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The Mathematicall Praeface to the Elements of Geometrie
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The Mathematicall Praeface to the Elements of Geometrie

John Dee · Musean translation — Mouseia

16th-century English source edition on gutenberg.org

To the Lovers of Truth and Students of Noble Sciences

TO THE VNFAINED LOVERS of truthe, and constant Studentes of Noble Sciences, IOHN DEE of London, hartily wisheth grace from heauen, and most prosperous successe in all their honest attemptes and exercises.

Diuine Plato, the great Master of many worthy Philosophers, and the constant auoucher, and pithy perswader of Vnum, Bonum, and Ens: in his Schole and Academie, sundry times (besides his ordinary Scholers) was visited of a certaine kinde of men, allured by the noble fame of Plato, and the great commendation of hys profound and profitable doctrine. But when such Hearers, after long harkening to him, perceaued, that the drift of his discourses issued out, to conclude, this Vnum, Bonum, and Ens, to be Spirituall, Infinite, Æternall, Omnipotent, &c. Nothyng beyng alledged or expressed, How, worldly goods: how, worldly dignitie: how, health, Strẽgth or lustines of body: nor yet the meanes, how a merueilous sensible and bodyly blysse and felicitie hereafter, might be atteyned: Straightway, the fantasies of those hearers, were dampt: their opinion of Plato, was clene chaunged: yea his doctrine was by them despised: and his schole, no more of them visited. Which thing, his Scholer, Aristotle, narrowly cõsidering, founde the cause therof, to be, “For that they had no forwarnyng and information, in generall,” whereto his doctrine tended. For, so, might they haue had occasion, either to haue forborne his schole hauntyng: (if they, then, had misliked his Scope and purpose) or constantly to haue continued therin: to their full satisfaction: if such his finall scope & intent, had ben to their desire. Wherfore, Aristotle, euer, after that, vsed in brief, to forewarne his owne Scholers and hearers, “both of what matter, and also to what ende, he tooke in hand to speake, or teach.” While I consider the diuerse trades of these two excellent Philosophers (and am most sure, both, that Plato right well, otherwise could teach: and that Aristotle mought boldely, with his hearers, haue dealt in like sorte as Plato did) I am in no little pang of perplexitie: Bycause, that, which I mislike, is most easy for me to performe (and to haue Plato for my exãple.) And that, which I know to be most commendable: and (in this first bringyng, into common handling, the Artes Mathematicall) to be most necessary: is full of great difficultie and sundry daungers. Yet, neither do I think it mete, for so straunge matter (as now is ment to be published) and to so straunge an audience, to be bluntly, at first, put forth, without a peculiar Preface: Nor (Imitatyng Aristotle) well can I hope, that accordyng to the amplenes and dignitie of the State Mathematicall, I am able, either playnly to prescribe the materiall boundes: or precisely to expresse the chief purposes, and most wonderfull applications therof. And though I am sure, that such as did shrinke from Plato his schole, after they had perceiued his finall conclusion, would in these thinges haue ben his most diligent hearers (so infinitely mought their desires, in fine and at length, by our Artes Mathematicall be satisfied) yet, by this my Præface & forewarnyng, Aswell all such, may (to their great behofe) the soner, hither be allured: as also the Pythagoricall, and Platonicall perfect scholer, and the constant profound Philosopher, with more ease and spede, may (like the Bee,) gather, hereby, both wax and hony.

(The intent of this Preface.)

Wherfore, seyng I finde great occasion (for the causes alleged, and farder, in respect of my Art Mathematike generall) to vse “a certaine forewarnyng and Præface, whose content shalbe, that mighty, most plesaunt, and frutefull Mathematicall Tree, with his chief armes and second (grifted) braunches: Both, what euery one is, and also, what commodity, in generall, is to be looked for, aswell of griff as stocke: And forasmuch as this enterprise is so great, that, to this our tyme, it neuer was (to my knowledge) by any achieued: And also it is most hard, in these our drery dayes, to such rare and straunge Artes, to wyn due and common credit:” Neuertheles, if, for my sincere endeuour to satisfie your honest expectation, you will but lend me your thãkefull mynde a while: and, to such matter as, for this time, my penne (with spede) is hable to deliuer, apply your eye or eare attentifely: perchaunce, at once, and for the first salutyng, this Preface you will finde a lesson long enough. And either you will, for a second (by this) be made much the apter: or shortly become, well hable your selues, of the lyons claw, to coniecture his royall symmetrie, and farder propertie. Now then, gentle, my frendes, and countrey men, Turne your eyes, and bend your myndes to that doctrine, which for our present purpose, my simple talent is hable to yeld you.

All thinges which are, & haue beyng, are found vnder a triple diuersitie generall. For, either, they are demed Supernaturall, Naturall, or, of a third being. Thinges Supernaturall, are immateriall, simple, indiuisible, incorruptible, & vnchangeable. Things Naturall, are materiall, compounded, diuisible, corruptible, and chaungeable. Thinges Supernaturall, are, of the minde onely, comprehended: Things Naturall, of the sense exterior, ar hable to be perceiued. In thinges Naturall, probabilitie and coniecture hath place: But in things Supernaturall, chief demõstration, & most sure Science is to be had. By which properties & comparasons of these two, more easily may be described, the state, condition, nature and property of those thinges, which, we before termed of a third being: which, by a peculier name also, are called Thynges Mathematicall. For, these, beyng (in a maner) middle, betwene thinges supernaturall and naturall: are not so absolute and excellent, as thinges supernatural: Nor yet so base and grosse, as things naturall: But are thinges immateriall: and neuerthelesse, by materiall things hable somewhat to be signified. And though their particular Images, by Art, are aggregable and diuisible: yet the generall Formes, notwithstandyng, are constant, vnchaungeable, vntrãsformable, and incorruptible. Neither of the sense, can they, at any tyme, be perceiued or iudged. Nor yet, for all that, in the royall mynde of man, first conceiued. But, surmountyng the imperfectiõ of coniecture, weenyng and opinion: and commyng short of high intellectuall cõceptiõ, are the Mercurial fruite of Dianœticall discourse, in perfect imagination subsistyng. A meruaylous newtralitie haue these thinges Mathematicall, and also a straunge participatiõ betwene thinges supernaturall, immortall, intellectual, simple and indiuisible: and thynges naturall, mortall, sensible, compounded and diuisible. Probabilitie and sensible prose, may well serue in thinges naturall: and is commendable: In Mathematicall reasoninges, a probable Argument, is nothyng regarded: nor yet the testimony of sense, any whit credited: But onely a perfect demonstration, of truthes certaine, necessary, and inuincible: vniuersally and necessaryly concluded: is allowed as sufficient for “an Argument exactly and purely Mathematical.”

(Note the worde, Vnit, to expresse the Greke Monas, & not Vnitie: as we haue all, commonly, till now, vsed.)

Of Mathematicall thinges, are two principall kindes: namely, Number, and Magnitude.

(Number.)

Number, we define, to be, a certayne Mathematicall Sũme, of Vnits. And, an Vnit, is that thing Mathematicall, Indiuisible, by participation of some likenes of whose property, any thing, which is in deede, or is counted One, may resonably be called One. We account an Vnit, a thing Mathematicall, though it be no Number, and also indiuisible: because, of it, materially, Number doth consist: which, principally, is a thing Mathematicall.

(Magnitude.)

Magnitude is a thing Mathematicall, by participation of some likenes of whose nature, any thing is iudged long, broade, or thicke. “A thicke Magnitude we call a Solide, or a Body. What Magnitude so euer, is Solide or Thicke, is also broade, & long. A broade magnitude, we call a Superficies or a Plaine. Euery playne magnitude, hath also length. A long magnitude, we terme a Line. A Line is neither thicke nor broade, but onely long: Euery certayne Line, hath two endes:

(A point.)

The endes of a line, are Pointes called. A Point, is a thing Mathematicall, indiuisible, which may haue a certayne determined situation.” If a Poynt moue from a determined situation, the way wherein it moued, is also a Line: mathematically produced, whereupon, of the auncient Mathematiciens,

(A Line.)

a Line is called the race or course of a Point. A Poynt we define, by the name of a thing Mathematicall: though it be no Magnitude, and indiuisible: because it is the propre ende, and bound of a Line: which is a true Magnitude.

(Magnitude.)

And Magnitude we may define to be that thing Mathematicall, which is diuisible for euer, in partes diuisible, long, broade or thicke. Therefore though a Poynt be no Magnitude, yet Terminatiuely, we recken it a thing Mathematicall (as I sayd) by reason it is properly the end, and bound of a line. Neither Number, nor Magnitude, haue any Materialitie.

To the unfeigned lovers of truth, and the constant students of the noble sciences, John Dee of London heartily wishes grace from heaven, and the most prosperous success in all their honorable attempts and exercises.

Divine Plato, that great master of many worthy philosophers, the steady affirmer and vigorous persuader of the One, the Good, and Being, was visited in his school and academy at various times — besides his ordinary scholars — by a certain kind of men, allured by the noble fame of Plato and the great commendation of his profound and profitable doctrine. But when such hearers, after long listening to him, perceived that the drift of his discourses came out to conclude that the One, the Good, and Being are spiritual, infinite, eternal, omnipotent, etc., nothing being alleged or expressed as to how worldly goods, how worldly dignity, how health, strength, or vigor of body might be attained, nor yet by what means a marvelous sensible and bodily bliss and felicity hereafter might be reached — at once the fancies of those hearers were dampened; their opinion of Plato was completely changed; indeed his doctrine was despised by them, and his school visited by them no more. Which thing his scholar Aristotle, narrowly considering, found the cause of it to be "that they had no forewarning and general information as to where his doctrine tended." For so they might have had occasion either to refrain from haunting his school — if they then disliked his aim and purpose — or to continue in it constantly, to their full satisfaction, if such his final scope and intent had been to their desire. For this reason Aristotle, ever after, used briefly to forewarn his own scholars and hearers "both of what matter, and also to what end, he undertook to speak or teach."

While I consider the diverse methods of these two excellent philosophers (and am most sure both that Plato could very well have taught otherwise, and that Aristotle might have dealt boldly with his hearers in the same way as Plato did), I am in no small pang of perplexity: because that which I dislike is easiest for me to perform (and to have Plato for my example), and that which I know to be most commendable, and (in this first bringing into common handling the mathematical arts) most necessary, is full of great difficulty and sundry dangers. Yet neither do I think it fitting, for so strange a matter as is now meant to be published, and to so strange an audience, to be bluntly at first put forth without a special preface; nor (imitating Aristotle) can I well hope that, according to the breadth and dignity of the mathematical discipline, I am able either plainly to set out the bounds of its subject matter, or precisely to express its chief purposes and most wonderful applications. And though I am sure that such as shrank from Plato's school, after they had perceived his final conclusion, would in these things have been his most diligent hearers — so infinitely might their desires in the end and at length be satisfied by our mathematical arts — yet by this my preface and forewarning, all such may, to their great benefit, be the sooner lured here; and also the Pythagorean and Platonic perfect scholar, and the constant profound philosopher, with more ease and speed may, like the bee, gather from this both wax and honey.

(The intent of this preface.)

