Zographie, is an Arte Mathematicall, which teacheth and demonstrateth, how, the Intersection of all visuall Pyramides, made by any playne assigned, (the Centre, distance, and lightes, beyng determined) may be, by lynes, and due propre colours, represented.A notable Arte, is this: and would require a whole Volume, to declare the property thereof: and the Commodities ensuyng. Great skill ofGeometrie,Arithmetike,Perspectiue, andAnthropographie, with many other particular Artes, hath theZographer, nede of, for his perfection. For, the most excellent Painter, (who is but the propre Mechanicien, & Imitator sensible, of the Zographer) hath atteined to such perfection, that Sense of Man and beast, haue iudged thinges painted, to be things naturall, and not artificiall: aliue, and not dead. This Mechanicall Zographer (commonly called the Painter) is meruailous in his skill: and seemeth to haue a certaine diuine power: As, of frendes absent, to make a frendly, present comfort: yea, and of frendes dead, to giue a continuall, silent presence: not onely with vs, but with our posteritie, for many Ages. And so procedyng, Consider, How, in Winter, he can shew you, the liuely vew of Sommers Ioy, and riches: and in Sommer, exhibite the countenance of Winters dolefull State, and nakednes. Cities, Townes, Fortes, Woodes, Armyes, yea whole Kingdomes (be they neuer so farre, or greate) can he, with ease, bring with him, home (to any mans Iudgement) as Paternes liuely, of the thinges rehearsed. In one little house, can he, enclose (with great pleasure of the beholders,) the portrayture liuely, of all visible Creatures, either on earth, or in the earth, liuing: or in the waters lying, Creping, slyding, or swimming: or of any foule, or fly, in the ayre flying. Nay, in respect of the Starres, the Skie, the Cloudes: yea, in the shew of the very light it selfe (that Diuine Creature) can he match our eyes Iudgement, most nerely. What a thing is this? thinges not yet being, he can represent so, as, at their being, the Picture shall seame (in maner) to haue Created them. To what Artificer, is not Picture, a great pleasure and Commoditie? Which of them all, will refuse the Direction and ayde of Picture? The Architect, the Goldsmith, and the Arras Weauer: of Picture, make great account. Our liuely Herbals, our portraitures of birdes, beastes, and fishes: and our curious Anatomies, which way, are they most perfectly made, or with most pleasure, of vs beholden? Is it not, by Picture onely? And if Picture, by the Industry of the Painter, be thus commodious and meruailous: what shall be thought ofZographie, the Scholemaster of Picture, and chief gouernor? Though I mencion notSculpture, in my Table of Artes Mathematicall: yet may all men perceiue, How, thatPictureandSculpture, are Sisters germaine: and both, right profitable, in a Commõ wealth. and ofSculpture, aswell as of Picture, excellent Artificers haue written great bokes in commendation. Witnesse I take, ofGeorgio Vasari,Pittore Aretino: ofPomponius Gauricus: and other. To these two Artes, (with other,) is a certaine od Arte, calledAlthalmasat, much beholdyng: more, then the commonSculptor,Entayler,Keruer,Cutter,Grauer,Founder,orPaynter (&c)know their Arte, to be commodious.An objection.Architecture, to many may seme not worthy, or not mete, to be reckned among theArtes Mathematicall. To whom, I thinke good, to giue some account of my so doyng. Not worthy, (will they say,) bycause it is but for building, of a house, Pallace, Church, Forte, or such like, grosse workes. And you, also, defined theArtes Mathematicall, to be such, as dealed with no Materiall or corruptible thing: and also did demonstratiuely procede in their faculty, by Number or Magnitude. First,The Answer.you see, that I count, here,Architecture, among thoseArtes Mathematicall, which are Deriued from the Principals: and you know, that such, may deale with Naturall thinges, and sensible matter. Of which,“some draw nerer, to the Simple and absolute Mathematicall Speculation, then other do.And though, theArchitectprocureth, enformeth, & directeth, theMechanicien, to handworke, & the building actuall, of house, Castell, or Pallace, and is chief Iudge of the same: yet, with him selfe (as chiefMasterandArchitect,) remaineth the Demonstratiue reason and cause, of the Mechaniciens worke: in Lyne, plaine, and Solid: byGeometricall,Arithmeticall,Opticall,Musicall,Astronomicall,Cosmographicall”(& to be brief) by all the former DeriuedArtes Mathematicall, and other Naturall Artes, hable to be confirmed and stablished. If this be so: then, may you thinke, thatArchitecture, hath good and due allowance, in this honest Company ofArtes MathematicallDeriuatiue. I will, herein, craue Iudgement of two most perfectArchitectes: the one, beingVitruuius, the Romaine: who did write ten bookes thereof, to the EmperourAugustus(in whose daies our Heauenly Archemaster, was borne): and the other,Leo Baptista Albertus, a Florentine: who also published ten bookes therof.Architectura(saythVitruuius)est Scientia pluribus disciplinis & varijs eruditionibus ornata: cuius Iudicio probantur omnia, quæ ab cæteris Artificibus perficiuntur opera.That is.Architecture, is a Science garnished with many doctrines & diuerse instructions: by whose Iudgement, all workes, by other workmen finished, are Iudged.It followeth.Ea nascitur ex Fabrica, & Ratiocinatione. &c. Ratiocinatio autem est, quæ, res fabricatas, Solertia ac ratione proportionis, demonstrare atqueexplicare potest.Architecture, groweth of Framing, and Reasoning. &c. Reasoning, is that, which of thinges framed, with forecast, and proportion: can make demonstration, and manifest declaration.Againe.Cùm, in omnibus enim rebus, tùm maximè etiam in Architectura, hæc duo insunt: quod significatur, & quod significat. Significatur proposita res, de qua dicitur: hanc autem Significat Demonstratio, rationibus doctrinarum explicata.Forasmuch as, in all thinges: therefore chiefly in Architecture, these two thinges are: the thing signified: and that which signifieth. The thing propounded, whereof we speake, is the thing Signified. But Demonstration, expressed with the reasons of diuerse doctrines, doth signifie the same thing.After that.Vt literatus sit, peritus Graphidos, eruditus Geometriæ, & Optices non ignarus: instructus Arithmetica: historias complures nouerit, Philosophos diligenter audiuerit: Musicam sciuerit: Medicinæ non sit ignarus, responsa Iurisperitorũ nouerit: Astrologiam, Cæliquerationes cognitas habeat.An Architect(sayth he)ought to vnderstand Languages, to be skilfull of Painting, well instructed in Geometrie, not ignorant of Perspectiue, furnished with Arithmetike, haue knowledge of many histories, and diligently haue heard Philosophers, haue skill of Musike, not ignorant of Physike, know the aunsweres of Lawyers, and haue Astronomie,and the courses Cælestiall, in good knowledge.He geueth reason, orderly, wherefore all these Artes, Doctrines, and Instructions, are requisite in an excellentArchitect. And (for breuitie) omitting the Latin text, thus he hath.Secondly, it is behofefull for an Architect to haue the knowledge of Painting: that he may the more easilie fashion out, in patternes painted, the forme of what worke he liketh. And Geometrie, geueth to Architecture many helpes: and first teacheth the Vse of the Rule, and the Cumpasse: wherby (chiefly and easilie) the descriptions of Buildinges, are despatched in Groundplats: and the directions of Squires, Leuells, and Lines. Likewise, by Perspectiue, the Lightes of the heauen, are well led, in the buildinges: from certaine quarters of the world. By Arithmetike, the charges of Buildinges are summed together: the measures are expressed, and the hard questions of Symmetries, are by Geometricall Meanes and Methods discoursed on. &c. Besides this, of the Nature of thinges (which in Greke is calledφυσιολογία) Philosophie doth make declaration. Which, it is necessary, for an Architect, with diligence to haue learned: because it hath many and diuers naturall questions: as specially, in Aqueductes. For in their courses, leadinges about, in the leuell ground, and in the mountinges, the naturall Spirites or breathes are ingendred diuers wayes: The hindrances, which they cause, no man can helpe, but he, which out of Philosophie, hath learned the originall causes of thinges. Likewise, who soeuer shall read Ctesibius, or Archimedes bookes, (and of others, who haue written such Rules) can not thinke, as they do: vnlesse he shall haue receaued of Philosophers, instructions in these thinges. And Musike he must nedes know: that he may haue vnderstanding, both of Regular and Mathematicall Musike: that he may temper well his Balistes, Catapultes, and Scorpions. &c. Moreouer, the Brasen Vessels, which in Theatres, are placed by Mathematicall order, in ambries, vnder the steppes: and the diuersities of the soundes (which yeGrecians callηχεῖα) are ordred according to Musicall Symphonies & Harmonies: being distributed in yeCircuites, by Diatessaron, Diapente, and Diapason. That the conuenient voyce, of the players sound, whẽ it came to these preparations, made in order, there being increased: with ytincreasing, might come more cleare & pleasant, to yeeares of the lokers on. &c. And of Astronomie, is knowẽ yeEast, West, South, and North. The fashion of the heauen, the Æquinox, the Solsticie, and the course of the sterres. Which thinges, vnleast one know: he can not perceiue, any thyng at all, the reason of Horologies. Seyng therfore this ample Science, is garnished, beautified and stored, with so many and sundry skils and knowledges: I thinke, that none can iustly account them selues Architectes, of thesuddeyne. But they onely, who from their childes yeares, ascendyng by these degrees of knowledges, beyng fostered vp with the atteynyng of many Languages and Artes, haue wonne to the high Tabernacle of Architecture. &c. And to whom Nature hath giuen such quicke Circumspection, sharpnes of witt, and Memorie, that they may be very absolutely skillfull in Geometrie, Astronomie, Musike, and the rest of the Artes Mathematicall:Such, surmount and passe the callyng, and state, of Architectes:A Mathematicien.and are become Mathematiciens. &c. And they are found, seldome. As, in tymes past, was Aristarchus Samius: Philolaus, and Archytas, Tarentynes: Apollonius Pergęus: Eratosthenes Cyreneus: Archimedes, and Scopas, Syracusians. Who also, left to theyr posteritie, many Engines and Gnomonicall workes: by numbers and naturall meanes, inuented and declared.Thus much, and the same wordes (in sense) in one onely Chapter of this IncõparableArchitect Vitruuius, shall you finde. And if you should, but take his boke in your hand, and slightly loke thorough it, you would say straight way:Vitruuius.This isGeometrie,Arithmetike,Astronomie,Musike,Anthropographie,Hydragogie,Horometrie.