe that Way (though ſtill with a due Re­gard to the Dignity of the Work) which is leaſt troubleſome and expenſive. Perhaps it may be proper to pare away ſome of the Top of the Hill, and enlarge and add to the Sides. For which Reaſon that Architect, whoever he was, ſhewed a great deal of Contrivance, that built Alatro, a Town of the Campagna di Roma,ſeated upon a Rocky Hill; for he ſo ordered it, that the Foundations of the Citadel or Tem­ple (whatever it was) which are all that now remain, the Superſtructure being quite demo­liſhed, ſhould be ſupported and ſortified be­neath by the Pieces of Stone cut off in plaining the Top of the Rock. And there is another Thing in that Work that I am extremely pleaſed with; namely, that he ſet the Angle of the Platform towards that Side on which the Rock has the moſt precipitate Deſcent, and fortified that Angle with huge Pieces of the Fragments piled up one upon the other, and contrived by the joyning of the Stones to make the Structure beautiful with a very little Ex­pence. I am likewiſe very much pleaſed with the Contrivance of that other Architect, who not having a ſufficient Quantity of Stone, in order to keep up the Weight of the Hill, made a Fence of a great Number of Semi-circles, putting the Backs of the Curves within the Hill; which beſides that it looked handſome to the Eye, was extremely ſtrong and very cheap; for it makes a Wall, which though not ſolid, was as firm as if it had been ſolid, and of the Thickneſs of the Sagitta of thoſe Curves. I like Vitruvius's Method too, which I find was obſerved by the ancient Archi ects all over Rome, and eſpecially in Tarquin's Wall, of making uſe of Buttreſſes; though they did not every where mind to make the Diſtance be­tween one Buttreſs and another, to be the ſame as the Heighth of the Wall; but as the Strength or Weakneſs of the Hill required it, they placed them ſometimes cloſer and ſome­times further off. I have taken Notice too, that the ancient Architects were not contented with making one Slope for their Platform, but raiſed ſeveral like ſo many Steps, which ſtrengthened and ſecured the Sides of the Hill quite down to the very Root of it. Nor can I diſapprove their Method herein. That Stream at Perugia, which runs under Mount Lucino and the Hill the Town ſtands upon, continually undermining and eating away the Root of the Mountain, by degrees brings down all the impending Weight; by which means a great Part of the Town drops and falls to Ruin. I am mightily pleaſed with that Num­ber of little Chapels, which are fixed about the Area of the great Church in the Vatican; for of theſe, ſuch as are placed in the Hollows of the Mountains cloſe againſt the Wall of the Church, are of great Service both as to Strength and Convenience, in ſupporting the Weight of the Hill, which continually grows heavier and heavier, and in intercepting the Wet, which falls from the Top of the Cliff, and keeping it from getting into the Church; by which means the principal Wall of it keeps dry and ſound. And thoſe Chapels, which are placed on the other Side at the loweſt Decline of the Hill, ſerve with their Arches to cloſe the Plain, which is made above, and preventing the Earth from crumbling keeps it from falling in. And I have obſerved that the Architect, who built the Temple of Latona in Rome, contrived his Work and his Structure very ingeniouſly; for he ſo placed the Angle of the Platform within the impending Hill, that two upright Walls ſupported the incumbent Weight, and divided and broke the Preſſure by ſetting that Angle againſt it. But ſince we have begun to cele­brate the Praiſes of the Ancients that contriv­ed their Buildings prudently, I will not omit one Thing which I recollect, and which is very much to the preſent Purpoſe. In the Church oſ St. Mark at Venice is a very uſeful Precauti­on of the Architect, who having made the Foundation of the Temple very ſtrong, leſt every here and there a Hole, that if by chance any ſubterraneous Vapour or Wind ſhould be gathered there, it might eaſily find a Paſſage out. To conclude, all the Plains that you make which are to be under any Covering, muſt be laid exactly level, but thoſe which are to be left open, ſhould have juſt Slope enough for the Rain to run off; but of this we have ſaid enough, and perhaps more than was re­quiſite in this Place; becauſe moſt of theſe Things reſpect the Walling. But as they happen­ed to fall naturally together, we did not think proper to ſeparate them in our Diſcourſe. It remains that we treat of the Compartition.