Therefore, since I find great occasion — for the causes alleged, and further in respect of my art of mathematics in general — to use "a certain forewarning and preface, whose content shall be that mighty, most pleasant, and fruitful mathematical tree, with its main arms and second grafted branches: what each one of them is, and also what benefit in general is to be looked for, both from graft and from stock." And since this enterprise is so great that, to our time, it has never (to my knowledge) been achieved by anyone; and also it is most hard in these dreary days to win due and common credit for such rare and strange arts — nevertheless, if for my sincere endeavor to satisfy your honest expectation you will lend me your thankful mind a while, and apply your eye or ear attentively to such matter as my pen is able to deliver this time with speed, perhaps at once, and for the first saluting, you will find this preface a long enough lesson. And either you will by this be made much the apter for a second, or shortly become well able yourselves, from the lion's claw, to conjecture his royal symmetry and further property. Now then, gentle friends and countrymen, turn your eyes and bend your minds to that doctrine which for our present purpose my simple talent is able to yield you.

All things that are, and have being, are found under a triple general diversity. For either they are deemed supernatural, natural, or of a third being. Supernatural things are immaterial, simple, indivisible, incorruptible, and unchangeable. Natural things are material, compounded, divisible, corruptible, and changeable. Supernatural things are comprehended by the mind alone; natural things are able to be perceived by the outward sense. In natural things probability and conjecture have a place; but in supernatural things chief demonstration and most sure knowledge is to be had. By which properties and comparisons of these two, the state, condition, nature, and property of those things which we earlier called "of a third being" may more easily be described; which also, by a special name, are called Mathematical Things. For these, being in a manner middle between supernatural and natural things, are not so absolute and excellent as supernatural things, nor yet so base and gross as natural things; but they are immaterial, and nevertheless by material things able to be somewhat signified. And though their particular images by art are aggregable and divisible, yet the general forms notwithstanding remain constant, unchangeable, untransformable, and incorruptible. Neither can they at any time be perceived or judged by the sense. Nor yet for all that are they first conceived in the royal mind of man. But surmounting the imperfection of conjecture, supposition, and opinion, and falling short of high intellectual conception, they are the mercurial fruit of discursive reasoning, subsisting in perfect imagination. A marvelous neutrality have these mathematical things, and also a strange participation between supernatural, immortal, intellectual, simple and indivisible things, and natural, mortal, sensible, compounded and divisible things. Probability and sensible prose may well serve in natural things, and is commendable; in mathematical reasonings a probable argument is nothing regarded, nor yet the testimony of sense at all credited; but only a perfect demonstration of truths certain, necessary, and invincible, universally and necessarily concluded, is allowed as sufficient for "an argument exactly and purely mathematical."

(Note the word "unit" to express the Greek Monas, and not "unity," as we have all commonly used until now.)

Of mathematical things there are two principal kinds: namely, Number and Magnitude.

(Number.)

Number, we define, to be a certain mathematical sum of units. And a unit is that mathematical thing, indivisible, by sharing in some likeness of whose property any thing which in deed or in count is One may reasonably be called One. We account a unit a mathematical thing, though it is no number and also indivisible, because number materially consists of it, which principally is a mathematical thing.

(Magnitude.)

Magnitude is a mathematical thing, by sharing in some likeness of whose nature any thing is judged long, broad, or thick. "A thick magnitude we call a solid, or a body. What magnitude soever is solid or thick is also broad and long. A broad magnitude we call a surface or a plane. Every plane magnitude has also length. A long magnitude we call a line. A line is neither thick nor broad, but only long; every certain line has two ends:

(A point.)

The ends of a line are called points. A point is a mathematical thing, indivisible, which may have a certain determined position." If a point moves from a determined position, the way in which it moved is also a line, mathematically produced; after which, of the ancient mathematicians,

(A line.)

a line is called the race or course of a point. A point we define by the name of a mathematical thing, though it is no magnitude and is indivisible, because it is the proper end and bound of a line, which is a true magnitude.

(Magnitude.)

And magnitude we may define to be that mathematical thing which is divisible forever into divisible parts — long, broad, or thick. Therefore though a point is no magnitude, yet terminatively we reckon it a mathematical thing (as I said) by reason it is properly the end and bound of a line. Neither number nor magnitude has any materiality.

Of Number and Magnitude

First, we will consider of Number, and of the Science Mathematicall, to it appropriate, called Arithmetike: and afterward of Magnitude, and his Science, called Geometrie. But that name contenteth me not: whereof a word or two hereafter shall be sayd. How Immateriall and free from all matter, Number is, who doth not perceaue? yea, who doth not wonderfully wõder at it? For, neither pure Element, nor Aristoteles, Quinta Essentia, is hable to serue for Number, as his propre matter. Nor yet the puritie and simplenes of Substance Spirituall or Angelicall, will be found propre enough thereto. And therefore the great & godly Philosopher Anitius Boetius, sayd: Omnia quæcun[que] a primæua rerum natura constructa sunt, Numerorum videntur ratione formata. Hoc enim fuit principale in animo Conditoris Exemplar. That is: All thinges (which from the very first originall being of thinges, haue bene framed and made) do appeare to be Formed by the reason of Numbers. For this was the principall example or patterne in the minde of the Creator. O comfortable allurement, O rauishing perswasion, to deale with a Science, whose Subiect, is so Auncient, so pure, so excellent, so surmounting all creatures, so vsed of the Almighty and incomprehensible wisdome of the Creator, in the distinct creation of all creatures: in all their distinct partes, properties, natures, and vertues, by order, and most absolute number, brought, from Nothing, to the Formalitie of their being and state. By Numbers propertie therefore, of vs, by all possible meanes, (to the perfection of the Science) learned, we may both winde and draw our selues into the inward and deepe search and vew, of all creatures distinct vertues, natures, properties, and Formes: And also, farder, arise, clime, ascend, and mount vp (with Speculatiue winges) in spirit, to behold in the Glas of Creation, the Forme of Formes, the Exemplar Number of all thinges Numerable: both visible and inuisible, mortall and immortall, Corporall and Spirituall. Part of this profound and diuine Science, had Ioachim the Prophesier atteyned vnto: by Numbers Formall, Naturall, and Rationall, forseyng, concludyng, and forshewyng great particular euents, long before their comming. His bookes yet remainyng, hereof, are good profe: And the noble Earle of Mirandula, (besides that,) a sufficient witnesse: that Ioachim, in his prophesies, proceded by no other way, then by Numbers Formall. And this Earle hym selfe, in Rome,

(Ano. 1488.)

* set vp 900. Conclusions, in all kinde of Sciences, openly to be disputed of: and among the rest, in his Conclusions Mathematicall, (in the eleuenth Conclusion) hath in Latin, this English sentence. By Numbers, a way is had, to the searchyng out, and vnderstandyng of euery thyng, hable to be knowen. For the verifying of which Conclusion, I promise to aunswere to the 74. Questions, vnder written, by the way of Numbers. Which Cõclusions, I omit here to rehearse: aswell auoidyng superfluous prolixitie: as, bycause Ioannes Picus, workes, are commonly had. But, in any case, I would wish that those Conclusions were red diligently, and perceiued of such, as are earnest Obseruers and Considerers of the constant law of nũbers: which is planted in thyngs Naturall and Supernaturall: and is prescribed to all Creatures, inuiolably to be kept. For, so, besides many other thinges, in those Conclusions to be marked, it would apeare, how sincerely, & within my boundes, I disclose the wonderfull mysteries, by numbers, to be atteyned vnto.

Of my former wordes, easy it is to be gathered, that Number hath a treble state: One, in the Creator: an other in euery Creature (in respect of his complete constitution:) and the third, in Spirituall and Angelicall Myndes, and in the Soule of mã. In the first and third state, Number, is termed Number Numbryng. But in all Creatures, otherwise, Number, is termed Nũber Numbred. And in our Soule, Nũber beareth such a swaye, and hath such an affinitie therwith: that some of the old Philosophers taught, Mans Soule, to be a Number mouyng it selfe. And in dede, in vs, though it be a very Accident: yet such an Accident it is, that before all Creatures it had perfect beyng, in the Creator, Sempiternally. Number Numbryng therfore, is the discretion discerning, and distincting of thinges. But in God the Creator, This discretion, in the beginnyng, produced orderly and distinctly all thinges. For his Numbryng, then, was his Creatyng of all thinges. And his Continuall Numbryng, of all thinges, is the Conseruation of them in being: And, where and when he will lacke an Vnit: there and then, that particular thyng shalbe Discreated. Here I stay. But our Seuerallyng, distinctyng, and Numbryng, createth nothyng: but of Multitude considered, maketh certaine and distinct determination. And albeit these thynges be waighty and truthes of great importance, yet (by the infinite goodnes of the Almighty Ternarie,) Artificiall Methods and easy wayes are made, by which the zelous Philosopher, may wyn nere this Riuerish Ida, this Mountayne of Contemplation: and more then Contemplation. And also, though Number, be a thyng so Immateriall, so diuine, and æternall: yet by degrees, by litle and litle, stretchyng forth, and applying some likenes of it, as first, to thinges Spirituall: and then, bryngyng it lower, to thynges sensibly perceiued: as of a momentanye sounde iterated: then to the least thynges that may be seen, numerable: And at length, (most grossely,) to a multitude of any corporall thynges seen, or felt: and so, of these grosse and sensible thynges, we are trayned to learne a certaine Image or likenes of numbers: and to vse Arte in them to our pleasure and proffit. So grosse is our conuersation, and dull is our apprehension: while mortall Sense, in vs, ruleth the common wealth of our litle world. Hereby we say, Three Lyons, are three: or a Ternarie. Three Egles, are three, or a Ternarie.

(☞)

Which * Ternaries, are eche, the Vnion, knot, and Vniformitie, of three discrete and distinct Vnits. That is, we may in eche Ternarie, thrise, seuerally pointe, and shew a part, One, One, and One. Where, in Numbryng, we say One, two, Three. But how farre, these visible Ones, do differre from our Indiuisible Vnits (in pure Arithmetike, principally considered) no man is ignorant. Yet from these grosse and materiall thynges, may we be led vpward, by degrees, so, informyng our rude Imagination, toward the cõceiuyng of Numbers, absolutely (:Not supposing, nor admixtyng any thyng created, Corporall or Spirituall, to support, conteyne, or represent those Numbers imagined:) that at length, we may be hable, to finde the number of our owne name, gloriously exemplified and registred in the booke of the Trinitie most blessed and æternall.

But farder vnderstand, that vulgar Practisers, haue Numbers, otherwise, in sundry Considerations: and extend their name farder, then to Numbers, whose least part is an Vnit. For the common Logist, Reckenmaster, or Arithmeticien, in hys vsing of Numbers: of an Vnit, imagineth lesse partes: and calleth them Fractions. As of an Vnit, he maketh an halfe, and thus noteth it, ½. and so of other, (infinitely diuerse) partes of an Vnit. Yea and farder, hath, Fractions of Fractions. &c.