&c. and (to cõclude) the Storehouse of all workmãship. Now, let vs listen to our other Iudge, our Florentine,Leo Baptista: and narrowly consider, how he doth determine ofArchitecture.Sed antequevltra progrediar. &c.But before I procede any further(sayth he)I thinke, that I ought to expresse, what man I would haue to bee allowed an Architect. For, I will not bryng in place a Carpenter: as though you might Compare him to the Chief Masters of other Artes. For the hand of the Carpenter, is the Architectes Instrument.VVho is an Architect.But I will appoint the Architect to be“that man, who hath the skill, (by a certaine and meruailous meanes and way,) both in minde and Imagination to determine and also in worke to finish: what workes so euer, by motion of waight, and cuppling and framyng together of bodyes, may most aptly be Commodious for the worthiest Vses of Man.”And that he may be able to performe these thinges, he hath nede of atteynyng and knowledge of the best, and most worthy thynges. &c. The whole Feate of Architecture in buildyng, consisteth in Lineamentes, and in Framyng. And the whole power and skill of Lineamentes, tendeth to this: that the right and absolute way maybehad, of Coaptyng and ioyning Lines and angles: by which, the face of the buildyng or frame, may be comprehended and concluded. And it is the property of Lineamentes, to prescribe vnto buildynges, and euery part of them, an apt place, & certaine nũber: a worthy maner, and a semely order: that, so, yewhole forme and figure of the buildyng, may rest in the very Lineamentes. &c. And we may prescribe in mynde and imagination the whole formes,** The Immaterialitie of perfect Architecture.all material stuffe beyng secluded. Which point we shall atteyne, by Notyng and forepointyng the angles, and lines, by a sure and certaine direction and connexion. Seyng then, these thinges, are thus:What, Lineament is.Lineamente, shalbe the certaine and constant prescribyng, conceiued in mynde: made in lines and angles: and finished with a learned minde and wyt.“We thanke you MasterBaptist, that you haue so aptly brought your Arte, and phrase therof, to haue some Mathematicall perfection:Note.by certaine order, nũber, forme, figure, andSymmetriementall:”all naturall & sensible stuffe set a part. Now, then, it is euident, (Gentle reader) how aptely and worthely, I haue preferredArchitecture, to be bred and fostered vp in the Dominion of the perelesPrincesse,Mathematica: and to be a naturall Subiect of hers. And the name ofArchitecture, is of the principalitie, which this Science hath, aboue all other Artes. AndPlatoaffirmeth, theArchitectto beMasterouer all, that make any worke. Wherupon, he is neither Smith, nor Builder: nor, separately, any Artificer: but theHed, the Prouost, the Directer, and Iudge of all Artificiall workes, and all Artificers. For, the trueArchitect, is hable to teach, Demonstrate, distribute, describe, and Iudge all workes wrought. And he, onely, searcheth out the causes and reasons of all Artificiall thynges. Thus excellent, isArchitecture: though few (in our dayes) atteyne thereto: yet may not the Arte, be otherwise thought on, then in very dede it is worthy. Nor we may not, of auncient Artes, make new and imperfect Definitions in our dayes: for scarsitie of Artificers: No more, than we may pynche in, the Definitions ofWisedome, orHonestie, or ofFrendeshypor ofIustice. No more will I consent, to Diminish any whit, of the perfection and dignitie, (by iust cause) allowed to absoluteArchitecture. Vnder the Direction of this Arte, are thre principall, necessaryMechanicall Artes. Namely,Howsing,Fortification, andNaupegie.Howsing, I vnderstand, both for Diuine Seruice, and Mans common vsage: publike, and priuate. OfFortificationandNaupegie, straunge matter might be told you: But perchaunce, some will be tyred, with this Bederoll, all ready rehearsed: and other some, will nycely nip my grosse and homely discoursing with you: made in post hast: for feare you should wante this true and frendly warnyng, and tast giuyng, of thePower Mathematicall. Lyfe is short, and vncertaine: Tymes are perilouse: &c. And still the Printer awayting, for my pen staying: All these thinges, with farder matter of Ingratefulnes, giue me occasion to passe away, to the other Artes remainyng, with all spede possible.THeArte ofNauigation, demonstrateth how, by the shortest good way, by the aptest Directiõ, & in the shortest time, a sufficient Ship, betwene any two places (in passage Nauigable,) assigned: may be cõducted: and in all stormes, & naturall disturbances chauncyng, how, to vse the best possible meanes, whereby to recouer the place first assigned.What nede, theMaster Pilote, hath of other Artes, here before recited, it is easie to know: as, ofHydrographie,Astronomie,Astrologie, andHorometrie. Presupposing continually, the common Base, and foundacion of all: namelyArithmetikeandGeometrie. So that, he be hable to vnderstand, and Iudge his own necessary Instrumentes, and furniture Necessary: Whether they be perfectly made or no: and also can, (if nede be) make them, hym selfe. As Quadrantes, The Astronomers Ryng, The Astronomers staffe, The Astrolabe vniuersall. An Hydrographicall Globe. Charts Hydrographicall, true, (not with parallell Meridians). The Common Sea Compas: The Compas of variacion: The Proportionall, and Paradoxall CompassesAnno. 1559.(of me Inuented, for our two Moscouy Master Pilotes, at the request of the Company) Clockes with spryng: houre, halfe houre, and three houre Sandglasses: & sundry other Instrumẽtes: And also, be hable, on Globe, or Playne to describe the Paradoxall Compasse: and duely to vse the same, to all maner of purposes, whereto it was inuented. And also, be hable to Calculate the Planetes places for all tymes.Moreouer, with Sonne Mone or Sterre (or without) be hable to define the Longitude & Latitude of the place, which he is in: So that, the Longitude & Latitude of the place, from which he sayled, be giuen: or by him, be knowne. whereto, appertayneth expert meanes, to be certified euer, of the Ships way. &c. And by foreseing the Rising, Settyng, Nonestedyng, or Midnightyng of certaine tempestuous fixed Sterres: or their Coniunctions, and Anglynges with the Planetes, &c. he ought to haue expert coniecture of Stormes, Tempestes, and Spoutes: and such lyke Meteorologicall effectes, daungerous on Sea. For (asPlatosayth,)Mutationes,opportunitatesquetemporum presentire, non minus rei militari, quàm Agriculturæ, Nauigationiqueconuenit.To foresee the alterations and opportunities of tymes, is conuenient, no lesse to the Art of Warre, then to Husbandry and Nauigation.And besides such cunnyng meanes, more euident tokens in Sonne and Mone, ought of hym to be knowen: such as (the Philosophicall Poëte)Virgiliusteacheth, in hysGeorgikes. Where he sayth,CSol quoque& exoriens & quum se condet in vndas,Signa dabit, Solem certissima signa sequuntur. &c.Georgic. 1.———— Nam sæpe videmus,Ipsius in vultu varios errare colores.Cæruleus, pluuiam denunciat, igneus Euros.Sin maculæ incipient rutilo immiscerier igni,Omnia tum pariter vento, nimbisquevidebisFeruere: non illa quisquam me nocte per altumIre, nequea terra moueat conuellere funem. &c.Sol tibi signa dabit. Solem quis dicere falsumAudeat? ———— &c.And so of Mone, Sterres, Water, Ayre, Fire, Wood, Stones, Birdes, and Beastes, and of many thynges els, a certaine Sympathicall forewarnyng may be had: sometymes to great pleasure and proffit, both on Sea and Land. Sufficiently, for my present purpose, it doth appeare, by the premisses, howMathematicall, theArteofNauigation, is: and how it nedeth and also vseth otherMathematicall Artes: And now, if I would go about to speake of the manifold Commodities, commyng to this Land, and others, by Shypps andNauigation, you might thinke, that I catch at occasions, to vse many wordes, where no nede is.Yet, this one thyng may I, (iustly) say. InNauigation, none ought to haue greater care, to be skillfull, then our English Pylotes. And perchaunce, Some, would more attempt: And other Some, more willingly would be aydyng, it they wist certainely, What Priuiledge, God had endued this Iland with, by reason of Situation, most commodious forNauigation, to Places most Famous & Riche. And though,* Anno. 1567 S. H. G.(of* Late) a young Gentleman, a Courragious Capitaine, was in a great readynes, with good hope, and great causes of persuasion, to haue ventured, for a Discouerye, (eitherWesterly, byCape de Paramantia: orEsterly, aboueNoua Zemla, and theCyremisses) and was, at the very nere tyme of Attemptyng, called and employed otherwise (both then, and since,) in great good seruice to his Countrey, as the Irish Rebels haue *tasted:* Anno. 1569Yet, I say, (though the same Gentleman, doo not hereafter, deale therewith) Some one, or other, should listen to the Matter: and by good aduise, and discrete Circumspection, by little, and little, wynne to the sufficient knowledge of thatTradeandVoyage: Which, now, I would be sory, (through Carelesnesse, want of Skill, and Courrage,) should remayne Vnknowne and vnheard of. Seyng, also, we are herein, halfe Challenged, by the learned, by halfe request, published. Therof, verely, might grow Commoditye, to this Land chiefly, and to the rest of the Christen Common wealth, farre passing all riches and worldly Threasure.Thaumaturgike, is that Art Mathematicall, which giueth certaine order to make straunge workes, of the sense to be perceiued, and of men greatly to be wondred at.By sundry meanes, thisWonder-workeis wrought. Some, byPneumatithmie. As the workes ofCtesibiusandHero,Some by waight. wherofTimæusspeaketh. Some, by Stringes strayned, or Springs, therwith Imitating liuely Motions. Some, by other meanes, as the Images of Mercurie: and the brasen hed, made byAlbertus Magnus, which dyd seme to speake.Boethiuswas excellent in these feates. To whom,Cassiodoruswrityng, sayth.Your purpose is to know profound thynges: and to shew meruayles. By the disposition of your Arte, Metals do low: Diomedes of brasse, doth blow a Trumpet loude: a brasen Serpent hisseth: byrdes made, sing swetely. Small thynges we rehearse of you, who can Imitate the heauen. &c.Of the straunge Selfmouyng, which, at Saint Denys, by Paris,* Anno. 1551*I saw, ones or twise (Orontiusbeyng then with me, in Company) it were to straunge to tell. But some haue written it. And yet, (I hope) it is there, of other to be sene. And byPerspectiuealso straunge thinges, are done. As partly (before) I gaue you to vnderstand inPerspectiue. As, to see in the Ayre, a loft, the lyuely Image of an other man, either walkyng to and fro: or standyng still. Likewise, to come into an house, and there to see the liuely shew of Gold, Siluer or precious stones: and commyng to take them in your hand, to finde nought but Ayre. Hereby, haue some men (in all other matters counted wise) fouly ouershot thẽ selues: misdeaming of the meanes. Therfore saydClaudius Cælestinus.De his quæ Mundo mirabiliter eueniunt. cap. 8.Hodie magnæ literaturæ viros & magna reputationis videmus, opera quedam quasi miranda, supra Naturã putare: de quibus in Perspectiua doctus causam faciliter reddidisset.That is.Now a dayes, we see some men, yea of great learnyng and reputation, to Iudge certain workes as meruaylous, aboue the power of Nature: Of which workes, one that were skillfull in Perspectiue might easely haue giuen the Cause.OfArchimedes Sphære,Cicerowitnesseth.Tusc. 1.Which is very straunge to thinke on.For when Archimedes(sayth he)did fasten in a Sphære, the mouynges of the Sonne, Mone, and of the fiue other Planets, he did, as the God, which (in Timæus of Plato) did make the world. That, one turnyng, should rule motions most vnlike in slownes, and swiftnes.But a greater cause of meruayling we haue byClaudianusreport hereof. Who affirmeth thisArchimedes worke, to haue ben of Glasse. And discourseth of it more at large: which I omit. The Doue of wood, which theMathematicien Archytasdid make to flye, is byAgelliusspoken of. OfDædalusstraunge Images,Platoreporteth.HomereofVulcans Selfmouers, (by secret wheles) leaueth in writyng.Aristotle, in hysPolitikes, of both, maketh mention. Meruaylous was the workemanshyp, of late dayes, performed by good skill ofTrochilike. &c.For in Noremberge, A flye of Iern, beyng let out of the Artificers hand, did (as it were) fly about by the gestes, at the table, and at length, as though it were weary, retourne to his masters hand agayne. Moreouer, an Artificiall Egle, was ordred, to fly out of the same Towne, a mighty way, and that a loft in the Ayre, toward the Emperour comming thether: and followed hym, beyng come to the gate of the towne.