For we must not build temples according to the same rules to all gods alike, since the performance of the sacred rites varies with the various gods. Marcus Vitruvius Pollio More Quotes by Marcus Vitruvius Pollio More Quotes From Marcus Vitruvius Pollio Of course, we need not be surprised if artistic excellence goes unrecognized on account of being unknown; but there should be the greatest indignation when, as often, good judges are flattered by the charm of social entertainments into an approbation which is a mere a pretence. Marcus Vitruvius Pollio excellence judging needs Apollo at Delphi, through the oracular utterance of his priestess, pronounced Socrates the wisest of men. Of him it is related that he said with sagacity and great learning that the human breast should have been furnished with open windows, so that men might not keep their feelings concealed, but have them open to the view. Oh that nature, following his idea, had constructed them thus unfolded and obvious to the view. Marcus Vitruvius Pollio should-have views men The oak has not the efficacy of the fir, nor the cypress that of the elm. Marcus Vitruvius Pollio cypresses efficacy oaks Fir : it contains a great deal of air and fire with very little moisture and the earthy, so that, as its natural properties are of the lighter class, it is not heavy. Hence, its consistence being naturally stiff, it does not easily bend under the load, and keeps its straightness when used in the framework. But it contains so much heat that it generates and encourages decay, which spoils it; and it also kindles fire quickly because of the air in its body, which is so open that it takes in fire and so gives out a great flame. Marcus Vitruvius Pollio flames fire air I, therefore, O Caesar, do not publish this work, merely prefixing my name to a treatise which of right belongs to others, nor think of acquiring reputation by finding fault with the works of any one. Marcus Vitruvius Pollio finding-the-one names thinking Wind is a floating wave of air, whose undulation continually varies. Marcus Vitruvius Pollio floating air wind The thickness of the walls should be sufficient for two armed men to pass each other with ease. Marcus Vitruvius Pollio wall men two Thus by such victory, not by machines but in oppositions to the principle to the principles of machines, has the freedom of states been preserved by the cunning of architects. Marcus Vitruvius Pollio machines victory principles If then, at this great distance, our human vision can discern that sight, why, pray, are we to think that the divine splendor of the stars can be cast into darkness? Marcus Vitruvius Pollio distance stars thinking From the exterior face of the wall towers must be projected, from which an approaching enemy may be annoyed by weapons, from the embrasures of those towers, right and left. Marcus Vitruvius Pollio wall annoyed enemy The larch... is not only preserved from decay and the worm by the great bitterness of its sap, but also it cannot be kindled with fire nor ignite of itself, unless like stone in a limekiln it is burned with other wood... This is because there is a very small proportion of the elements of fire and air in its composition, which is a dense and solid mass of moisture and the earthy, so that it has no open pores through which fire can find its way... Further, its weight will not let it float in water. Marcus Vitruvius Pollio fire air water I am moreover inclined to be concise when I reflect on the constant occupation of the citizens in public and private affairs, so that in their few leisure moments they may read and understand as much as possible. Marcus Vitruvius Pollio occupation citizens may Dinocrates did not leave the king, but followed him into Egypt. There Alexander, observing a harbor rendered safe by nature, an excellent center for trade, cornfields throughout all Egypt, and the great usefulness of the mighty river Nile, ordered him to build the city of Alexandria, named after the king. This was how Dinocrates, recommended only by his good looks and dignified carriage, came to be so famous. Marcus Vitruvius Pollio egypt cities kings Nobody draws the light for covered wine rooms from the south or west, but rather from the north, since that quarter is never subject to change but is always constant and unshifting. So it is with granaries: grain exposed to the sun's course soon loses its good quality, and provisions and fruit, unless stored in a place unexposed to the sun's course, do not keep long. Marcus Vitruvius Pollio wine light long In setting out the walls of a city the choice of a healthy situation is of the first importance: it should be on high ground, neither subject to fogs nor rains; its aspects should be neither violently hot nor intensely cold, but temperate in both respects. Marcus Vitruvius Pollio wall rain baby In all matters but particularly in architecture, that which is signified is the subject of which we may be speaking and that which gives significance is a demonstration on scientific principles. One who professes himself an architect should be well versed in both directions. Marcus Vitruvius Pollio principles may giving Next I must tell about the machine of Ctesibius, which raises water to a height. Marcus Vitruvius Pollio height machines water In fact, all kinds of men, and not merely architects, can recognize a good piece of work. Marcus Vitruvius Pollio pieces men facts 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. Marcus Vitruvius Pollio wall unattractive half Music, also, the architect ought to understand so that he may have knowledge of the canonical and mathematical theory, and besides be able to tune ballistae , catapultae, and scorpiones to the proper key. For to the right and left in the beams are the holes in the frames through which the strings of twisted sinew are stretched by means of windlasses and bars, and these strings must not be clamped and made fast until they give the same correct note to the ear of the skilled workman. Marcus Vitruvius Pollio keys giving mean