First we will consider of number, and of the science mathematical appropriate to it, called Arithmetic: and afterward of magnitude, and its science, called geometry. But that name does not content me; of which a word or two shall be said hereafter. How immaterial and free from all matter Number is, who does not perceive? Indeed, who does not wonder at it greatly? For neither pure Element, nor Aristotle's Fifth Essence, is able to serve as the proper matter of Number. Nor yet will the purity and simplicity of Spiritual or Angelic Substance be found proper enough for it. And therefore the great and godly philosopher Anitius Boetius said: All things (which from the very first original being of things have been framed and made) do appear to be formed by the reason of Numbers. For this was the principal example or pattern in the mind of the Creator. O comfortable allurement, O ravishing persuasion, to deal with a Science whose Subject is so Ancient, so pure, so excellent, so surpassing all creatures, so used by the Almighty and incomprehensible wisdom of the Creator in the distinct creation of all creatures: in all their distinct parts, properties, natures, and virtues, by order and most absolute number, brought from Nothing to the formality of their being and state. By the property of numbers, therefore, learned by us by all possible means (to the perfection of the Science), we may both wind and draw ourselves into the inward and deep search and view of all creatures' distinct virtues, natures, properties, and forms; and also arise further, climb, ascend, and mount up (with speculative wings) in spirit to see in the Glass of Creation the Form of Forms, the Exemplar Number of all things numerable, both visible and invisible, mortal and immortal, corporeal and spiritual. Part of this profound and divine Science had Joachim the prophet attained: by Formal, Natural, and Rational Numbers, foreseeing, concluding, and foretelling great particular events long before their coming. His books yet remaining are good proof of this; and the noble Earl of Mirandula, besides that, a sufficient witness that Joachim in his prophecies proceeded by no other way than by Formal Numbers. And this Earl himself, in Rome,

(A.D. 1488.)

* set up 900 Conclusions, in all kinds of sciences, openly to be disputed; and among the rest, in his Mathematical Conclusions (in the eleventh Conclusion) he has in Latin this English sentence: By Numbers, a way is had to the searching out and understanding of every thing able to be known. For the verifying of which Conclusion, I promise to answer the 74 questions written below by the way of Numbers. Which Conclusions I omit here to rehearse: as well avoiding superfluous prolixity, as because the works of Joannes Picus are commonly available. But in any case I would wish that those Conclusions were read diligently and understood by such as are earnest observers and considerers of the constant law of numbers, which is planted in natural and supernatural things, and is prescribed to all creatures inviolably to be kept. For so, besides many other things in those Conclusions to be marked, it would appear how sincerely, and within my bounds, I disclose the wonderful mysteries to be attained by numbers.

Of my former words it is easy to gather that Number has a triple state: one in the Creator; another in every creature (in respect of its complete constitution); and the third in Spiritual and Angelic Minds, and in the Soul of man. In the first and third state Number is termed Number Numbering. But in all creatures otherwise, Number is termed Number Numbered. And in our Soul Number bears such sway, and has such affinity with it, that some of the old philosophers taught the human Soul to be a self-moving Number. And indeed in us, though it is a mere accident, yet such an accident is it that before all creatures it had perfect being in the Creator, eternally. Number Numbering, therefore, is the discretion that discerns and distinguishes things. But in God the Creator this discretion in the beginning produced all things orderly and distinctly. For his Numbering then was his Creating of all things. And his continual Numbering of all things is the conservation of them in being; and where and when he will lack a Unit, there and then that particular thing shall be discreated. Here I stop. But our separating, distinguishing, and Numbering creates nothing; of Multitude considered it makes a certain and distinct determination. And although these things are weighty and truths of great importance, yet (by the infinite goodness of the Almighty Ternary) artificial methods and easy ways are made by which the zealous philosopher may come near this Ida of many rivers, this Mountain of Contemplation, and more than Contemplation. And also, though Number be a thing so immaterial, so divine, and eternal, yet by degrees, little by little, stretching forth and applying some likeness of it — first to spiritual things, then bringing it lower to things sensibly perceived, as of a momentary sound repeated, then to the least things that may be seen, numerable, and at length (most grossly) to a multitude of any corporeal things seen or felt — and so from these gross and sensible things we are trained to learn a certain image or likeness of numbers, and to use art in them to our pleasure and profit. So gross is our conversation, and dull our apprehension, while mortal Sense in us rules the commonwealth of our little world. By this we say, Three lions are three, or a ternary. Three eagles are three, or a ternary.

(☞)

Which * ternaries are each the union, knot, and uniformity of three discrete and distinct units. That is, we may in each ternary thrice separately point out and show a part: One, One, and One. Where in numbering we say One, two, Three. But how far these visible Ones differ from our indivisible Units (principally considered in pure arithmetic) no one is ignorant. Yet from these gross and material things may we be led upward by degrees, so informing our rude imagination toward the conceiving of Numbers absolutely — not supposing, nor admixing any created thing, corporeal or spiritual, to support, contain, or represent those Numbers imagined — that at length we may be able to find the number of our own name gloriously exemplified and registered in the book of the Trinity most blessed and eternal.

But further understand that vulgar practitioners have Numbers otherwise in sundry considerations, and extend their name further than to Numbers whose least part is a Unit. For the common accountant, reckoning master, or arithmetician, in his using of Numbers, imagines lesser parts of a Unit, and calls them Fractions. As of a Unit he makes a half, and thus notes it, ½; and so of other (infinitely diverse) parts of a Unit. Indeed he further has fractions of fractions, etc.

Arithmetic, 1

And, forasmuch, as, Addition, Substraction, Multiplication, Diuision and Extraction of Rotes, are the chief, and sufficient partes of Arithmetike: which is, the Science that demonstrateth the properties, of Numbers, and all operatiõs, in numbers to be performed:

“How often, therfore, these fiue sundry sortes of Operations, do, for the most part, of their execution, differre from the fiue operations of like generall property and name, in our Whole numbers practisable, So often, (for a more distinct doctrine) we, vulgarly account and name it, an other kynde of Arithmetike.” And by this reason:

(1.)

the Consideration, doctrine, and working, in whole numbers onely: where, of an Vnit, is no lesse part to be allowed: is named (as it were) an Arithmetike by it selfe. And so of the Arithmetike of Fractions.

(2.)

In lyke sorte, the necessary, wonderfull and Secret doctrine of Proportion, and proportionalytie hath purchased vnto it selfe a peculier maner of handlyng and workyng: and so may seme an other forme of Arithmetike.

(3.)

Moreouer, the Astronomers, for spede and more commodious calculation, haue deuised a peculier maner of orderyng nũbers, about theyr circular motions, by Sexagenes, and Sexagesmes. By Signes, Degrees and Minutes &c. which commonly is called the Arithmetike of Astronomical or Phisicall Fractions. That, haue I briefly noted, by the name of Arithmetike Circular. Bycause it is also vsed in circles, not Astronomicall. &c.

(4.)

Practise hath led Numbers farder, and hath framed them, to take vpon them, the shew of Magnitudes propertie: Which is Incommensurabilitie and Irrationalitie. (For in pure Arithmetike, an Vnit, is the common Measure of all Numbers.) And, here, Nũbers are become, as Lynes, Playnes and Solides: some tymes Rationall, some tymes Irrationall. And haue propre and peculier characters, (as ²√. ³√. and so of other. Which is to signifie Rote Square, Rote Cubik: and so forth:) & propre and peculier fashions in the fiue principall partes: Wherfore the practiser, estemeth this, a diuerse Arithmetike from the other. Practise bryngeth in, here, diuerse compoundyng of Numbers: as some tyme, two, three, foure (or more) Radicall nũbers, diuersly knit, by signes, of More & Lesse: as thus ²√12 ³√15. Or thus ⁴√19 ³√12 - ²√2. &c. And some tyme with whole numbers, or fractions of whole Number, amõg

them: as 20 ²√24. ³√16 33 - ²√10. ⁴√44 12¼ ³√9. And so,

infinitely, may hap the varietie. After this: Both the one and the other hath fractions incident: and so is this Arithmetike greately enlarged, by diuerse exhibityng and vse of Compositions and mixtynges. Consider how, I (beyng desirous to deliuer the student from error and Cauillation) do giue to this Practise, the name of the Arithmetike of Radicall numbers: Not, of Irrationall or Surd Numbers: which other while, are Rationall: though they haue the Signe of a Rote before them, which, Arithmetike of whole Numbers most vsuall, would say they had no such Roote: and so account them Surd Numbers: which, generally spokẽ, is vntrue: as Euclides tenth booke may teach you. Therfore to call them, generally, Radicall Numbers, (by reason of the signe √. prefixed,) is a sure way: and a sufficient generall distinction from all other ordryng and vsing of Numbers: And yet (beside all this) Consider: the infinite desire of knowledge, and incredible power of mans Search and Capacitye: how, they, ioyntly haue waded farder (by mixtyng of speculation and practise) and haue found out, and atteyned to the very chief perfection (almost) of Numbers Practicall vse. Which thing, is well to be perceiued in that great Arithmeticall Arte of Æquation: commonly called the Rule of Coss. or Algebra. The Latines termed it, Regulam Rei & Census, that is, the Rule of the thyng and his value. With an apt name: comprehendyng the first and last pointes of the worke. And the vulgar names, both in Italian, Frenche and Spanish, depend (in namyng it,) vpon the signification of the Latin word, Res: A thing: vnleast they vse the name of Algebra. And therin (commonly) is a dubble error. The one, of them, which thinke it to be of Geber his inuentyng: the other of such as call it Algebra. For, first, though Geber for his great skill in Numbers, Geometry, Astronomy, and other maruailous Artes, mought haue semed hable to haue first deuised the sayd Rule: and also the name carryeth with it a very nere likenes of Geber his name: yet true it is, that a Greke Philosopher and Mathematicien, named Diophantus, before Geber his tyme, wrote 13. bookes therof (of which, six are yet extant: and I had them to *vse,

(* Anno. 1550.)

of the famous Mathematicien, and my great frende, Petrus Montaureus:) And secondly, the very name, is Algiebar, and not Algebra: as by the Arabien Auicen, may be proued: who hath these precise wordes in Latine, by Andreas Alpagus (most perfect in the Arabik tung) so translated. Scientia faciendi Algiebar & Almachabel. i. Scientia inueniendi numerum ignotum, per additionem Numeri, & diuisionem & æquationem. Which is to say: The Science of workyng Algiebar and Almachabel, that is, the Science of findyng an vnknowen number, by Addyng of a Number, & Diuision & æquation. Here haue you the name: and also the principall partes of the Rule, touched. To name it, The rule, or Art of Æquation, doth signifie the middle part and the State of the Rule. This Rule, hath his peculier Characters:

(5.)

and the principal partes of Arithmetike, to it appertayning, do differre from the other Arithmeticall operations. This Arithmetike, hath Nũbers Simple, Cõpound, Mixt: and Fractions, accordingly. This Rule, and Arithmetike of Algiebar, is so profound, so generall and so (in maner) conteyneth the whole power of Numbers Application practicall: that mans witt, can deale with nothyng, more proffitable about numbers: nor match, with a thyng, more mete for the diuine force of the Soule, (in humane Studies, affaires, or exercises) to be tryed in. Perchaunce you looked for, (long ere now,) to haue had some particular profe, or euident testimony of the vse, proffit and Commodity of Arithmetike vulgar, in the Common lyfe and trade of men. Therto, then, I will now frame my selfe: But herein great care I haue, least length of sundry profes, might make you deme, that either I did misdoute your zelous mynde to vertues schole: or els mistrust your hable witts, by some, to gesse much more. A profe then, foure, fiue, or six, such, will I bryng, as any reasonable man, therwith may be persuaded, to loue & honor, yea learne and exercise the excellent Science of Arithmetike.