**Thus, you see, what, Arte Mathematicall can performe, when Skill, will, Industry, and Hability, are duely applyed to profe.A Digression.And for these, and such like marueilous Actes and Feates, Naturally, Mathematically, and Mechanically, wrought and contriued:Apologeticall.ought any honest Student, and Modest Christian Philosopher, be counted, & called aConiurer? Shall the folly of Idiotes, and the Mallice of the Scornfull, so much preuaile, that He, who seeketh no worldly gaine or glory at their handes: But onely, of God, the threasor of heauenly wisedome, & knowledge of pure veritie: Shall he (I say) in the meanespace, be robbed and spoiled of his honest name and fame? He that seketh (by S. Paules aduertisement) in the Creatures Properties, and wonderfull vertues, to finde iuste cause, to glorifie the Æternall, and Almightie Creator by: Shall that man, be (in hugger mugger) condemned, as a Companion of the Helhoundes, and a Caller, and Coniurer of wicked and damned Spirites? He that bewaileth his great want of time, sufficient (to his contentation) for learning of Godly wisdome, and Godly Verities in: and onely therin setteth all his delight: Will that mã leese and abuse his time, in dealing with the Chiefe enemie of Christ our Redemer: the deadly foe of all mankinde: the subtile and impudent peruerter of Godly Veritie: the Hypocriticall Crocodile: the Enuious Basiliske, continually desirous, in the twinke of an eye, to destroy all Mankinde, both in Body and Soule, æternally? Surely (for my part, somewhat to say herein) I haue not learned to make so brutish, and so wicked a Bargaine. Should I, for my xx. or xxv. yeares Studie: for two or three thousand Markes spending: seuen or eight thousand Miles going and trauailing, onely for good learninges sake: And that, in all maner of wethers: in all maner of waies and passages: both early and late: in daunger of violence by man: in daunger of destruction by wilde beastes: in hunger: in thirst: in perilous heates by day, with toyle on foote: in daungerous dampes of colde, by night, almost bereuing life: (as God knoweth): with lodginges, oft times, to small ease: and somtime to lesse securitie. And for much more (then all this) done & suffred, for Learning and attaining of Wisedome: Should I (I pray you) for all this, no otherwise, nor more warily: or (by Gods mercifulnes) no more luckily, haue fished, with so large, and costly, a Nette, so long time in drawing (and that with the helpe and aduise of Lady Philosophie, & Queene Theologie): but at length, to haue catched, and drawen vp,** A prouerb. Fayre fisht, and caught a Frog.a Frog? Nay, a Deuill? For, so, doth the Common peuish Pratler Imagine and Iangle: And, so, doth the Malicious skorner, secretly wishe, & brauely and boldly face down, behinde my backe. Ah, what a miserable thing, is this kinde of Men? How great is the blindnes & boldnes, of the Multitude, in thinges aboue their Capacitie? What a Land: what a People: what Maners: what Times are these? Are they become Deuils, them selues: and, by false witnesse bearing against their Neighbour, would they also, become Murderers? Doth God, so long geue them respite, to reclaime them selues in, from this horrible slaundering of the giltlesse: contrary to their owne Consciences: and yet will they not cease? Doth the Innocent, forbeare the calling of them, Iuridically to aunswere him, according to the rigour of the Lawes: and will they despise his Charitable pacience? As they, against him, by name, do forge, fable, rage, and raise slaunder, by Worde & Print: Will they prouoke him, by worde and Print, likewise, to Note their Names to the World: with their particular deuises, fables, beastly Imaginations, and vnchristen-like slaunders? Well: Well. O (you such) my vnkinde Countrey men. O vnnaturall Countrey men. O vnthankfull Countrey men. O Brainsicke, Rashe, Spitefull, and Disdainfull Countrey men. Why oppresse you me, thus violently, with your slaundering of me: Contrary to Veritie: and contrary to your owne Consciences? And I, to this hower, neither by worde, deede, or thought, haue bene, any way, hurtfull, damageable, or iniurious to you, or yours? Haue I, so long, so dearly, so farre, so carefully, so painfully, so daungerously sought & trauailed for the learning of Wisedome, & atteyning of Vertue: And in the end (in your iudgemẽt) am I become, worse, then when I begã? Worse, thẽ a Mad man? A dangerous Member in the Common Wealth: and no Member of the Church of Christ? Call you this, to be Learned? Call you this, to be a Philosopher? and a louer of Wisedome? To forsake the straight heauenly way: and to wallow in the broad way ofdamnation? To forsake the light of heauenly Wisedome: and to lurke in the dungeon of the Prince of darkenesse? To forsake the Veritie of God, & his Creatures: and to fawne vpon the Impudent, Craftie, Obstinate Lier, and continuall disgracer of Gods Veritie, to the vttermost of his power? To forsake the Life & Blisse Æternall: and to cleaue vnto the Author of Death euerlasting? that Murderous Tyrant, most gredily awaiting the Pray of Mans Soule? Well: I thanke God and our Lorde Iesus Christ, for the Comfort which I haue by the Examples of other men, before my time: To whom, neither in godlines of life, nor in perfection of learning, I am worthy to be compared: and yet, they sustained the very like Iniuries, that I do: or rather, greater. PacientSocrates, hisApologiewill testifie:ApuleiushisApologies, will declare the Brutishnesse of the Multitude.Ioannes Picus, Earle of Mirandula, hisApologiewill teach you, of the Raging slaunder of the Malicious Ignorant against him.Ioannes Trithemius, hisApologiewill specifie, how he had occasion to make publike Protestation: as well by reason of the Rude Simple: as also, in respect of such, as were counted to be of the wisest sort of men.“Many could I recite: But I deferre the precise and determined handling of this matter: being loth to detect the Folly & Mallice of my Natiue Countrey men.**Who, so hardly, can disgest or like any extraordinary course of Philosophicall Studies: not falling within the Cumpasse of their Capacitie: or where they are not made priuie of the true and secrete cause, of such wonderfull Philosophicall Feates.”These men, are of fower sortes, chiefly. The first, I may name,Vaine pratling busie bodies: The second,Fond Frendes: The third,Imperfectly zelous: and the fourth,Malicious Ignorant. To eche of these (briefly, and in charitie) I will say a word or two, and so returne to my Præface.1.Vaine pratling busie bodies, vse your idle assemblies, and conferences, otherwise, then in talke of matter, either aboue your Capacities, for hardnesse: or contrary to your Consciences, in Veritie.2.Fonde Frendes, leaue of, so to commend your vnacquainted frend, vpon blinde affection: As, because he knoweth more, then the common Student: that, therfore, he must needes be skilfull, and a doer, in such matter and maner, as you termeConiuring. Weening, thereby, you aduaunce his fame: and that you make other men, great marueilers of your hap, to haue such a learned frend. Cease to ascribe Impietie, where you pretend Amitie. For, if your tounges were true, then were that your frend,Vntrue, both to God, and his Soueraigne. SuchFrendesandFondlinges, I shake of, and renounce you: Shake you of, your Folly.3.Imperfectly zelous, to you, do I say: that (perhaps) well, do you Meane: But farre you misse the Marke: If a Lambe you will kill, to feede the flocke with his bloud. Sheepe, with Lambes bloud, haue no naturall sustenaunce: No more, is Christes flocke, with horrible slaunders, duely ædified. Nor your faire pretense, by such rashe ragged Rhetorike, any whit, well graced. But such, as so vse me, will finde a fowle Cracke in their Credite. Speake that you know: And know, as you ought: Know not, by Heare say, when life lieth in daunger. Search to the quicke, & let Charitie be your guide.4.Malicious Ignorant, what shall I say to thee?Prohibe linguam tuam a malo. A detractione parcite linguæ.Cause thy toung to refraine frõ euill. Refraine your toung from slaunder.Though your tounges be sharpned, Serpent like, & Adders poyson lye in your lippes:Psal. 140.yet take heede, and thinke, betimes, with your selfe,Vir linguosus non stabilietur in terra. Virum violentum venabitur malum, donec præcipitetur.For, sure I am,Quia faciet Dominus Iudicium afflicti: & vindictam pauperum.Thus, I require you, my assured frendes, and Countrey men (you Mathematiciens, Mechaniciens, and Philosophers, Charitable and discrete) to deale in mybehalf, with the light & vntrue tounged, my enuious Aduersaries, or Fond frends. And farther, I would wishe, that at leysor, you would consider, howBasilius Magnus, layethMosesandDaniel, before the eyes of those, which count all such Studies Philosophicall (as mine hath bene) to be vngodly, or vnprofitable. Waye wellS. Stephenhis witnesse ofMoses.Act. 7. C.Eruditus est Moses omni Sapientia Ægyptiorũ: & erat potens in verbis & operibus suis.Moses was instructed in all maner of wisedome of the Ægyptians: and he was of power both in his wordes, and workes.You see this Philosophicall Power & Wisedome, whichMoseshad, to be nothing misliked of the Holy Ghost. YetPliniushath recorded,Mosesto be a wickedMagicien. And that (of force) must be, either for this Philosophicall wisedome, learned, before his calling to the leading of the Children ofIsrael: or for those his wonders, wrought before KingPharao, after he had the conducting of theIsraelites. As concerning the first, you perceaue, howS. Stephen, at his Martyrdome (being full of the Holy Ghost) in his Recapitulation of the olde Testament, hath made mention ofMosesPhilosophie: with good liking of it: AndBasilius Magnusalso, auoucheth it, to haue bene toMosesprofitable (and therefore, I say, to the Church of God, necessary). But as cõcerningMoseswonders, done before KingPharao: God, him selfe, sayd:Vide vt omnia ostenta, quæ posui in manu tua, facias coram Pharaone.See that thou do all those wonders before Pharao, which I haue put in thy hand.Thus, you euidently perceaue, how rashly,Pliniushath slaunderedMoses,Lib. 30. Cap. 1.of vayne fraudulentMagike, saying:Est & alia Magices Factio, a Mose, Iamne, & Iotape, Iudæis pendens: sed multis millibus annorum post Zoroastrem. &c.1.Let all such, therefore, who, in Iudgement and Skill of Philosophie, are farre Inferior toPlinie,“take good heede, least they ouershoote them selues rashly,”inIudging ofPhilosophers straunge Actes: and the Meanes, how they are done.2.But, much more, ought they to beware of forging, deuising, and imagining monstrous feates, and wonderfull workes, when and where, no such were done: no, not any sparke or likelihode, of such, as they, without all shame, do report.3.And (to conclude) most of all, let them be ashamed of Man, and afraide of the dreadfull and Iuste Iudge: both Folishly or Maliciously to deuise: and then, deuilishly to father their new fond Monsters on me: Innocent, in hand and hart: for trespacing either against the lawe of God, or Man, in any my Studies or Exercises, Philosophicall, or Mathematicall: As in due time, I hope, will be more manifest.NOw end I, withArchemastrie. Which name, is not so new, as this Arte is rare. For an other Arte, vnder this, a degree (for skill and power) hath bene indued with this English name before. And yet, this, may serue for our purpose, sufficiently, at this present.This Arte, teacheth to bryng to actuall experience sensible, all worthy conclusions by all the Artes Mathematicall purposed, & by true Naturall Philosophie concluded: & both addeth to them a farder scope, in the termes of the same Artes, & also by hys propre Method, and in peculier termes, procedeth, with helpe of the foresayd Artes, to the performance of complet Experiẽces, which of no particular Art, are hable (Formally) to be challenged.If you remember, how we consideredArchitecture, in respect of all common handworkes: some light may you haue, therby, to vnderstand the Souerainty and propertie of this Science.ScienceI may call it, rather, then an Arte: for the excellency and Mastershyp it hath, ouer so many, and so mighty Artes andSciences. And bycause it procedeth byExperiences, and searcheth forth the causes of Conclusions, byExperiences: and also putteth the Conclusions them selues, inExperience, it is named of some,Scientia Experimentalis. TheExperimentall Science.Nicolaus Cusanustermeth it so, in hysExperimentes Statikall, And an otherPhilosopher,R. B.of this land Natiue (the floure of whose worthy fame, can neuer dye nor wither) did write therof largely, at the request ofClement the sixt. The Arte carrieth with it, a wonderfull Credit: By reason, it certefieth, sensibly, fully, and completely to the vtmost power of Nature, and Arte. This Arte, certifieth byExperiencecomplete and absolute: and other Artes, with their Argumentes, and Demonstrations, persuade: and in wordes, proue very well their Conclusions.* Butwordes, and Argumentes, are no sensible certifying: nor the full and finall frute of Sciences practisable. And though some Artes, haue in them,Experiences, yet they are not complete, and brought to the vttermost, they may be stretched vnto, and applyed sensibly. As for example: the Naturall Philosopher disputeth and maketh goodly shew of reason: And the Astronomer, and the Opticall Mechanicien, put some thynges inExperience: but neither, all, that they may: nor yet sufficiently, and to the vtmost, those, which they do, There, then, theArchemastersteppeth in, and leadeth forth on, theExperiences, by order of his doctrineExperimentall, to the chief and finall power of Naturall and Mathematicall Artes. Of two or three men, in whom, this Description ofArchemastrywasExperimentally, verified, I haue read and hard: and good record, is of their such perfection. So that, this Art, is no fantasticall Imagination: as some Sophister, might,Cum suis Insolubilibus, make a florish: and dassell your Imagination: and dash your honest desire and Courage, from beleuing these thinges, so vnheard of, so meruaylous, & of such Importance. Well: as you will. I haue forewarned you. I haue done the part of a frende: I haue discharged my Duety toward God: for my small Talent, at hys most mercyfull handes receiued. To this Science, doth theScience Alnirangiat, great Seruice. Muse nothyng of this name. I chaunge not the name, so vsed, and in Print published by other: beyng a name, propre to the Science. Vnder this, commethArs Sintrillia, byArtephius, briefly written. But the chief Science, of the Archemaster, (in this world) as yet knowen, is an other (as it were) OPTICAL Science: wherof, the name shall be told (God willyng) when I shall haue some, (more iust) occasion, therof, to Discourse.Here, I must end, thus abruptly (Gentle frende, and vnfayned louer of honest and necessary verities.) For, they, who haue (for your sake, and vertues cause) requested me, (an old forworne Mathematicien) to take pen in hand: (through the confidence they reposed in my long experience: and tryed sincerity) for the declaryng and reportyng somewhat, of the frute and commodity, by theArtes Mathematicall, to be atteyned vnto: euen they, Sore agaynst their willes, are forced, for sundry causes, to satisfie the workemans request, in endyng forthwith: He, so feareth this, so new an attempt, & so costly: And in matter so slenderly (hetherto) among the common Sorte of Studentes, considered or estemed.And where I was willed, somewhat to alledge, why, in our vulgare Speche, this part of the Principall Science ofGeometrie, calledEuclides Geometricall Elementes, is published, to your handlyng: being vnlatined people, and not Vniuersitie Scholers: Verily, I thinke it nedelesse.1.For, the Honour, and Estimation of theVniuersities, and Graduates, is, hereby, nothing diminished. Seing, from, and by their Nurse Children, you receaue all this Benefite: how great soeuer it be.2.Neither are their Studies, hereby, any whit hindred. No more, then the ItalianVniuersities, asAcademia Bononiensis,Ferrariensis,Florentina,Mediolanensis,Patauina,Papiensis,Perusina,Pisana,Romana,Senensis, or any one of them, finde them selues, any deale, disgraced, or their Studies any thing hindred, byFrater Lucas de Burgo, or byNicolaus Tartalea, who in vulgar Italian language, haue published, not onelyEuclides Geometrie, but ofArchimedessomewhat: and in Arithmetike and Practicall Geometrie, very large volumes, all in their vulgar speche. Nor in Germany haue the famousVniuersities, any thing bene discontent withAlbertus Durerus, his Geometricall Institutions in Dutch: or withGulielmus Xylander, his learned translation of the first sixe bookes ofEuclide, out of the Greke into the high Dutch. Nor withGualterus H. Riffius, his Geometricall Volume: very diligently translated into the high Dutch tounge, and published. Nor yet theVniuersitiesof Spaine, or Portugall, thinke their reputation to be decayed: or suppose any their Studies to be hindred by the ExcellentP. Nonnius, his Mathematicall workes, in vulgare speche by him put forth. Haue you not, likewise, in the French tounge, the whole Mathematicall Quadriuie? and yet neither Paris, Orleance, or any of the other Vniuersities of Fraunce, at any time, with the Translaters, or Publishers offended: or any mans Studie thereby hindred?3.And surely, the Common and Vulgar Scholer (much more, the Gramarian) before his comming to theVniuersitie, shall (or may) be, now (according toPlatohis Counsell) sufficiently instructed inArithmetikeandGeometrie, for the better and easier learning of all maner ofPhilosophie,Academicall, orPeripateticall. And by that meanes, goe more cherefully, more skilfully, and spedily forwarde, in his Studies, there to be learned. And, so, in lesse time, profite more, then (otherwise) he should, or could do.4.Also many good and pregnant Englishe wittes, of young Gentlemen, and of other, who neuer intend to meddle with the profound search and Studie of Philosophie (in theVniuersitiesto be learned) may neuerthelesse, now, with more ease and libertie, haue good occasion, vertuously to occupie the sharpnesse of their wittes: where, els (perchance) otherwise, they would in fond exercises, spend (or rather leese) their time: neither seruing God: nor furdering the Weale, common or priuate.5.And great Comfort, with good hope, may theVniuersitieshaue, by reason of thisEnglisheGeometrie, and Mathematicall Præface, that they (hereafter) shall be the more regarded, esteemed, and resorted vnto. For, when it shall be knowen and reported, that of theMathematicall Sciencesonely, such great Commodities are ensuing (as I haue specified): and that in dede, some of you vnlatined Studentes, can be good witnesse, of such rare fruite by you enioyed (thereby): as either, before this, was not heard of: or els, not so fully credited:“Well, may all men coniecture, that farre greater ayde, and better furniture, to winne to the Perfection of all Philosophie,Vniuersities.may in the Vniuersities be had: being the Storehouses & Threasory of all Sciences,and all Artes, necessary for the best, and most noble State of Common Wealthes.”6.Besides this, how many a Common Artificer, is there, in these Realmes of England and Ireland, that dealeth with Numbers, Rule, & Cumpasse: Who, with their owne Skill and experience, already had, will be hable (by these good helpes and informations) to finde out, and deuise, new workes, straunge Engines, and Instrumentes: for sundry purposes in the Common Wealth? or for priuate pleasure? and for the better maintayning of their owne estate? I will not (therefore)fight against myne owne shadowe. For, no man (I am sure) will open his mouth against this Enterprise. No mã (I say) who either hath Charitie toward his brother (and would be glad of his furtherance in vertuous knowledge): or that hath any care & zeale for the bettering of the Cõmon state of this Realme. Neither any, that make accompt, what the wiser sort of men (Sage and Stayed) do thinke of them. To none (therefore) will I make anyApologie,for a vertuous acte doing: and for cõmending, or setting forth, Profitable Artes to English men, in the English toung.“But, vnto God our Creator, let vs all be thankefull: for that,As he, of his Goodnes, by his Powre, and in his wisedome,hath Created all thynges, in Number, Waight, and Measure: So, to vs, of hys great Mercy, he hath reuealed Meanes, whereby, to atteyne the sufficient and necessary knowledge of the foresayd hys three principall Instrumentes: Which Meanes, I haue abundantly proued vnto you, to be theSciencesandArtes Mathematicall.”And though I haue ben pinched with straightnes of tyme: that, no way, I could so pen downe the matter (in my Mynde) as I determined: hopyng of conuenient laysure: Yet. if vertuous zeale, and honest Intent prouoke and bryng you to the readyng and examinyng of this Compendious treatise, I do not doute, but, as the veritie therof (accordyng to our purpose) will be euident vnto you: So the pith and force therof, will persuade you: and the wonderfull frute therof, highly pleasure you. And that you may the easier perceiue, and better remember, the principall pointes, whereof my Preface treateth,The Ground platt of this Præface in a Table.I will giue you theGroundplattof my whole discourse, in a Table annexed: from the first to the last, somewhat Methodically contriued.If Hast, hath caused my poore pen, any where, to stumble: You will, (I amsure) in part of recompence, (for my earnest and sincere good will to pleasureyou), Consider the rockish huge mountaines, and the perilousvnbeaten wayes, which (both night and day, for the while) ithath toyled and labored through, to bryng you this goodNewes, and Comfortable profe, of Vertues frute.So, I Commit you vnto Gods Mercyfull direction, for the rest: hartelybesechyng hym, to prosper your Studyes, and honest Intentes:to his Glory, & the Commodity of our Countrey.Amen.Written at my poore HouseAt Mortlake.Anno. 1570. February. 9.