And first: who, nerer at hand, can be a better witnesse of the frute receiued by Arithmetike, then all kynde of Marchants? Though not all, alike, either nede it, or vse it. How could they forbeare the vse and helpe of the Rule, called the Golden Rule? Simple and Compounde: both forward and backward? How might they misse Arithmeticall helpe in the Rules of Felowshyp: either without tyme, or with tyme? and betwene the Marchant & his Factor? The Rules of Bartering in wares onely: or part in wares, and part in money, would they gladly want? Our Marchant venturers, and Trauaylers ouer Sea, how could they order their doynges iustly and without losse, vnleast certaine and generall Rules for Exchaũge of money, and Rechaunge, were, for their vse, deuised? The Rule of Alligation, in how sundry cases, doth it conclude for them, such precise verities, as neither by naturall witt, nor other experience, they, were hable, els, to know? And (with the Marchant then to make an end) how ample & wonderfull is the Rule of False positions? especially as it is now, by two excellent Mathematiciens (of my familier acquayntance in their life time) enlarged? I meane Gemma Frisius, and Simon Iacob. Who can either in brief conclude, the generall and Capitall Rules? or who can Imagine the Myriades of sundry Cases, and particular examples, in Act and earnest, continually wrought, tried and concluded by the forenamed Rules, onely? How sundry other Arithmeticall practises, are commonly in Marchantes handes, and knowledge: They them selues, can, at large, testifie.

The Mintmaster, and Goldsmith, in their Mixture of Metals, either of diuerse kindes, or diuerse values: how are they, or may they, exactly be directed, and meruailously pleasured, if Arithmetike be their guide? And the honorable Phisiciãs, will gladly confesse them selues, much beholding to the Science of Arithmetike, and that sundry wayes: But chiefly in their Art of Graduation, and compounde Medicines. And though Galenus, Auerrois, Arnoldus, Lullus, and other haue published their positions, aswell in the quantities of the Degrees aboue Temperament, as in the Rules, concluding the new Forme resulting: yet a more precise, commodious, and easy Method, is extant: by a Countreyman of ours

(aboue 200. yeares ago) inuented. And forasmuch as I am vncertaine, who hath the same: or when that litle Latin treatise, (as the Author writ it,) shall come to be Printed: (Both to declare the desire I haue to pleasure my Countrey, wherin I may: and also, for very good profe of Numbers vse, in this most subtile and frutefull, Philosophicall Conclusion,) I entend in the meane while, most briefly, and with my farder helpe, to communicate the pith therof vnto you.

First describe a circle: whose diameter let be an inch. Diuide the Circumference into foure equall partes. Frõ the Center, by those 4. sections, extend 4. right lines: eche of 4. inches and a halfe long: or of as many as you liste, aboue 4. without the circumference of the circle: So that they shall be of 4. inches long (at the least) without the Circle. Make good euident markes, at euery inches end. If you list, you may subdiuide the inches againe into 10. or 12. smaller partes, equall. At the endes of the lines, write the names of the 4. principall elementall Qualities. Hote and Colde, one against the other. And likewise Moyst and Dry, one against the other. And in the Circle write Temperate. Which Temperature hath a good Latitude: as appeareth by the Complexion of man. And therefore we haue allowed vnto it, the foresayd Circle: and not a point Mathematicall or Physicall.

(* Take some part of Lullus counsayle in his booke de Q. Essentia.)

Now, when you haue two thinges Miscible, whose degrees are * truely knowen: Of necessitie, either they are of one Quantitie and waight, or of diuerse. If they be of one Quantitie and waight: whether their formes, be Contrary Qualities, or of one kinde (but of diuerse intentions and degrees) or a Temperate, and a Contrary, The forme resulting of their Mixture, is in the Middle betwene the degrees of the formes mixt. As for example, let A, be Moist in the first degree: and B, Dry in the third degree. Adde 1. and 3. that maketh 4: the halfe or middle of 4. is 2. This 2. is the middle, equally distant from A and B

(* Note.)

(for the * Temperament is counted none. And for it, you must put a Ciphre, if at any time, it be in mixture).

The four elemental qualities and their degrees

Counting then from B, 2. degrees, toward A: you finde it to be Dry in the first degree: So is the Forme resulting of the Mixture of A, and B, in our example. I will geue you an other example. Suppose, you haue two thinges, as C, and D: and of C, the Heate to be in the 4. degree: and of D, the Colde, to be remisse, euen vnto the Temperament. Now, for C, you take 4: and for D, you take a Ciphre: which, added vnto 4, yeldeth onely 4. The middle, or halfe, whereof, is 2. Wherefore the Forme resulting of C, and D, is Hote in the second degree: for, 2. degrees, accounted from C, toward D, ende iuste in the 2. degree of heate. Of the third maner, I will geue also an example: which let be this:

I haue a liquid Medicine whose Qualitie of heate is in the 4. degree exalted: as was C, in the example foregoing: and an other liquid Medicine I haue: whose Qualitie, is heate, in the first degree. Of eche of these, I mixt a like quantitie: Subtract here, the lesse frõ the more: and the residue diuide into two equall partes: whereof, the one part, either added to the lesse, or subtracted from the higher degree, doth produce the degree of the Forme resulting, by this mixture of C, and E. As, if from 4. ye abate 1. there resteth 3. the halfe of 3. is 1½: Adde to 1. this 1½: you haue 2½. Or subtract from 4. this 1½: you haue likewise 2½ remayning. Which declareth, the Forme resulting, to be Heate, in the middle of the third degree.

(The Second Rule.)

“But if the Quantities of two thinges Commixt, be diuerse, and the Intensions (of their Formes Miscible) be in diuerse degrees, and heigthes. (Whether those Formes be of one kinde, or of Contrary kindes, or of a Temperate and a Contrary, What proportion is of the lesse quantitie to the greater, the same shall be of the difference, which is betwene the degree of the Forme resulting, and the degree of the greater quantitie of the thing miscible, to the difference, which is betwene the same degree of the Forme resulting, and the degree of the lesse quantitie. As for example. Let two pound of Liquor be geuen, hote in the 4. degree: & one pound of Liquor be geuen, hote in the third degree.” I would gladly know the Forme resulting, in the Mixture of these two Liquors. Set downe your nũbers in order, thus.

£. 2. Hote. 4.

£. 1. Hote. 3.

And since Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division, and Extraction of Roots are the chief and sufficient parts of arithmetic: which is the science that demonstrates the properties of numbers, and all operations to be performed in numbers:

"How often, therefore, these five sundry sorts of operations differ, for the most part in their execution, from the five operations of like general property and name practicable in our whole numbers, so often (for a more distinct doctrine) we commonly account and name it another kind of arithmetic." And by this reason:

(1.)

the consideration, doctrine, and working in whole numbers only, where of a Unit no lesser part is to be allowed, is named (as it were) an arithmetic by itself. And so of the arithmetic of fractions.

(2.)

In like manner the necessary, wonderful, and secret doctrine of Proportion and proportionality has won for itself a special manner of handling and working, and so may seem another form of arithmetic.

(3.)

Moreover, astronomers, for speed and more convenient calculation, have devised a special manner of ordering numbers about their circular motions by sixties and sixtieths — by Signs, Degrees, and Minutes, etc. — which commonly is called the arithmetic of astronomical or physical fractions. That have I briefly noted by the name of Circular Arithmetic, because it is also used in circles that are not astronomical, etc.

(4.)

Practice has led Numbers further, and has framed them to take on the show of magnitude's property, which is incommensurability and irrationality. (For in pure arithmetic a Unit is the common measure of all numbers.) And here numbers are become like lines, planes, and solids: sometimes rational, sometimes irrational. And they have proper and peculiar characters (as ²√, ³√, and so of others, which is to signify square root, cubic root, and so forth), and proper and peculiar fashions in the five principal parts; therefore the practitioner esteems this a diverse arithmetic from the other. Practice brings in here diverse compounding of numbers: as sometimes two, three, four (or more) radical numbers diversely knit by signs of More and Less, as thus ²√12 ³√15; or thus ⁴√19 ³√12 - ²√2, etc.; and sometimes with whole numbers, or fractions of whole numbers, among them: as 20 ²√24, ³√16, 33 - ²√10, ⁴√44, 12¼, ³√9. And so infinitely may the variety happen. After this, both the one and the other have fractions incident, and so is this arithmetic greatly enlarged by the diverse exhibiting and use of compositions and mixtures. Consider how I, being desirous to deliver the student from error and cavillation, give to this practice the name of the arithmetic of radical numbers — not of irrational or surd numbers, which are at times rational, though they have the sign of a root before them, which the arithmetic of whole numbers, most usual, would say they had no such root of, and so account them surd numbers; which generally spoken is untrue, as Euclid's tenth book may teach you. Therefore to call them generally radical numbers (by reason of the sign √ prefixed) is a sure way, and a sufficient general distinction from all other ordering and use of numbers. And yet besides all this, consider the infinite desire of knowledge and incredible power of man's search and capacity: how they jointly have waded further (by mixing speculation and practice), and have found out and attained the very chief perfection (almost) of the practical use of numbers. Which thing is well to be perceived in that great arithmetic art of equation, commonly called the Rule of Coss, or Algebra. The Latins termed it the Rule of the Thing and its Value; an apt name, comprehending the first and last points of the work. And the common names, both in Italian, French, and Spanish, depend (in naming it) upon the meaning of the Latin word for "a thing" — unless they use the name Algebra. And in this (commonly) is a double error: the one of them that think it to be of Geber's inventing; the other of such as call it Algebra. For first, though Geber, for his great skill in numbers, geometry, astronomy, and other marvelous arts, might have seemed able to have first devised the said rule, and also the name carries with it a very near likeness to Geber's name, yet it is true that a Greek philosopher and mathematician named Diophantus, before Geber's time, wrote 13 books of it (of which six are yet extant; and I had them for use,

(* A.D. 1550.)

of the famous mathematician, and my great friend, Petrus Montaureus:) And secondly, the very name is Algiebar, and not Algebra: as by the Arabian Avicen may be proved, who has these precise words, translated into Latin by Andreas Alpagus (most perfect in the Arabic tongue): The Science of working Algiebar and Almachabel, that is, the Science of finding an unknown number, by adding a number, and by division and equation. Here have you the name, and also the principal parts of the rule, touched. To name it The Rule or Art of Equation signifies the middle part and the state of the rule. This Rule has its peculiar characters:

(5.)

and the principal parts of arithmetic pertaining to it do differ from the other arithmetic operations. This arithmetic has numbers simple, compound, mixed, and fractions accordingly. This Rule and arithmetic of Algiebar is so profound, so general, and so (in a manner) contains the whole power of the practical application of numbers, that man's wit can deal with nothing more profitable about numbers, nor match with a thing more fit for the divine force of the Soul (in human studies, affairs, or exercises) to be tried in. Perhaps you looked for (long before now) to have had some particular proof or evident testimony of the use, profit, and commodity of vulgar arithmetic in the common life and trade of men. To that, then, I will now frame myself; but in this I have great care, for fear that the length of sundry proofs might make you think that either I doubted your zealous mind in the school of virtue, or mistrusted your able wits to guess much more by themselves. A proof, then, four, five, or six such will I bring as any reasonable man may by that be persuaded to love and honor, yes even to learn and exercise, the excellent Science of Arithmetic.