Zographie, is an Arte Mathematicall, which teacheth and demonstrateth, how, the Intersection of all visuall Pyramides, made by any playne assigned, (the Centre, distance, and lightes, beyng determined) may be, by lynes, and due propre colours, represented.A notable Arte, is this: and would require a whole Volume, to declare the property thereof: and the Commodities ensuyng. Great skill ofGeometrie,Arithmetike,Perspectiue, andAnthropographie, with many other particular Artes, hath theZographer, nede of, for his perfection. For, the most excellent Painter, (who is but the propre Mechanicien, & Imitator sensible, of the Zographer) hath atteined to such perfection, that Sense of Man and beast, haue iudged thinges painted, to be things naturall, and not artificiall: aliue, and not dead. This Mechanicall Zographer (commonly called the Painter) is meruailous in his skill: and seemeth to haue a certaine diuine power: As, of frendes absent, to make a frendly, present comfort: yea, and of frendes dead, to giue a continuall, silent presence: not onely with vs, but with our posteritie, for many Ages. And so procedyng, Consider, How, in Winter, he can shew you, the liuely vew of Sommers Ioy, and riches: and in Sommer, exhibite the countenance of Winters dolefull State, and nakednes. Cities, Townes, Fortes, Woodes, Armyes, yea whole Kingdomes (be they neuer so farre, or greate) can he, with ease, bring with him, home (to any mans Iudgement) as Paternes liuely, of the thinges rehearsed. In one little house, can he, enclose (with great pleasure of the beholders,) the portrayture liuely, of all visible Creatures, either on earth, or in the earth, liuing: or in the waters lying, Creping, slyding, or swimming: or of any foule, or fly, in the ayre flying. Nay, in respect of the Starres, the Skie, the Cloudes: yea, in the shew of the very light it selfe (that Diuine Creature) can he match our eyes Iudgement, most nerely. What a thing is this? thinges not yet being, he can represent so, as, at their being, the Picture shall seame (in maner) to haue Created them. To what Artificer, is not Picture, a great pleasure and Commoditie? Which of them all, will refuse the Direction and ayde of Picture? The Architect, the Goldsmith, and the Arras Weauer: of Picture, make great account. Our liuely Herbals, our portraitures of birdes, beastes, and fishes: and our curious Anatomies, which way, are they most perfectly made, or with most pleasure, of vs beholden? Is it not, by Picture onely? And if Picture, by the Industry of the Painter, be thus commodious and meruailous: what shall be thought ofZographie, the Scholemaster of Picture, and chief gouernor? Though I mencion notSculpture, in my Table of Artes Mathematicall: yet may all men perceiue, How, thatPictureandSculpture, are Sisters germaine: and both, right profitable, in a Commõ wealth. and ofSculpture, aswell as of Picture, excellent Artificers haue written great bokes in commendation. Witnesse I take, ofGeorgio Vasari,Pittore Aretino: ofPomponius Gauricus: and other. To these two Artes, (with other,) is a certaine od Arte, calledAlthalmasat, much beholdyng: more, then the commonSculptor,Entayler,Keruer,Cutter,Grauer,Founder,orPaynter (&c)know their Arte, to be commodious.
An objection.Architecture, to many may seme not worthy, or not mete, to be reckned among theArtes Mathematicall. To whom, I thinke good, to giue some account of my so doyng. Not worthy, (will they say,) bycause it is but for building, of a house, Pallace, Church, Forte, or such like, grosse workes. And you, also, defined theArtes Mathematicall, to be such, as dealed with no Materiall or corruptible thing: and also did demonstratiuely procede in their faculty, by Number or Magnitude. First,The Answer.you see, that I count, here,Architecture, among thoseArtes Mathematicall, which are Deriued from the Principals: and you know, that such, may deale with Naturall thinges, and sensible matter. Of which,“some draw nerer, to the Simple and absolute Mathematicall Speculation, then other do.And though, theArchitectprocureth, enformeth, & directeth, theMechanicien, to handworke, & the building actuall, of house, Castell, or Pallace, and is chief Iudge of the same: yet, with him selfe (as chiefMasterandArchitect,) remaineth the Demonstratiue reason and cause, of the Mechaniciens worke: in Lyne, plaine, and Solid: byGeometricall,Arithmeticall,Opticall,Musicall,Astronomicall,Cosmographicall”(& to be brief) by all the former DeriuedArtes Mathematicall, and other Naturall Artes, hable to be confirmed and stablished. If this be so: then, may you thinke, thatArchitecture, hath good and due allowance, in this honest Company ofArtes MathematicallDeriuatiue. I will, herein, craue Iudgement of two most perfectArchitectes: the one, beingVitruuius, the Romaine: who did write ten bookes thereof, to the EmperourAugustus(in whose daies our Heauenly Archemaster, was borne): and the other,Leo Baptista Albertus, a Florentine: who also published ten bookes therof.Architectura(saythVitruuius)est Scientia pluribus disciplinis & varijs eruditionibus ornata: cuius Iudicio probantur omnia, quæ ab cæteris Artificibus perficiuntur opera.That is.Architecture, is a Science garnished with many doctrines & diuerse instructions: by whose Iudgement, all workes, by other workmen finished, are Iudged.It followeth.Ea nascitur ex Fabrica, & Ratiocinatione. &c. Ratiocinatio autem est, quæ, res fabricatas, Solertia ac ratione proportionis, demonstrare atqueexplicare potest.Architecture, groweth of Framing, and Reasoning. &c. Reasoning, is that, which of thinges framed, with forecast, and proportion: can make demonstration, and manifest declaration.Againe.Cùm, in omnibus enim rebus, tùm maximè etiam in Architectura, hæc duo insunt: quod significatur, & quod significat. Significatur proposita res, de qua dicitur: hanc autem Significat Demonstratio, rationibus doctrinarum explicata.Forasmuch as, in all thinges: therefore chiefly in Architecture, these two thinges are: the thing signified: and that which signifieth. The thing propounded, whereof we speake, is the thing Signified. But Demonstration, expressed with the reasons of diuerse doctrines, doth signifie the same thing.After that.Vt literatus sit, peritus Graphidos, eruditus Geometriæ, & Optices non ignarus: instructus Arithmetica: historias complures nouerit, Philosophos diligenter audiuerit: Musicam sciuerit: Medicinæ non sit ignarus, responsa Iurisperitorũ nouerit: Astrologiam, Cæliquerationes cognitas habeat.An Architect(sayth he)ought to vnderstand Languages, to be skilfull of Painting, well instructed in Geometrie, not ignorant of Perspectiue, furnished with Arithmetike, haue knowledge of many histories, and diligently haue heard Philosophers, haue skill of Musike, not ignorant of Physike, know the aunsweres of Lawyers, and haue Astronomie,and the courses Cælestiall, in good knowledge.He geueth reason, orderly, wherefore all these Artes, Doctrines, and Instructions, are requisite in an excellentArchitect. And (for breuitie) omitting the Latin text, thus he hath.Secondly, it is behofefull for an Architect to haue the knowledge of Painting: that he may the more easilie fashion out, in patternes painted, the forme of what worke he liketh. And Geometrie, geueth to Architecture many helpes: and first teacheth the Vse of the Rule, and the Cumpasse: wherby (chiefly and easilie) the descriptions of Buildinges, are despatched in Groundplats: and the directions of Squires, Leuells, and Lines. Likewise, by Perspectiue, the Lightes of the heauen, are well led, in the buildinges: from certaine quarters of the world. By Arithmetike, the charges of Buildinges are summed together: the measures are expressed, and the hard questions of Symmetries, are by Geometricall Meanes and Methods discoursed on. &c. Besides this, of the Nature of thinges (which in Greke is calledφυσιολογία) Philosophie doth make declaration. Which, it is necessary, for an Architect, with diligence to haue learned: because it hath many and diuers naturall questions: as specially, in Aqueductes. For in their courses, leadinges about, in the leuell ground, and in the mountinges, the naturall Spirites or breathes are ingendred diuers wayes: The hindrances, which they cause, no man can helpe, but he, which out of Philosophie, hath learned the originall causes of thinges. Likewise, who soeuer shall read Ctesibius, or Archimedes bookes, (and of others, who haue written such Rules) can not thinke, as they do: vnlesse he shall haue receaued of Philosophers, instructions in these thinges. And Musike he must nedes know: that he may haue vnderstanding, both of Regular and Mathematicall Musike: that he may temper well his Balistes, Catapultes, and Scorpions. &c. Moreouer, the Brasen Vessels, which in Theatres, are placed by Mathematicall order, in ambries, vnder the steppes: and the diuersities of the soundes (which yeGrecians callηχεῖα) are ordred according to Musicall Symphonies & Harmonies: being distributed in yeCircuites, by Diatessaron, Diapente, and Diapason. That the conuenient voyce, of the players sound, whẽ it came to these preparations, made in order, there being increased: with ytincreasing, might come more cleare & pleasant, to yeeares of the lokers on. &c. And of Astronomie, is knowẽ yeEast, West, South, and North. The fashion of the heauen, the Æquinox, the Solsticie, and the course of the sterres. Which thinges, vnleast one know: he can not perceiue, any thyng at all, the reason of Horologies. Seyng therfore this ample Science, is garnished, beautified and stored, with so many and sundry skils and knowledges: I thinke, that none can iustly account them selues Architectes, of thesuddeyne. But they onely, who from their childes yeares, ascendyng by these degrees of knowledges, beyng fostered vp with the atteynyng of many Languages and Artes, haue wonne to the high Tabernacle of Architecture. &c. And to whom Nature hath giuen such quicke Circumspection, sharpnes of witt, and Memorie, that they may be very absolutely skillfull in Geometrie, Astronomie, Musike, and the rest of the Artes Mathematicall:Such, surmount and passe the callyng, and state, of Architectes:A Mathematicien.and are become Mathematiciens. &c. And they are found, seldome. As, in tymes past, was Aristarchus Samius: Philolaus, and Archytas, Tarentynes: Apollonius Pergęus: Eratosthenes Cyreneus: Archimedes, and Scopas, Syracusians. Who also, left to theyr posteritie, many Engines and Gnomonicall workes: by numbers and naturall meanes, inuented and declared.