And first: who, nearer at hand, can be a better witness of the fruit received by arithmetic than all kinds of merchants? Though not all alike either need it or use it. How could they forgo the use and help of the rule called the Golden Rule — simple and compound, both forward and backward? How might they miss arithmetic help in the Rules of Fellowship, either without time or with time, and between the merchant and his factor? The Rules of Bartering, in wares only, or part in wares and part in money, would they gladly do without? Our merchant venturers and travelers overseas, how could they order their dealings justly and without loss, unless certain and general rules for exchange of money and re-exchange were devised for their use? The Rule of Alligation, in how sundry cases does it conclude for them such precise truths as neither by natural wit nor by other experience were they able otherwise to know? And (with the merchant then to make an end) how ample and wonderful is the Rule of False Positions, especially as it is now enlarged by two excellent mathematicians of my familiar acquaintance in their lifetime — I mean Gemma Frisius and Simon Jacob? Who can either in brief conclude the general and capital rules? Or who can imagine the myriads of sundry cases and particular examples, in act and earnest, continually wrought, tried, and concluded by the forenamed rules alone? How many other arithmetic practices are commonly in merchants' hands and knowledge, they themselves can at large testify.

The mintmaster and goldsmith, in their mixture of metals, either of diverse kinds or diverse values, how are they, or may they, exactly be directed and wonderfully pleased, if arithmetic be their guide? And the honorable physicians will gladly confess themselves much beholden to the Science of Arithmetic, and that in sundry ways; but chiefly in their Art of Graduation and compound medicines. And though Galen, Averroes, Arnoldus, and Lullus have published their positions, as well in the quantities of the Degrees above temperament as in the rules concluding the new Form resulting, yet a more precise, convenient, and easy Method is extant, invented by a countryman of ours

(Invented above 200 years ago.) And since I am uncertain who has the same, or when that little Latin treatise (as the author wrote it) shall come to be printed — both to declare the desire I have to pleasure my country as far as I may, and also for very good proof of the use of numbers in this most subtle and fruitful philosophical conclusion — I intend in the meanwhile, most briefly and with my further help, to communicate its pith to you.

First draw a circle whose diameter is an inch. Divide the circumference into four equal parts. From the center, by those 4 sections, extend 4 straight lines: each 4½ inches long, or as many as you please, above 4, outside the circumference of the circle; so that they shall be 4 inches long (at the least) outside the circle. Make clear and evident marks at the end of every inch. If you wish, you may subdivide the inches again into 10 or 12 smaller equal parts. At the ends of the lines write the names of the 4 principal elemental qualities: Hot and Cold, one opposite the other; and likewise Moist and Dry, one opposite the other. And in the circle write Temperate. Which temperature has a good latitude: as appears by the complexion of man. And therefore we have allowed to it the said circle, and not a mathematical or physical point.

(* Take some of Lullus's counsel in his book On the Fifth Essence.)

Now, when you have two miscible things whose degrees are * truly known: of necessity either they are of one quantity and weight, or of diverse. If they are of one quantity and weight: whether their forms are contrary qualities, or of one kind (but of diverse intentions and degrees), or a temperate and a contrary, the form resulting from their mixture is in the middle between the degrees of the forms mixed. As for example, let A be moist in the first degree, and B dry in the third degree. Add 1 and 3, that makes 4; the half or middle of 4 is 2. This 2 is the middle, equally distant from A and B

(* Note.)

(for the * temperate quality is counted as none, and for it you must put a zero, if at any time it is in a mixture).

The four elemental qualities and their degrees

Counting then from B, 2 degrees toward A, you find it to be dry in the first degree; so is the form resulting from the mixture of A and B in our example. I will give you another example. Suppose you have two things, as C and D, and of C the heat to be in the 4th degree, and of D the cold to be relaxed even down to the temperament. Now for C you take 4, and for D you take a zero, which, added to 4, yields only 4. The middle, or half, of which is 2. Therefore the form resulting from C and D is hot in the second degree; for 2 degrees counted from C toward D end exactly in the second degree of heat. Of the third manner I will give also an example; which let be this:

I have a liquid medicine whose quality of heat is exalted in the 4th degree, as was C in the example foregoing; and another liquid medicine I have whose quality is heat in the first degree. Of each of these I mixed a like quantity. Subtract here the less from the more, and divide the residue into two equal parts; of which the one part, either added to the less or subtracted from the higher degree, produces the degree of the form resulting from this mixture of C and E. As, if from 4 you subtract 1, there remains 3; the half of 3 is 1½: add to 1 this 1½, you have 2½; or subtract from 4 this 1½, you have likewise 2½ remaining. Which declares the form resulting to be heat in the middle of the third degree.

(The Second Rule.)

"But if the quantities of two commixed things are diverse, and the intensities (of their miscible forms) are in diverse degrees and heights (whether those forms be of one kind, or of contrary kinds, or of a temperate and a contrary), what proportion the lesser quantity has to the greater, the same shall be between the difference which is from the degree of the form resulting to the degree of the greater quantity of the miscible thing, and the difference which is from the same degree of the form resulting to the degree of the lesser quantity. As for example. Let two pounds of liquor be given, hot in the 4th degree; and one pound of liquor be given, hot in the third degree." I would gladly know the form resulting in the mixture of these two liquors. Set down your numbers in order, thus.

£. 2. Hot. 4.£. 1. Hot. 3.

Arithmetic, 2

Now by the rule of Algiebar, haue I deuised a very easie, briefe, and generall maner of working in this case. Let vs first, suppose that Middle Forme resulting, to be 1{x}: as that Rule teacheth. And because (by our Rule, here geuen) as the waight of 1. is to 2: So is the difference betwene 4. (the degree of the greater quantitie) and 1{x}: to the difference betwene 1{x} and 3: (the degree of the thing, in lesse quãtitie. And with all, 1{x}, being alwayes in a certaine middell, betwene the two heigthes or degrees). For the first difference, I set 4-1{x}: and for the second, I set 1{x}-3. And, now againe, I say, as 1. is to 2. so is 4-1{x} to 1{x}-3. Wherfore, of these foure proportionall numbers, the first and the fourth Multiplied, one by the other, do make as much, as the second and the third Multiplied the one by the other. Let these Multiplications be made accordingly. And of the first and the fourth, we haue 1{x}-3. and of the second & the third, 8-2{x}. Wherfore, our Æquation is betwene 1{x}-3: and 8-2{x}. Which may be reduced, according to the Arte of Algiebar: as, here, adding 3. to eche part, geueth the Æquation, thus, 1{x}11-2{x}. And yet againe, contracting, or Reducing it: Adde to eche part, 2{x}: Then haue you 3{x} æquall to 11: thus represented 3{x}11. Wherefore, diuiding 11. by 3: the Quotient is 3⅔: the Valew of our 1{x}, Coss, or Thing, first supposed. And that is the heigth, or Intension of the Forme resulting: which is, Heate, in two thirdes of the fourth degree: And here I set the shew of the worke in conclusion, thus. The proufe hereof is easie: by subtracting 3. from 3⅔, resteth ⅔. Subtracte the same heigth of the Forme resulting, (which is 3⅔) frõ 4: then resteth ⅓: You see, that ⅔ is double to ⅓: as 2.£. is double to 1.£. So should it be: by the rule here geuen. Note. As you added to eche part of the Æquation, 3: so if ye first added to eche part 2{x}, it would stand, 3{x}-38. And now adding to eche part 3: you haue (as afore) 3{x}11.

£. 2. Hote. 4. ⅓ The forme

3⅔ resulting.

£. 1. Hote. 3. ⅔

And though I, here, speake onely of two thyngs Miscible: and most commonly mo then three, foure, fiue or six, (&c.) are to be Mixed: (and in one Compound to be reduced: & the Forme resultyng of the same, to serue the turne) yet these Rules are sufficient: duely repeated and iterated.

In procedyng first, with any two: and then, with the Forme Resulting, and an other: & so forth: For, the last worke, concludeth the Forme resultyng of them all: I nede nothing to speake, of the Mixture (here supposed) what it is. Common Philosophie hath defined it, saying, Mixtio est miscibilium, alteratorum, per minima coniunctorum, Vnio. Euery word in the definition, is of great importance. I nede not also spend any time, to shew, how, the other manner of distributing of degrees, doth agree to these Rules. Neither nede I of the farder vse belonging to the Crosse of Graduation (before described) in this place declare, vnto such as are capable of that, which I haue all ready sayd. Neither yet with examples specifie the Manifold varieties, by the foresayd two generall Rules, to be ordered. The witty and Studious, here, haue sufficient: And they which are not hable to atteine to this, without liuely teaching, and more in particular: would haue larger discoursing, then is mete in this place to be dealt withall: And other (perchaunce) with a proude snuffe will disdaine this litle: and would be vnthankefull for much more. I, therfore conclude: and wish such as haue modest and earnest Philosophicall mindes, to laude God highly for this: and to Meruayle, that the profoundest and subtilest point, concerning Mixture of Formes and Qualities Naturall, is so Matcht and maryed with the most simple, easie, and short way of the noble Rule of Algiebar. Who can remaine, therfore vnpersuaded, to loue, alow, and honor the excellent Science of Arithmetike? For, here, you may perceiue that the litle finger of Arithmetike, is of more might and contriuing, then a hunderd thousand mens wittes, of the middle sorte, are hable to perfourme, or truely to conclude, with out helpe thereof.

Now will we farder, by the wise and valiant Capitaine, be certified, what helpe he hath, by the Rules of Arithmetike: in one of the Artes to him appertaining: And of the Grekes named

(Τακτικὴ.)

Τακτικὴ. “That is, the Skill of Ordring Souldiers in Battell ray after the best maner to all purposes.” This Art so much dependeth vppon Numbers vse, and the Mathematicals, that Ælianus (the best writer therof,) in his worke, to the Emperour Hadrianus, by his perfection, in the Mathematicals, (beyng greater, then other before him had,) thinketh his booke to passe all other the excellent workes, written of that Art, vnto his dayes. For, of it, had written Æneas: Cyneas of Thessaly: Pyrrhus Epirota: and Alexander his sonne: Clearchus: Pausanias: Euangelus: Polybius, familier frende to Scipio: Eupolemus: Iphicrates, Possidonius: and very many other worthy Capitaines, Philosophers and Princes of Immortall fame and memory: Whose fayrest floure of their garland (in this feat) was Arithmetike: and a litle perceiuerance, in Geometricall Figures. But in many other cases doth Arithmetike stand the Capitaine in great stede. As in proportionyng of vittayles, for the Army, either remaining at a stay: or suddenly to be encreased with a certaine number of Souldiers: and for a certain tyme. Or by good Art to diminish his company, to make the victuals, longer to serue the remanent, & for a certaine determined tyme: if nede so require. And so in sundry his other accountes, Reckeninges, Measurynges, and proportionynges, the wise, expert, and Circumspect Capitaine will affirme the Science of Arithmetike, to be one of his chief Counsaylors, directers and aiders. Which thing (by good meanes) was euident to the Noble, the Couragious, the loyall, and Curteous

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Iohn, late Earle of Warwicke. Who was a yong Gentleman, throughly knowne to very few. Albeit his lusty valiantnes, force, and Skill in Chiualrous feates and exercises: his humblenes, and frendelynes to all men, were thinges, openly, of the world perceiued. But what rotes (otherwise,) vertue had fastened in his brest, what Rules of godly and honorable life he had framed to him selfe: what vices, (in some then liuing) notable, he tooke great care to eschew: what manly vertues, in other noble men, (florishing before his eyes,) he Sythingly aspired after: what prowesses he purposed and ment to achieue: with what feats and Artes, he began to furnish and fraught him selfe, for the better seruice of his Kyng and Countrey, both in peace & warre. These (I say) his Heroicall Meditations, forecastinges and determinations, no twayne, (I thinke) beside my selfe, can so perfectly, and truely report. And therfore, in Conscience, I count it my part, for the honor, preferment, & procuring of vertue (thus, briefly) to haue put his Name, in the Register of Fame Immortall.

To our purpose. This Iohn, by one of his actes (besides many other: both in England and Fraunce, by me, in him noted.) did disclose his harty loue to vertuous Sciences: and his noble intent, to excell in Martiall prowesse: When he, with humble request, and instant Solliciting: got the best Rules (either in time past by Greke or Romaine, or in our time vsed: and new Stratagemes therin deuised) for ordring of all Companies, summes and Numbers of mẽ, (Many, or few) with one kinde of weapon, or mo, appointed: with Artillery, or without: on horsebacke, or on fote: to giue, or take onset: to seem many, being few: to seem few, being many. To marche in battaile or Iornay: with many such feates, to Foughten field, Skarmoush, or Ambushe appartaining:

(This noble Earle, dyed Anno. 1554. skarse of 24. yeares of age: hauing no issue by his wife: Daughter to the Duke of Somerset.)

And of all these, liuely designementes (most curiously) to be in velame parchement described: with Notes & peculier markes, as the Arte requireth: and all these Rules, and descriptions Arithmeticall, inclosed in a riche Case of Gold, he vsed to weare about his necke: as his Iuell most precious, and Counsaylour most trusty. Thus, Arithmetike, of him, was shryned in gold: Of Numbers frute, he had good hope. Now, Numbers therfore innumerable, in Numbers prayse, his shryne shall finde.

What nede I, (for farder profe to you) of the Scholemasters of Iustice, to require testimony: how nedefull, how frutefull, how skillfull a thing Arithmetike is? I meane, the Lawyers of all sortes. Vndoubtedly, the Ciuilians, can meruaylously declare: how, neither the Auncient Romaine lawes, without good knowledge of Numbers art, can be perceiued: Nor (Iustice in infinite Cases) without due proportion, (narrowly considered,) is hable to be executed. How Iustly, & with great knowledge of Arte, did Papinianus institute a law of partition, and allowance, betwene man and wife after a diuorce? But how Accursius, Baldus, Bartolus, Iason, Alexander, and finally Alciatus, (being otherwise, notably well learned) do iumble, gesse, and erre, from the æquity, art and Intent of the lawmaker: Arithmetike can detect, and conuince: and clerely, make the truth to shine. Good Bartolus, tyred in the examining & proportioning of the matter: and with Accursius Glosse, much cumbred: burst out, and sayd: Nulla est in toto libro, hac glossa difficilior: Cuius computationem nec Scholastici nec Doctores intelligunt. &c. That is: In the whole booke, there is no Glosse harder then this: Whose accoumpt or reckenyng, neither the Scholers, nor the Doctours vnderstand. &c. What can they say of Iulianus law, Si ita Scriptum. &c. Of the Testators will iustly performing, betwene the wife, Sonne and daughter? How can they perceiue the æquitie of Aphricanus, Arithmeticall Reckening, where he treateth of Lex Falcidia? How can they deliuer him, from his Reprouers: and their maintainers: as Ioannes, Accursius Hypolitus and Alciatus? How Iustly and artificially, was Africanus reckening made? Proportionating to the Sommes bequeathed, the Contributions of eche part? Namely, for the hundred presently receiued, 17-1/7. And for the hundred, receiued after ten monethes, 12-6/7: which make the 30: which were to be cõtributed by the legataries to the heire. For, what proportion, 100 hath to 75: the same hath 17-1/7 to 12-6/7: Which is Sesquitertia: that is, as 4, to 3. which make 7. Wonderfull many places, in the Ciuile law, require an expert Arithmeticien, to vnderstand the deepe Iudgemẽt, & Iust determinatiõ of the Auncient Romaine Lawmakers. But much more expert ought he to be, who should be hable, to decide with æquitie, the infinite varietie of Cases, which do, or may happen, vnder euery one of those lawes and ordinances Ciuile. Hereby, easely, ye may now coniecture: that in the Canon law: and in the lawes of the Realme (which with vs, beare the chief Authoritie), Iustice and equity might be greately preferred, and skilfully executed, through due skill of Arithmetike, and proportions appertainyng. The worthy Philosophers, and prudent lawmakers (who haue written many bookes De Republica: How the best state of Common wealthes might be procured and mainteined,) haue very well determined of Iustice: (which, not onely, is the Base and foundacion of Common weales: but also the totall perfection of all our workes, words, and thoughtes:) defining it,

(Iustice.)

“to be that vertue, by which, to euery one, is rendred, that to him appertaineth.” God challengeth this at our handes, to be honored as God: to be loued, as a father: to be feared as a Lord & master. Our neighbours proportiõ, is also prescribed of the Almighty lawmaker: which is, to do to other, euen as we would be done vnto. These proportions, are in Iustice necessary: in duety, commendable: and of Common wealthes, the life, strength, stay and florishing. Aristotle in his Ethikes (to fatch the sede of Iustice, and light of direction, to vse and execute the same) was fayne to fly to the perfection, and power of Numbers: for proportions Arithmeticall and Geometricall. Plato in his booke called Epinomis (which boke, is the Threasury of all his doctrine) where, his purpose is, to seke a Science, which, when a man had it, perfectly: he might seme, and so be, in dede, Wise. He, briefly, of other Sciences discoursing, findeth them, not hable to bring it to passe: But of the Science of Numbers, he sayth. Illa, quæ numerum mortalium generi dedit, id profecto efficiet. Deum autem aliquem, magis quam fortunam, ad salutem nostram, hoc munus nobis arbitror contulisse. &c. Nam ipsum bonorum omnium Authorem, cur non maximi boni, Prudentiæ dico, causam arbitramur? That Science, verely, which hath taught mankynde number, shall be able to bryng it to passe. And, I thinke, a certaine God, rather then fortune, to haue giuen vs this gift, for our blisse. For, why should we not Iudge him, who is the Author of all good things, to be also the cause of the greatest good thyng, namely, Wisedome? There, at length, he proueth Wisedome to be atteyned, by good Skill of Numbers. With which great Testimony, and the manifold profes, and reasons, before expressed, you may be sufficiently and fully persuaded: of the perfect Science of Arithmetike, to make this accounte: That

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of all Sciences, next to Theologie, it is most diuine, most pure, most ample and generall, most profounde, most subtile, most commodious and most necessary. Whose next Sister, is the Absolute Science of Magnitudes: of which (by the Direction and aide of him, whose Magnitude is Infinite, and of vs Incomprehensible) I now entend, so to write, that both with the Multitude, and also with the Magnitude of Meruaylous and frutefull verities, you (my frendes and Countreymen) may be stird vp, and awaked, to behold what certaine Artes and Sciences, (to our vnspeakable behofe) our heauenly father, hath for vs prepared, and reuealed, by sundry Philosophers and Mathematiciens.

By the rule of algebra I have devised a very easy, brief, and general way of working in this case. Let us first suppose that the middle Form resulting is x, as that Rule teaches. And because, by our Rule here given, as the weight of 1 is to 2, so is the difference between 4 (the degree of the greater quantity) and x, to the difference between x and 3 (the degree of the thing in lesser quantity; and all the while, x always lies in a certain middle between the two heights or degrees). For the first difference I set 4 - x, and for the second I set x - 3. And now again I say, as 1 is to 2, so is 4 - x to x - 3. Therefore, of these four proportional numbers, the first and the fourth multiplied, one by the other, make as much as the second and the third multiplied, the one by the other. Let these multiplications be made accordingly. And of the first and the fourth we have x - 3, and of the second and the third, 8 - 2x. Therefore our equation lies between x - 3 and 8 - 2x. Which may be reduced according to the art of algebra: for here, adding 3 to each part gives the equation thus: x = 11 - 2x. And again, contracting or reducing it: add 2x to each part; then you have 3x equal to 11, thus represented: 3x = 11. Therefore, dividing 11 by 3, the quotient is 3⅔: the value of our x, the Coss, or Thing, first supposed. And that is the height, or intension, of the Form resulting: which is heat in two thirds of the fourth degree. And here I set out the work, in conclusion, thus. The proof of this is easy: subtracting 3 from 3⅔ leaves ⅔. Subtract the same height of the Form resulting, which is 3⅔, from 4, and ⅓ remains: you see that ⅔ is double ⅓, as 2 pounds is double 1 pound. So it should be, by the Rule here given. Note: as you added 3 to each part of the equation, so if you had first added 2x to each part, it would stand: 3x - 3 = 8. And now, adding 3 to each part, you have, as before, 3x = 11.

2 pounds, hot in the 4th degree: ⅓; the Form resulting: 3⅔; 1 pound, hot in the 3rd degree: ⅔.

And though I speak here only of two miscible things, when most commonly three, four, five, or six, etc., are to be mixed (and reduced into one compound, with the Form resulting from the same to serve the turn), yet these Rules are sufficient, duly repeated and iterated.

In proceeding first with any two, and then with the Form Resulting and another, and so forth: for the last work concludes the Form Resulting of them all. I need say nothing of what the Mixture here supposed is. Common Philosophy has defined it, saying: Mixture is the union of miscible things that have been altered and joined through their smallest parts. Every word in the definition is of great importance. I need spend no time either to show how the other manner of distributing degrees agrees with these Rules. Neither need I declare here the further use belonging to the Cross of Graduation, before described, to those who are capable of what I have already said. Nor need I specify with examples the manifold varieties to be ordered by the two general Rules aforesaid. The witty and studious have enough here; and those who are not able to attain to this without lively teaching, and in more detail, would need a fuller discussion than is fitting to be dealt with in this place. And others, perhaps, with a proud disdain will scorn this little, and would be unthankful for much more. I therefore conclude, and wish such as have modest and earnest philosophical minds to praise God highly for this, and to wonder that the profoundest and subtlest point concerning the mixture of Forms and natural Qualities is so matched and married with the simplest, easiest, and shortest way of the noble Rule of Algebra. Who can remain, therefore, unpersuaded to love, allow, and honor the excellent science of arithmetic? For here you may perceive that the little finger of arithmetic has more might and contrivance than a hundred thousand men of the middle sort are able to perform, or truly to conclude, without the help of it.

Now we shall be further certified, by the wise and valiant Captain, what help he has from the Rules of arithmetic in one of the arts belonging to him, and which the Greeks name:

Τακτικὴ.