Thus much, and the same wordes (in sense) in one onely Chapter of this IncõparableArchitect Vitruuius, shall you finde. And if you should, but take his boke in your hand, and slightly loke thorough it, you would say straight way:Vitruuius.This isGeometrie,Arithmetike,Astronomie,Musike,Anthropographie,Hydragogie,Horometrie.&c. and (to cõclude) the Storehouse of all workmãship. Now, let vs listen to our other Iudge, our Florentine,Leo Baptista: and narrowly consider, how he doth determine ofArchitecture.Sed antequevltra progrediar. &c.But before I procede any further(sayth he)I thinke, that I ought to expresse, what man I would haue to bee allowed an Architect. For, I will not bryng in place a Carpenter: as though you might Compare him to the Chief Masters of other Artes. For the hand of the Carpenter, is the Architectes Instrument.VVho is an Architect.But I will appoint the Architect to be“that man, who hath the skill, (by a certaine and meruailous meanes and way,) both in minde and Imagination to determine and also in worke to finish: what workes so euer, by motion of waight, and cuppling and framyng together of bodyes, may most aptly be Commodious for the worthiest Vses of Man.”And that he may be able to performe these thinges, he hath nede of atteynyng and knowledge of the best, and most worthy thynges. &c. The whole Feate of Architecture in buildyng, consisteth in Lineamentes, and in Framyng. And the whole power and skill of Lineamentes, tendeth to this: that the right and absolute way maybehad, of Coaptyng and ioyning Lines and angles: by which, the face of the buildyng or frame, may be comprehended and concluded. And it is the property of Lineamentes, to prescribe vnto buildynges, and euery part of them, an apt place, & certaine nũber: a worthy maner, and a semely order: that, so, yewhole forme and figure of the buildyng, may rest in the very Lineamentes. &c. And we may prescribe in mynde and imagination the whole formes,** The Immaterialitie of perfect Architecture.all material stuffe beyng secluded. Which point we shall atteyne, by Notyng and forepointyng the angles, and lines, by a sure and certaine direction and connexion. Seyng then, these thinges, are thus:What, Lineament is.Lineamente, shalbe the certaine and constant prescribyng, conceiued in mynde: made in lines and angles: and finished with a learned minde and wyt.“We thanke you MasterBaptist, that you haue so aptly brought your Arte, and phrase therof, to haue some Mathematicall perfection:Note.by certaine order, nũber, forme, figure, andSymmetriementall:”all naturall & sensible stuffe set a part. Now, then, it is euident, (Gentle reader) how aptely and worthely, I haue preferredArchitecture, to be bred and fostered vp in the Dominion of the perelesPrincesse,Mathematica: and to be a naturall Subiect of hers. And the name ofArchitecture, is of the principalitie, which this Science hath, aboue all other Artes. AndPlatoaffirmeth, theArchitectto beMasterouer all, that make any worke. Wherupon, he is neither Smith, nor Builder: nor, separately, any Artificer: but theHed, the Prouost, the Directer, and Iudge of all Artificiall workes, and all Artificers. For, the trueArchitect, is hable to teach, Demonstrate, distribute, describe, and Iudge all workes wrought. And he, onely, searcheth out the causes and reasons of all Artificiall thynges. Thus excellent, isArchitecture: though few (in our dayes) atteyne thereto: yet may not the Arte, be otherwise thought on, then in very dede it is worthy. Nor we may not, of auncient Artes, make new and imperfect Definitions in our dayes: for scarsitie of Artificers: No more, than we may pynche in, the Definitions ofWisedome, orHonestie, or ofFrendeshypor ofIustice. No more will I consent, to Diminish any whit, of the perfection and dignitie, (by iust cause) allowed to absoluteArchitecture. Vnder the Direction of this Arte, are thre principall, necessaryMechanicall Artes. Namely,Howsing,Fortification, andNaupegie.Howsing, I vnderstand, both for Diuine Seruice, and Mans common vsage: publike, and priuate. OfFortificationandNaupegie, straunge matter might be told you: But perchaunce, some will be tyred, with this Bederoll, all ready rehearsed: and other some, will nycely nip my grosse and homely discoursing with you: made in post hast: for feare you should wante this true and frendly warnyng, and tast giuyng, of thePower Mathematicall. Lyfe is short, and vncertaine: Tymes are perilouse: &c. And still the Printer awayting, for my pen staying: All these thinges, with farder matter of Ingratefulnes, giue me occasion to passe away, to the other Artes remainyng, with all spede possible.
THeArte ofNauigation, demonstrateth how, by the shortest good way, by the aptest Directiõ, & in the shortest time, a sufficient Ship, betwene any two places (in passage Nauigable,) assigned: may be cõducted: and in all stormes, & naturall disturbances chauncyng, how, to vse the best possible meanes, whereby to recouer the place first assigned.What nede, theMaster Pilote, hath of other Artes, here before recited, it is easie to know: as, ofHydrographie,Astronomie,Astrologie, andHorometrie. Presupposing continually, the common Base, and foundacion of all: namelyArithmetikeandGeometrie. So that, he be hable to vnderstand, and Iudge his own necessary Instrumentes, and furniture Necessary: Whether they be perfectly made or no: and also can, (if nede be) make them, hym selfe. As Quadrantes, The Astronomers Ryng, The Astronomers staffe, The Astrolabe vniuersall. An Hydrographicall Globe. Charts Hydrographicall, true, (not with parallell Meridians). The Common Sea Compas: The Compas of variacion: The Proportionall, and Paradoxall CompassesAnno. 1559.(of me Inuented, for our two Moscouy Master Pilotes, at the request of the Company) Clockes with spryng: houre, halfe houre, and three houre Sandglasses: & sundry other Instrumẽtes: And also, be hable, on Globe, or Playne to describe the Paradoxall Compasse: and duely to vse the same, to all maner of purposes, whereto it was inuented. And also, be hable to Calculate the Planetes places for all tymes.
Moreouer, with Sonne Mone or Sterre (or without) be hable to define the Longitude & Latitude of the place, which he is in: So that, the Longitude & Latitude of the place, from which he sayled, be giuen: or by him, be knowne. whereto, appertayneth expert meanes, to be certified euer, of the Ships way. &c. And by foreseing the Rising, Settyng, Nonestedyng, or Midnightyng of certaine tempestuous fixed Sterres: or their Coniunctions, and Anglynges with the Planetes, &c. he ought to haue expert coniecture of Stormes, Tempestes, and Spoutes: and such lyke Meteorologicall effectes, daungerous on Sea. For (asPlatosayth,)Mutationes,opportunitatesquetemporum presentire, non minus rei militari, quàm Agriculturæ, Nauigationiqueconuenit.To foresee the alterations and opportunities of tymes, is conuenient, no lesse to the Art of Warre, then to Husbandry and Nauigation.And besides such cunnyng meanes, more euident tokens in Sonne and Mone, ought of hym to be knowen: such as (the Philosophicall Poëte)Virgiliusteacheth, in hysGeorgikes. Where he sayth,C
Sol quoque& exoriens & quum se condet in vndas,Signa dabit, Solem certissima signa sequuntur. &c.Georgic. 1.———— Nam sæpe videmus,Ipsius in vultu varios errare colores.Cæruleus, pluuiam denunciat, igneus Euros.Sin maculæ incipient rutilo immiscerier igni,Omnia tum pariter vento, nimbisquevidebisFeruere: non illa quisquam me nocte per altumIre, nequea terra moueat conuellere funem. &c.Sol tibi signa dabit. Solem quis dicere falsumAudeat? ———— &c.
Sol quoque& exoriens & quum se condet in vndas,
Signa dabit, Solem certissima signa sequuntur. &c.
———— Nam sæpe videmus,
Ipsius in vultu varios errare colores.
Cæruleus, pluuiam denunciat, igneus Euros.
Sin maculæ incipient rutilo immiscerier igni,
Omnia tum pariter vento, nimbisquevidebis
Feruere: non illa quisquam me nocte per altum
Ire, nequea terra moueat conuellere funem. &c.
Sol tibi signa dabit. Solem quis dicere falsum
Audeat? ———— &c.
And so of Mone, Sterres, Water, Ayre, Fire, Wood, Stones, Birdes, and Beastes, and of many thynges els, a certaine Sympathicall forewarnyng may be had: sometymes to great pleasure and proffit, both on Sea and Land. Sufficiently, for my present purpose, it doth appeare, by the premisses, howMathematicall, theArteofNauigation, is: and how it nedeth and also vseth otherMathematicall Artes: And now, if I would go about to speake of the manifold Commodities, commyng to this Land, and others, by Shypps andNauigation, you might thinke, that I catch at occasions, to vse many wordes, where no nede is.
Yet, this one thyng may I, (iustly) say. InNauigation, none ought to haue greater care, to be skillfull, then our English Pylotes. And perchaunce, Some, would more attempt: And other Some, more willingly would be aydyng, it they wist certainely, What Priuiledge, God had endued this Iland with, by reason of Situation, most commodious forNauigation, to Places most Famous & Riche. And though,* Anno. 1567 S. H. G.(of* Late) a young Gentleman, a Courragious Capitaine, was in a great readynes, with good hope, and great causes of persuasion, to haue ventured, for a Discouerye, (eitherWesterly, byCape de Paramantia: orEsterly, aboueNoua Zemla, and theCyremisses) and was, at the very nere tyme of Attemptyng, called and employed otherwise (both then, and since,) in great good seruice to his Countrey, as the Irish Rebels haue *tasted:* Anno. 1569Yet, I say, (though the same Gentleman, doo not hereafter, deale therewith) Some one, or other, should listen to the Matter: and by good aduise, and discrete Circumspection, by little, and little, wynne to the sufficient knowledge of thatTradeandVoyage: Which, now, I would be sory, (through Carelesnesse, want of Skill, and Courrage,) should remayne Vnknowne and vnheard of. Seyng, also, we are herein, halfe Challenged, by the learned, by halfe request, published. Therof, verely, might grow Commoditye, to this Land chiefly, and to the rest of the Christen Common wealth, farre passing all riches and worldly Threasure.
Thaumaturgike, is that Art Mathematicall, which giueth certaine order to make straunge workes, of the sense to be perceiued, and of men greatly to be wondred at.By sundry meanes, thisWonder-workeis wrought. Some, byPneumatithmie. As the workes ofCtesibiusandHero,Some by waight. wherofTimæusspeaketh. Some, by Stringes strayned, or Springs, therwith Imitating liuely Motions. Some, by other meanes, as the Images of Mercurie: and the brasen hed, made byAlbertus Magnus, which dyd seme to speake.Boethiuswas excellent in these feates. To whom,Cassiodoruswrityng, sayth.Your purpose is to know profound thynges: and to shew meruayles. By the disposition of your Arte, Metals do low: Diomedes of brasse, doth blow a Trumpet loude: a brasen Serpent hisseth: byrdes made, sing swetely. Small thynges we rehearse of you, who can Imitate the heauen. &c.Of the straunge Selfmouyng, which, at Saint Denys, by Paris,* Anno. 1551*I saw, ones or twise (Orontiusbeyng then with me, in Company) it were to straunge to tell. But some haue written it. And yet, (I hope) it is there, of other to be sene. And byPerspectiuealso straunge thinges, are done. As partly (before) I gaue you to vnderstand inPerspectiue. As, to see in the Ayre, a loft, the lyuely Image of an other man, either walkyng to and fro: or standyng still. Likewise, to come into an house, and there to see the liuely shew of Gold, Siluer or precious stones: and commyng to take them in your hand, to finde nought but Ayre. Hereby, haue some men (in all other matters counted wise) fouly ouershot thẽ selues: misdeaming of the meanes. Therfore saydClaudius Cælestinus.De his quæ Mundo mirabiliter eueniunt. cap. 8.Hodie magnæ literaturæ viros & magna reputationis videmus, opera quedam quasi miranda, supra Naturã putare: de quibus in Perspectiua doctus causam faciliter reddidisset.That is.Now a dayes, we see some men, yea of great learnyng and reputation, to Iudge certain workes as meruaylous, aboue the power of Nature: Of which workes, one that were skillfull in Perspectiue might easely haue giuen the Cause.OfArchimedes Sphære,Cicerowitnesseth.Tusc. 1.Which is very straunge to thinke on.For when Archimedes(sayth he)did fasten in a Sphære, the mouynges of the Sonne, Mone, and of the fiue other Planets, he did, as the God, which (in Timæus of Plato) did make the world. That, one turnyng, should rule motions most vnlike in slownes, and swiftnes.But a greater cause of meruayling we haue byClaudianusreport hereof. Who affirmeth thisArchimedes worke, to haue ben of Glasse. And discourseth of it more at large: which I omit. The Doue of wood, which theMathematicien Archytasdid make to flye, is byAgelliusspoken of. OfDædalusstraunge Images,Platoreporteth.HomereofVulcans Selfmouers, (by secret wheles) leaueth in writyng.Aristotle, in hysPolitikes, of both, maketh mention. Meruaylous was the workemanshyp, of late dayes, performed by good skill ofTrochilike. &c.For in Noremberge, A flye of Iern, beyng let out of the Artificers hand, did (as it were) fly about by the gestes, at the table, and at length, as though it were weary, retourne to his masters hand agayne. Moreouer, an Artificiall Egle, was ordred, to fly out of the same Towne, a mighty way, and that a loft in the Ayre, toward the Emperour comming thether: and followed hym, beyng come to the gate of the towne.**Thus, you see, what, Arte Mathematicall can performe, when Skill, will, Industry, and Hability, are duely applyed to profe.
A Digression.And for these, and such like marueilous Actes and Feates, Naturally, Mathematically, and Mechanically, wrought and contriued:Apologeticall.ought any honest Student, and Modest Christian Philosopher, be counted, & called aConiurer? Shall the folly of Idiotes, and the Mallice of the Scornfull, so much preuaile, that He, who seeketh no worldly gaine or glory at their handes: But onely, of God, the threasor of heauenly wisedome, & knowledge of pure veritie: Shall he (I say) in the meanespace, be robbed and spoiled of his honest name and fame? He that seketh (by S. Paules aduertisement) in the Creatures Properties, and wonderfull vertues, to finde iuste cause, to glorifie the Æternall, and Almightie Creator by: Shall that man, be (in hugger mugger) condemned, as a Companion of the Helhoundes, and a Caller, and Coniurer of wicked and damned Spirites? He that bewaileth his great want of time, sufficient (to his contentation) for learning of Godly wisdome, and Godly Verities in: and onely therin setteth all his delight: Will that mã leese and abuse his time, in dealing with the Chiefe enemie of Christ our Redemer: the deadly foe of all mankinde: the subtile and impudent peruerter of Godly Veritie: the Hypocriticall Crocodile: the Enuious Basiliske, continually desirous, in the twinke of an eye, to destroy all Mankinde, both in Body and Soule, æternally? Surely (for my part, somewhat to say herein) I haue not learned to make so brutish, and so wicked a Bargaine. Should I, for my xx. or xxv. yeares Studie: for two or three thousand Markes spending: seuen or eight thousand Miles going and trauailing, onely for good learninges sake: And that, in all maner of wethers: in all maner of waies and passages: both early and late: in daunger of violence by man: in daunger of destruction by wilde beastes: in hunger: in thirst: in perilous heates by day, with toyle on foote: in daungerous dampes of colde, by night, almost bereuing life: (as God knoweth): with lodginges, oft times, to small ease: and somtime to lesse securitie. And for much more (then all this) done & suffred, for Learning and attaining of Wisedome: Should I (I pray you) for all this, no otherwise, nor more warily: or (by Gods mercifulnes) no more luckily, haue fished, with so large, and costly, a Nette, so long time in drawing (and that with the helpe and aduise of Lady Philosophie, & Queene Theologie): but at length, to haue catched, and drawen vp,** A prouerb. Fayre fisht, and caught a Frog.a Frog? Nay, a Deuill? For, so, doth the Common peuish Pratler Imagine and Iangle: And, so, doth the Malicious skorner, secretly wishe, & brauely and boldly face down, behinde my backe. Ah, what a miserable thing, is this kinde of Men? How great is the blindnes & boldnes, of the Multitude, in thinges aboue their Capacitie? What a Land: what a People: what Maners: what Times are these? Are they become Deuils, them selues: and, by false witnesse bearing against their Neighbour, would they also, become Murderers? Doth God, so long geue them respite, to reclaime them selues in, from this horrible slaundering of the giltlesse: contrary to their owne Consciences: and yet will they not cease? Doth the Innocent, forbeare the calling of them, Iuridically to aunswere him, according to the rigour of the Lawes: and will they despise his Charitable pacience? As they, against him, by name, do forge, fable, rage, and raise slaunder, by Worde & Print: Will they prouoke him, by worde and Print, likewise, to Note their Names to the World: with their particular deuises, fables, beastly Imaginations, and vnchristen-like slaunders? Well: Well. O (you such) my vnkinde Countrey men. O vnnaturall Countrey men. O vnthankfull Countrey men. O Brainsicke, Rashe, Spitefull, and Disdainfull Countrey men. Why oppresse you me, thus violently, with your slaundering of me: Contrary to Veritie: and contrary to your owne Consciences? And I, to this hower, neither by worde, deede, or thought, haue bene, any way, hurtfull, damageable, or iniurious to you, or yours? Haue I, so long, so dearly, so farre, so carefully, so painfully, so daungerously sought & trauailed for the learning of Wisedome, & atteyning of Vertue: And in the end (in your iudgemẽt) am I become, worse, then when I begã? Worse, thẽ a Mad man? A dangerous Member in the Common Wealth: and no Member of the Church of Christ? Call you this, to be Learned? Call you this, to be a Philosopher? and a louer of Wisedome? To forsake the straight heauenly way: and to wallow in the broad way ofdamnation? To forsake the light of heauenly Wisedome: and to lurke in the dungeon of the Prince of darkenesse? To forsake the Veritie of God, & his Creatures: and to fawne vpon the Impudent, Craftie, Obstinate Lier, and continuall disgracer of Gods Veritie, to the vttermost of his power? To forsake the Life & Blisse Æternall: and to cleaue vnto the Author of Death euerlasting? that Murderous Tyrant, most gredily awaiting the Pray of Mans Soule? Well: I thanke God and our Lorde Iesus Christ, for the Comfort which I haue by the Examples of other men, before my time: To whom, neither in godlines of life, nor in perfection of learning, I am worthy to be compared: and yet, they sustained the very like Iniuries, that I do: or rather, greater. PacientSocrates, hisApologiewill testifie:ApuleiushisApologies, will declare the Brutishnesse of the Multitude.Ioannes Picus, Earle of Mirandula, hisApologiewill teach you, of the Raging slaunder of the Malicious Ignorant against him.Ioannes Trithemius, hisApologiewill specifie, how he had occasion to make publike Protestation: as well by reason of the Rude Simple: as also, in respect of such, as were counted to be of the wisest sort of men.“Many could I recite: But I deferre the precise and determined handling of this matter: being loth to detect the Folly & Mallice of my Natiue Countrey men.**Who, so hardly, can disgest or like any extraordinary course of Philosophicall Studies: not falling within the Cumpasse of their Capacitie: or where they are not made priuie of the true and secrete cause, of such wonderfull Philosophicall Feates.”These men, are of fower sortes, chiefly. The first, I may name,Vaine pratling busie bodies: The second,Fond Frendes: The third,Imperfectly zelous: and the fourth,Malicious Ignorant. To eche of these (briefly, and in charitie) I will say a word or two, and so returne to my Præface.1.Vaine pratling busie bodies, vse your idle assemblies, and conferences, otherwise, then in talke of matter, either aboue your Capacities, for hardnesse: or contrary to your Consciences, in Veritie.2.Fonde Frendes, leaue of, so to commend your vnacquainted frend, vpon blinde affection: As, because he knoweth more, then the common Student: that, therfore, he must needes be skilfull, and a doer, in such matter and maner, as you termeConiuring. Weening, thereby, you aduaunce his fame: and that you make other men, great marueilers of your hap, to haue such a learned frend. Cease to ascribe Impietie, where you pretend Amitie. For, if your tounges were true, then were that your frend,Vntrue, both to God, and his Soueraigne. SuchFrendesandFondlinges, I shake of, and renounce you: Shake you of, your Folly.3.Imperfectly zelous, to you, do I say: that (perhaps) well, do you Meane: But farre you misse the Marke: If a Lambe you will kill, to feede the flocke with his bloud. Sheepe, with Lambes bloud, haue no naturall sustenaunce: No more, is Christes flocke, with horrible slaunders, duely ædified. Nor your faire pretense, by such rashe ragged Rhetorike, any whit, well graced. But such, as so vse me, will finde a fowle Cracke in their Credite. Speake that you know: And know, as you ought: Know not, by Heare say, when life lieth in daunger. Search to the quicke, & let Charitie be your guide.4.Malicious Ignorant, what shall I say to thee?Prohibe linguam tuam a malo. A detractione parcite linguæ.Cause thy toung to refraine frõ euill. Refraine your toung from slaunder.Though your tounges be sharpned, Serpent like, & Adders poyson lye in your lippes:Psal. 140.yet take heede, and thinke, betimes, with your selfe,Vir linguosus non stabilietur in terra. Virum violentum venabitur malum, donec præcipitetur.For, sure I am,Quia faciet Dominus Iudicium afflicti: & vindictam pauperum.
Thus, I require you, my assured frendes, and Countrey men (you Mathematiciens, Mechaniciens, and Philosophers, Charitable and discrete) to deale in mybehalf, with the light & vntrue tounged, my enuious Aduersaries, or Fond frends. And farther, I would wishe, that at leysor, you would consider, howBasilius Magnus, layethMosesandDaniel, before the eyes of those, which count all such Studies Philosophicall (as mine hath bene) to be vngodly, or vnprofitable. Waye wellS. Stephenhis witnesse ofMoses.Act. 7. C.Eruditus est Moses omni Sapientia Ægyptiorũ: & erat potens in verbis & operibus suis.Moses was instructed in all maner of wisedome of the Ægyptians: and he was of power both in his wordes, and workes.You see this Philosophicall Power & Wisedome, whichMoseshad, to be nothing misliked of the Holy Ghost. YetPliniushath recorded,Mosesto be a wickedMagicien. And that (of force) must be, either for this Philosophicall wisedome, learned, before his calling to the leading of the Children ofIsrael: or for those his wonders, wrought before KingPharao, after he had the conducting of theIsraelites. As concerning the first, you perceaue, howS. Stephen, at his Martyrdome (being full of the Holy Ghost) in his Recapitulation of the olde Testament, hath made mention ofMosesPhilosophie: with good liking of it: AndBasilius Magnusalso, auoucheth it, to haue bene toMosesprofitable (and therefore, I say, to the Church of God, necessary). But as cõcerningMoseswonders, done before KingPharao: God, him selfe, sayd:Vide vt omnia ostenta, quæ posui in manu tua, facias coram Pharaone.See that thou do all those wonders before Pharao, which I haue put in thy hand.Thus, you euidently perceaue, how rashly,Pliniushath slaunderedMoses,Lib. 30. Cap. 1.of vayne fraudulentMagike, saying:Est & alia Magices Factio, a Mose, Iamne, & Iotape, Iudæis pendens: sed multis millibus annorum post Zoroastrem. &c.1.Let all such, therefore, who, in Iudgement and Skill of Philosophie, are farre Inferior toPlinie,“take good heede, least they ouershoote them selues rashly,”inIudging ofPhilosophers straunge Actes: and the Meanes, how they are done.2.But, much more, ought they to beware of forging, deuising, and imagining monstrous feates, and wonderfull workes, when and where, no such were done: no, not any sparke or likelihode, of such, as they, without all shame, do report.3.And (to conclude) most of all, let them be ashamed of Man, and afraide of the dreadfull and Iuste Iudge: both Folishly or Maliciously to deuise: and then, deuilishly to father their new fond Monsters on me: Innocent, in hand and hart: for trespacing either against the lawe of God, or Man, in any my Studies or Exercises, Philosophicall, or Mathematicall: As in due time, I hope, will be more manifest.