Τακτικὴ. "That is, the skill of ordering soldiers in battle array in the best manner for all purposes." This art depends so much upon the use of numbers and the mathematics, that Aelianus, the best writer of it, in his work to the Emperor Hadrian, by his perfection in the mathematics, being greater than others before him had, thinks his book surpasses all other excellent works written of that art up to his days. For of it have written Aeneas, Cyneas of Thessaly, Pyrrhus Epirota and his son Alexander, Clearchus, Pausanias, Euangelus, Polybius, familiar friend to Scipio, Eupolemus, Iphicrates, Posidonius, and very many other worthy captains, philosophers, and princes of immortal fame and memory: whose fairest flower in their garland (in this feat) was arithmetic, and a little perception of geometric figures. But in many other cases arithmetic stands the captain in great stead. As in proportioning the victuals for the army, whether it is remaining at a stand, or is suddenly to be increased with a certain number of soldiers, and for a certain time. Or by good art to diminish his company, so that the victuals serve the remainder longer, and for a certain determined time, if need so requires. And so, in his sundry other accounts, reckonings, measurings, and proportionings, the wise, expert, and circumspect captain will affirm the science of arithmetic to be one of his chief counselors, directors, and aiders. Which thing (by good means) was evident to the noble, the courageous, the loyal, and courteous

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John, late Earl of Warwick. Who was a young gentleman thoroughly known to very few. Although his vigorous valor, force, and skill in chivalrous feats and exercises, his humility, and friendliness to all men, were things openly perceived by the world. But what roots virtue had otherwise fastened in his breast, what rules of godly and honorable life he had framed for himself, what notable vices (in some then living) he took great care to avoid, what manly virtues in other noblemen (flourishing before his eyes) he unceasingly aspired after, what prowess he purposed and meant to achieve, with what feats and arts he began to furnish and provide himself for the better service of his King and country, both in peace and war: these, I say, his heroic meditations, forecastings, and determinations, no two, I think, besides myself, can report so perfectly and truly. And therefore, in conscience, I count it my part, for the honor, advancement, and procuring of virtue, thus briefly to have put his Name in the Register of Immortal Fame.

To our purpose. This John, by one of his acts (besides many others, both in England and France, noted by me in him) disclosed his hearty love of virtuous sciences, and his noble intent to excel in martial prowess: when, with humble request and constant soliciting, he obtained the best rules (whether used in times past by Greeks or Romans, or in our own time, with new stratagems devised tin this) for ordering all companies, sums, and numbers of men, many or few, appointed with one kind of weapon or more, with artillery or without, on horseback or on foot, to give or take the onset, to seem many when few, and few when many; to march in battle or on a journey, and to many such feats belonging to a pitched field, skirmish, or ambush:

This noble Earl died in the year 1554, scarce 24 years of age, having no issue by his wife, daughter to the Duke of Somerset.

And all these lifelike designs (most carefully) to be drawn on vellum parchment, with notes and peculiar marks as the art requires; and all these rules and arithmetic descriptions enclosed in a rich case of gold, he used to wear about his neck, as his most precious jewel and most trustworthy counselor. Thus was arithmetic enshrined in gold by him; of the fruit of Numbers he had good hope. Now, therefore, innumerable Numbers shall find his shrine in the praise of Numbers.

What need have I (for further proof to you) of the schoolmasters of Justice, to require testimony, how needful, how fruitful, how skillful a thing arithmetic is? I mean lawyers of all sorts. Undoubtedly the civilians can wonderfully declare how neither the ancient Roman laws, without good knowledge of the art of numbers, can be perceived, nor (Justice in infinite cases) without due proportion, narrowly considered, be executed. How justly, and with great knowledge of the art, did Papinian institute a law of partition and allowance between man and wife after a divorce? But how Accursius, Baldus, Bartolus, Jason, Alexander, and finally Alciatus (otherwise notably well learned) jumble, guess, and err from the equity, art, and intent of the lawmaker, arithmetic can detect and convict, and clearly make the truth shine. Good Bartolus, tired in examining and proportioning the matter, and much encumbered with Accursius's Gloss, burst out and said: In the whole book there is no gloss harder than this, whose account or reckoning neither the scholars nor the doctors understand. etc. What can they say of Julianus's law beginning "If it was thus written," etc., of the testator's will justly carried out between the wife, son, and daughter? How can they perceive the equity of Aphricanus's arithmetic reckoning, where he treats of the Falcidian Law? How can they clear him from his reprovers and those who maintain them, such as Joannes, Accursius Hypolitus, and Alciatus? How justly and skillfully was Africanus's reckoning made, proportioning to the sums bequeathed the contributions of each part? Namely, for the hundred presently received, 17-1/7; and for the hundred received after ten months, 12-6/7: which make the 30 which were to be contributed by the legatees to the heir. For what proportion 100 has to 75, the same has 17-1/7 to 12-6/7: which is Sesquitertia, that is, as 4 to 3, which make 7. Wonderfully many places in the civil law require an expert arithmetician to understand the deep judgment and just determination of the ancient Roman lawmakers. But much more expert ought he to be who would be able to decide with equity the infinite variety of cases which do or may happen under every one of those civil laws and ordinances. By this you may now easily conjecture that in the canon law, and in the laws of the realm (which with us bear the chief authority), justice and equity might be greatly preferred, and skillfully executed, through due skill of arithmetic and the proportions belonging to it. The worthy philosophers and prudent lawmakers (who have written many books On the Commonwealth, how the best state of commonwealths might be procured and maintained) have very well determined of justice (which not only is the base and foundation of commonwealths, but also the total perfection of all our works, words, and thoughts), defining it,

Justice.

"to be that virtue by which, to everyone, is rendered that to him appertains." God demands this at our hands: to be honored as God, to be loved as a father, to be feared as Lord and master. Our neighbor's proportion is also prescribed by the Almighty lawmaker: which is, to do to others as we would have them do to us. These proportions are necessary in justice, commendable in duty, and are the life, strength, support, and flourishing of commonwealths. Aristotle in his Ethics (to fetch the seed of justice and the light of direction, for using and executing the same) had to fly to the perfection and power of numbers: for arithmetic and geometric proportions. Plato, in his book called Epinomis (which book is the treasury of all his doctrine), where his purpose is to seek a science which, when a man had it perfectly, he might seem and so be, in deed, wise. He, briefly discoursing of other sciences, finds them unable to bring it to pass; but of the science of numbers he says: That science, truly, which has taught mankind number, shall be able to bring it to pass. And I think that a certain God, rather than fortune, has given us this gift for our bliss. For why should we not judge him who is the Author of all good things to be also the cause of the greatest good thing, namely, Wisdom? There at length he proves Wisdom to be attained by good skill of numbers. With which great testimony, and the manifold proofs and reasons before expressed, you may be sufficiently and fully persuaded of the perfect science of arithmetic, to make this account: that

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of all sciences, next to theology, it is most divine, most pure, most ample and general, most profound, most subtle, most commodious and most necessary. Whose next sister is the absolute science of magnitudes: of which (by the direction and aid of him whose Magnitude is Infinite, and of us Incomprehensible) I now intend so to write, that both with the multitude and also with the magnitude of marvelous and fruitful truths, you (my friends and countrymen) may be stirred up and awakened to see what certain arts and sciences (to our unspeakable benefit) our heavenly father has prepared and revealed for us, by sundry philosophers and mathematicians.

Arithmetic, 3

Both, Number and Magnitude, haue a certaine Originall sede, (as it were) of an incredible property: and of man, neuer hable, Fully, to be declared. Of Number, an Vnit, and of Magnitude, a Poynte, doo seeme to be much like Originall causes: But the diuersitie neuerthelesse, is great. We defined an Vnit, to be a thing Mathematicall Indiuisible: A Point, likewise, we sayd to be a Mathematicall thing Indiuisible. And farder, that a Point may haue a certaine determined Situation: that is, that we may assigne, and prescribe a Point, to be here, there, yonder. &c. Herein, (behold) our Vnit is free, and can abyde no bondage, or to be tyed to any place, or seat: diuisible or indiuisible. Agayne, by reason, a Point may haue a Situation limited to him: a certaine motion, therfore (to a place, and from a place) is to a Point incident and appertainyng. But an Vnit, can not be imagined to haue any motion. A Point, by his motion, produceth, Mathematically, a line: (as we sayd before) which is the first kinde of Magnitudes, and most simple: An Vnit, can not produce any number. A Line, though it be produced of a Point moued, yet, it doth not consist of pointes: Number, though it be not produced of an Vnit, yet doth it Consist of vnits, as a materiall cause. But formally,

(Number.)

Number, is the Vnion, and Vnitie of Vnits. Which vnyting and knitting, is the workemanship of our minde: which, of distinct and discrete Vnits, maketh a Number: by vniformitie, resulting of a certaine multitude of Vnits. And so, euery number, may haue his least part, giuen: namely, an Vnit: But not of a Magnitude, (no, not of a Lyne,) the least part can be giuẽ: by cause, infinitly, diuision therof, may be conceiued. All Magnitude, is either a Line, a Plaine, or a Solid. Which Line, Plaine, or Solid, of no Sense, can be perceiued, nor exactly by hãd (any way) represented: nor of Nature produced: But, as (by degrees) Number did come to our perceiuerance: So, by visible formes, we are holpen to imagine, what our Line Mathematicall, is. What our Point, is. So precise, are our Magnitudes, that one Line is no broader then an other: for they haue no bredth: Nor our Plaines haue any thicknes. Nor yet our Bodies, any weight: be they neuer so large of dimensiõ. Our Bodyes, we can haue Smaller, then either Arte or Nature can produce any: and Greater also, then all the world can comprehend. Our least Magnitudes, can be diuided into so many partes, as the greatest. As, a Line of an inch long, (with vs) may be diuided into as many partes, as may the diameter of the whole world, from East to West: or any way extended: What priuiledges, aboue all manual Arte, and Natures might, haue our two Sciences Mathematicall? to exhibite, and to deale with thinges of such power, liberty, simplicity, puritie, and perfection? And in them, so certainly, so orderly, so precisely to procede: as, excellent is that workemã Mechanicall Iudged, who nerest can approche to the representing of workes, Mathematically demonstrated?

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And our two Sciences, remaining pure, and absolute, in their proper termes, and in their owne Matter: to haue, and allowe, onely such Demonstrations, as are plaine, certaine, vniuersall, and of an æternall veritye?

Both Number and Magnitude have a certain original seed (as it were) of incredible property, which man is never able fully to declare. Of Number, a Unit, and of Magnitude, a Point, seem to be much alike as original causes: but the difference, nevertheless, is great. We defined a Unit to be a mathematically indivisible thing; a Point, likewise, we said to be a mathematically indivisible thing. And further, that a Point may have a certain determined situation: that is, that we may assign and prescribe a Point to be here, there, or over there, etc. In this, behold, our Unit is free, and can abide no bondage, nor be tied to any place or seat, divisible or indivisible. Again, because a Point may have a situation limited to it, a certain motion (to a place and from a place) is incident and belonging to a Point. But a Unit cannot be imagined to have any motion. A Point, by its motion, produces mathematically a line (as we said before), which is the first kind of magnitudes and most simple: a Unit cannot produce any number. A Line, though it is produced by a Point moved, yet does not consist of points: Number, though it is not produced by a Unit, yet does consist of units as a material cause. But formally,

Number.