NOw end I, withArchemastrie. Which name, is not so new, as this Arte is rare. For an other Arte, vnder this, a degree (for skill and power) hath bene indued with this English name before. And yet, this, may serue for our purpose, sufficiently, at this present.This Arte, teacheth to bryng to actuall experience sensible, all worthy conclusions by all the Artes Mathematicall purposed, & by true Naturall Philosophie concluded: & both addeth to them a farder scope, in the termes of the same Artes, & also by hys propre Method, and in peculier termes, procedeth, with helpe of the foresayd Artes, to the performance of complet Experiẽces, which of no particular Art, are hable (Formally) to be challenged.If you remember, how we consideredArchitecture, in respect of all common handworkes: some light may you haue, therby, to vnderstand the Souerainty and propertie of this Science.ScienceI may call it, rather, then an Arte: for the excellency and Mastershyp it hath, ouer so many, and so mighty Artes andSciences. And bycause it procedeth byExperiences, and searcheth forth the causes of Conclusions, byExperiences: and also putteth the Conclusions them selues, inExperience, it is named of some,Scientia Experimentalis. TheExperimentall Science.Nicolaus Cusanustermeth it so, in hysExperimentes Statikall, And an otherPhilosopher,R. B.of this land Natiue (the floure of whose worthy fame, can neuer dye nor wither) did write therof largely, at the request ofClement the sixt. The Arte carrieth with it, a wonderfull Credit: By reason, it certefieth, sensibly, fully, and completely to the vtmost power of Nature, and Arte. This Arte, certifieth byExperiencecomplete and absolute: and other Artes, with their Argumentes, and Demonstrations, persuade: and in wordes, proue very well their Conclusions.* Butwordes, and Argumentes, are no sensible certifying: nor the full and finall frute of Sciences practisable. And though some Artes, haue in them,Experiences, yet they are not complete, and brought to the vttermost, they may be stretched vnto, and applyed sensibly. As for example: the Naturall Philosopher disputeth and maketh goodly shew of reason: And the Astronomer, and the Opticall Mechanicien, put some thynges inExperience: but neither, all, that they may: nor yet sufficiently, and to the vtmost, those, which they do, There, then, theArchemastersteppeth in, and leadeth forth on, theExperiences, by order of his doctrineExperimentall, to the chief and finall power of Naturall and Mathematicall Artes. Of two or three men, in whom, this Description ofArchemastrywasExperimentally, verified, I haue read and hard: and good record, is of their such perfection. So that, this Art, is no fantasticall Imagination: as some Sophister, might,Cum suis Insolubilibus, make a florish: and dassell your Imagination: and dash your honest desire and Courage, from beleuing these thinges, so vnheard of, so meruaylous, & of such Importance. Well: as you will. I haue forewarned you. I haue done the part of a frende: I haue discharged my Duety toward God: for my small Talent, at hys most mercyfull handes receiued. To this Science, doth theScience Alnirangiat, great Seruice. Muse nothyng of this name. I chaunge not the name, so vsed, and in Print published by other: beyng a name, propre to the Science. Vnder this, commethArs Sintrillia, byArtephius, briefly written. But the chief Science, of the Archemaster, (in this world) as yet knowen, is an other (as it were) OPTICAL Science: wherof, the name shall be told (God willyng) when I shall haue some, (more iust) occasion, therof, to Discourse.
Here, I must end, thus abruptly (Gentle frende, and vnfayned louer of honest and necessary verities.) For, they, who haue (for your sake, and vertues cause) requested me, (an old forworne Mathematicien) to take pen in hand: (through the confidence they reposed in my long experience: and tryed sincerity) for the declaryng and reportyng somewhat, of the frute and commodity, by theArtes Mathematicall, to be atteyned vnto: euen they, Sore agaynst their willes, are forced, for sundry causes, to satisfie the workemans request, in endyng forthwith: He, so feareth this, so new an attempt, & so costly: And in matter so slenderly (hetherto) among the common Sorte of Studentes, considered or estemed.
And where I was willed, somewhat to alledge, why, in our vulgare Speche, this part of the Principall Science ofGeometrie, calledEuclides Geometricall Elementes, is published, to your handlyng: being vnlatined people, and not Vniuersitie Scholers: Verily, I thinke it nedelesse.
1.For, the Honour, and Estimation of theVniuersities, and Graduates, is, hereby, nothing diminished. Seing, from, and by their Nurse Children, you receaue all this Benefite: how great soeuer it be.
2.Neither are their Studies, hereby, any whit hindred. No more, then the ItalianVniuersities, asAcademia Bononiensis,Ferrariensis,Florentina,Mediolanensis,Patauina,Papiensis,Perusina,Pisana,Romana,Senensis, or any one of them, finde them selues, any deale, disgraced, or their Studies any thing hindred, byFrater Lucas de Burgo, or byNicolaus Tartalea, who in vulgar Italian language, haue published, not onelyEuclides Geometrie, but ofArchimedessomewhat: and in Arithmetike and Practicall Geometrie, very large volumes, all in their vulgar speche. Nor in Germany haue the famousVniuersities, any thing bene discontent withAlbertus Durerus, his Geometricall Institutions in Dutch: or withGulielmus Xylander, his learned translation of the first sixe bookes ofEuclide, out of the Greke into the high Dutch. Nor withGualterus H. Riffius, his Geometricall Volume: very diligently translated into the high Dutch tounge, and published. Nor yet theVniuersitiesof Spaine, or Portugall, thinke their reputation to be decayed: or suppose any their Studies to be hindred by the ExcellentP. Nonnius, his Mathematicall workes, in vulgare speche by him put forth. Haue you not, likewise, in the French tounge, the whole Mathematicall Quadriuie? and yet neither Paris, Orleance, or any of the other Vniuersities of Fraunce, at any time, with the Translaters, or Publishers offended: or any mans Studie thereby hindred?
3.And surely, the Common and Vulgar Scholer (much more, the Gramarian) before his comming to theVniuersitie, shall (or may) be, now (according toPlatohis Counsell) sufficiently instructed inArithmetikeandGeometrie, for the better and easier learning of all maner ofPhilosophie,Academicall, orPeripateticall. And by that meanes, goe more cherefully, more skilfully, and spedily forwarde, in his Studies, there to be learned. And, so, in lesse time, profite more, then (otherwise) he should, or could do.
4.Also many good and pregnant Englishe wittes, of young Gentlemen, and of other, who neuer intend to meddle with the profound search and Studie of Philosophie (in theVniuersitiesto be learned) may neuerthelesse, now, with more ease and libertie, haue good occasion, vertuously to occupie the sharpnesse of their wittes: where, els (perchance) otherwise, they would in fond exercises, spend (or rather leese) their time: neither seruing God: nor furdering the Weale, common or priuate.
5.And great Comfort, with good hope, may theVniuersitieshaue, by reason of thisEnglisheGeometrie, and Mathematicall Præface, that they (hereafter) shall be the more regarded, esteemed, and resorted vnto. For, when it shall be knowen and reported, that of theMathematicall Sciencesonely, such great Commodities are ensuing (as I haue specified): and that in dede, some of you vnlatined Studentes, can be good witnesse, of such rare fruite by you enioyed (thereby): as either, before this, was not heard of: or els, not so fully credited:“Well, may all men coniecture, that farre greater ayde, and better furniture, to winne to the Perfection of all Philosophie,Vniuersities.may in the Vniuersities be had: being the Storehouses & Threasory of all Sciences,and all Artes, necessary for the best, and most noble State of Common Wealthes.”
6.Besides this, how many a Common Artificer, is there, in these Realmes of England and Ireland, that dealeth with Numbers, Rule, & Cumpasse: Who, with their owne Skill and experience, already had, will be hable (by these good helpes and informations) to finde out, and deuise, new workes, straunge Engines, and Instrumentes: for sundry purposes in the Common Wealth? or for priuate pleasure? and for the better maintayning of their owne estate? I will not (therefore)fight against myne owne shadowe. For, no man (I am sure) will open his mouth against this Enterprise. No mã (I say) who either hath Charitie toward his brother (and would be glad of his furtherance in vertuous knowledge): or that hath any care & zeale for the bettering of the Cõmon state of this Realme. Neither any, that make accompt, what the wiser sort of men (Sage and Stayed) do thinke of them. To none (therefore) will I make anyApologie,for a vertuous acte doing: and for cõmending, or setting forth, Profitable Artes to English men, in the English toung.“But, vnto God our Creator, let vs all be thankefull: for that,As he, of his Goodnes, by his Powre, and in his wisedome,hath Created all thynges, in Number, Waight, and Measure: So, to vs, of hys great Mercy, he hath reuealed Meanes, whereby, to atteyne the sufficient and necessary knowledge of the foresayd hys three principall Instrumentes: Which Meanes, I haue abundantly proued vnto you, to be theSciencesandArtes Mathematicall.”
And though I haue ben pinched with straightnes of tyme: that, no way, I could so pen downe the matter (in my Mynde) as I determined: hopyng of conuenient laysure: Yet. if vertuous zeale, and honest Intent prouoke and bryng you to the readyng and examinyng of this Compendious treatise, I do not doute, but, as the veritie therof (accordyng to our purpose) will be euident vnto you: So the pith and force therof, will persuade you: and the wonderfull frute therof, highly pleasure you. And that you may the easier perceiue, and better remember, the principall pointes, whereof my Preface treateth,The Ground platt of this Præface in a Table.I will giue you theGroundplattof my whole discourse, in a Table annexed: from the first to the last, somewhat Methodically contriued.
If Hast, hath caused my poore pen, any where, to stumble: You will, (I amsure) in part of recompence, (for my earnest and sincere good will to pleasureyou), Consider the rockish huge mountaines, and the perilousvnbeaten wayes, which (both night and day, for the while) ithath toyled and labored through, to bryng you this goodNewes, and Comfortable profe, of Vertues frute.
So, I Commit you vnto Gods Mercyfull direction, for the rest: hartelybesechyng hym, to prosper your Studyes, and honest Intentes:to his Glory, & the Commodity of our Countrey.Amen.
Written at my poore HouseAt Mortlake.
Anno. 1570. February. 9.