Number is the union and unity of units. Which uniting and knitting is the workmanship of our mind, which, from distinct and discrete units, makes a Number, by a uniformity resulting from a certain multitude of units. And so every number may have its least part given, namely a unit: but of a Magnitude (no, not even of a Line) can the least part be given, because an infinite division of it may be conceived. All Magnitude is either a Line, a Plane, or a Solid. Which Line, Plane, or Solid can be perceived by no sense, nor exactly represented by hand in any way, nor produced by Nature: but as Number (by degrees) came to our perception, so by visible forms we are helped to imagine what our mathematical Line is, what our Point is. So precise are our magnitudes that one Line is no broader than another, for they have no breadth; nor our planes any thickness; nor yet our bodies any weight, be they ever so large of dimension. Our bodies we can have smaller than either Art or Nature can produce any, and greater also than all the world can contain. Our least magnitudes can be divided into as many parts as the greatest. As a Line one inch long (with us) may be divided into as many parts as may the diameter of the whole world from East to West, or extended any way: what privileges, above all manual Art and the might of Nature, have our two mathematical sciences, to exhibit and to deal with things of such power, liberty, simplicity, purity, and perfection? And in them to proceed so certainly, so orderly, so precisely: as excellent is that mechanical workman judged who can most nearly approach the representing of works mathematically demonstrated?

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And our two sciences, remaining pure and absolute in their proper terms and in their own matter, to have and allow only such demonstrations as are plain, certain, universal, and of an eternal truth?

Geometry

This Science of Magnitude, his properties, conditions, and appertenances: commonly, now is, and from the beginnyng, hath of all Philosophers, ben called Geometrie. But, veryly, with a name to base and scant, for a Science of such dignitie and amplenes. And, perchaunce, that name, by cõmon and secret consent, of all wisemen, hitherto hath ben suffred to remayne: that it might carry with it a perpetuall memorye, of the first and notablest benefite, by that Science, to common people shewed: Which was, when Boundes and meres of land and ground were lost, and confounded (as in Egypt, yearely, with the ouerflowyng of Nilus, the greatest and longest riuer in the world) or, that ground bequeathed, were to be assigned: or, ground sold, were to be layd out: or (when disorder preuailed) that Commõs were distributed into seueralties. For, where, vpon these & such like occasiõs, Some by ignorãce, some by negligẽce, Some by fraude, and some by violence, did wrongfully limite, measure, encroach, or challenge (by pretence of iust content, and measure) those landes and groundes: great losse, disquietnes, murder, and warre did (full oft) ensue: Till, by Gods mercy, and mans Industrie, The perfect Science of Lines, Plaines, and Solides (like a diuine Iusticier,) gaue vnto euery man, his owne. The people then, by this art pleasured, and greatly relieued, in their landes iust measuring: & other Philosophers, writing Rules for land measuring: betwene them both, thus, confirmed the name of Geometria, that is, (according to the very etimologie of the word) Land measuring. Wherin, the people knew no farder, of Magnitudes vse, but in Plaines: and the Philosophers, of thẽ, had no feet hearers, or Scholers: farder to disclose vnto, then of flat, plaine Geometrie. And though, these Philosophers, knew of farder vse, and best vnderstode the etymologye of the worde, yet this name Geometria, was of them applyed generally to all sortes of Magnitudes: vnleast, otherwhile, of Plato, and Pythagoras: When they would precisely declare their owne doctrine. Then, was

(* Plato. 7. de Rep.)

* Geometria, with them, Studium quod circa planum versatur. But, well you may perceiue by Euclides Elementes, that more ample is our Science, then to measure Plaines: and nothyng lesse therin is tought (of purpose) then how to measure Land. An other name, therfore, must nedes be had, for our Mathematicall Science of Magnitudes: which regardeth neither clod, nor turff: neither hill, nor dale: neither earth nor heauen: but is absolute Megethologia: not creping on ground, and dasseling the eye, with pole perche, rod or lyne: but “liftyng the hart aboue the heauens, by inuisible lines, and

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immortall beames meteth with the reflexions, of the light incomprehensible: and so procureth Ioye, and perfection vnspeakable.” Of which true vse of our Megethica, or Megethologia, Diuine Plato seemed to haue good taste, and iudgement: and (by the name of Geometrie) so noted it: and warned his Scholers therof: as, in hys seuenth Dialog, of the Common wealth, may euidently be sene. Where (in Latin) thus it is: right well translated: Profecto, nobis hoc non negabunt, Quicun[que] vel paululum quid Geometriæ gustârunt, quin hæc Scientia, contrà, omnino se habeat, quàm de ea loquuntur, qui in ipsa

versantur. In English, thus. Verely (sayth Plato) whosoeuer

haue, (but euen very litle) tasted of Geometrie, will not denye vnto vs, this: but that this Science, is of an other condicion, quite contrary to that, which they that are exercised in it, do speake of it. And there it followeth, of our Geometrie, Quòd quæritur cognoscendi illius gratia, quod semper est, non & eius quod oritur quando[que] & interit. Geometria, eius quod est semper, Cognitio est. Attollet igitur (ô Generose vir) ad Veritatem, animum: at[que] ita, ad Philosophandum preparabit cogitationem, vt ad supera conuertamus: quæ, nunc, contra quàm decet, ad inferiora deijcimus. &c. Quàm maximè igitur præcipiendum est, vt qui præclarissimam hanc habitãt Civitatem, nullo modo, Geometriam spernant. Nam & quæ præter ipsius propositum, quodam modo esse videntur, haud exigua sunt. &c. It must nedes be confessed (saith Plato) That [Geometrie] is learned, for the knowyng of that, which is euer: and not of that, which, in tyme, both is bred and is brought to an ende. &c. Geometrie is the knowledge of that which is euerlastyng. It will lift vp therfore (O Gentle Syr) our mynde to the Veritie: and by that meanes, it will prepare the Thought, to the Philosophicall loue of wisdome: that we may turne or conuert, toward heauenly thinges [both mynde and thought] which now, otherwise then becommeth vs, we cast down on base or inferior things. &c. Chiefly, therfore, Commaundement must be giuen, that such as do inhabit this most honorable Citie, by no meanes, despise Geometrie. For euen those thinges [done by it] which, in manner, seame to be, beside the purpose of Geometrie: are of no small importance. &c. And besides the manifold vses of Geometrie, in matters appertainyng to warre, he addeth more, of second vnpurposed frute, and commoditye, arrising by Geometrie: saying: Scimus quin etiam, ad Disciplinas omnes facilius per discendas, interesse omnino, attigerit ne Geometriam aliquis, an non. &c. Hanc ergo Doctrinam, secundo loco discendam Iuuenibus statuamus. That is. But, also, we know, that for the more easy learnyng of all Artes, it importeth much, whether one haue any knowledge in Geometrie, or no. &c. Let vs therfore make an ordinance or decree, that this Science, of young men shall be learned in the second place. This was Diuine Plato his Iudgement, both of the purposed, chief, and perfect vse of Geometrie: and of his second, dependyng, deriuatiue commodities. And for vs, Christen men, a thousand thousand mo occasions are, to haue nede of the helpe of *

(I. D. * Herein, I would gladly shake of, the earthly name, of Geometrie.)

Megethologicall Contemplations: wherby, to trayne our Imaginations and Myndes, by litle and litle, to forsake and abandon, the grosse and corruptible Obiectes, of our vtward senses: and to apprehend, by sure doctrine demonstratiue, Things Mathematicall. And by them, readily to be holpen and conducted to conceiue, discourse, and conclude of things Intellectual, Spirituall, æternall, and such as concerne our Blisse euerlasting: which, otherwise (without Speciall priuiledge of Illumination, or Reuelation frõ heauen) No mortall mans wyt (naturally) is hable to reach vnto, or to Compasse. And, veryly, by my small Talent (from aboue) I am hable to proue and testifie, that the litterall Text, and order of our diuine Law, Oracles, and Mysteries, require more skill in Numbers, and Magnitudes: then (commonly) the expositors haue vttered: but rather onely (at the most) so warned: & shewed their own want therin. (To name any, is nedeles: and to note the places, is, here, no place: But if I be duely asked, my answere is ready.) And without the litterall, Grammaticall, Mathematicall or Naturall verities of such places, by good and certaine Arte, perceiued, no Spirituall sense (propre to those places, by Absolute Theologie) will thereon depend.

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“No man, therfore, can doute, but toward the atteyning of knowledge incomparable, and Heauenly Wisedome: Mathematicall Speculations, both of Numbers and Magnitudes: are meanes, aydes, and guides: ready, certaine, and necessary.” From henceforth, in this my Preface, will I frame my talke, to Plato his fugitiue Scholers: or, rather, to such, who well can, (and also wil,) vse their vtward senses, to the glory of God, the benefite of their Countrey, and their owne secret contentation, or honest preferment, on this earthly Scaffold. To them, I will orderly recite, describe & declare a great Number of Artes, from our two Mathematicall fountaines, deriued into the fieldes of Nature. Wherby, such Sedes, and Rotes, as lye depe hyd in the groũd of Nature, are refreshed, quickened, and prouoked to grow, shote vp, floure, and giue frute, infinite, and incredible. And these Artes, shalbe such, as vpon Magnitudes properties do depende, more, then vpon Number. And by good reason we may call them Artes, and Artes Mathematicall Deriuatiue: for (at this tyme) I Define

(An Arte.)

An Arte, to be a Methodicall cõplete Doctrine, hauing abundancy of sufficient, and peculier matter to deale with, by the allowance of the Metaphisicall Philosopher: the knowledge whereof, to humaine state is necessarye. And that I account,

(Art Mathematicall Deriuatiue.)

An Art Mathematicall deriuatiue, which by Mathematicall demonstratiue Method, in Nũbers, or Magnitudes, ordreth and confirmeth his doctrine, as much & as perfectly, as the matter subiect will admit. And for that, I entend to vse the name and propertie of a

(A Mechanitien.)

Mechanicien, otherwise, then (hitherto) it hath ben vsed, I thinke it good, (for distinction sake) to giue you also a brief description, what I meane therby. A Mechanicien, or a Mechanicall workman is he, whose skill is, without knowledge of Mathematicall demonstration, perfectly to worke and finishe any sensible worke, by the Mathematicien principall or deriuatiue, demonstrated or demonstrable. Full well I know, that he which inuenteth, or maketh these demonstrations, is generally called A speculatiue Mechanicien: which differreth nothyng from a Mechanicall Mathematicien. So, in respect of diuerse actions, one man may haue the name of sundry artes: as, some tyme, of a Logicien, some tymes (in the same matter otherwise handled) of a Rethoricien. Of these trifles, I make, (as now, in respect of my Preface,) small account: to fyle thẽ for the fine handlyng of subtile curious disputers. In other places, they may commaunde me, to giue good reason: and yet, here, I will not be vnreasonable.

(1.)

First, then, from the puritie, absolutenes, and Immaterialitie of Principall Geometrie, is that kinde of Geometrie deriued, which vulgarly is counted Geometrie: and is the Arte of Measuring sensible magnitudes, their iust quãtities and contentes.

This Science of Magnitude, its properties, conditions, and appurtenances, has commonly been called geometry by all philosophers, now and from the beginning. But, truly, with a name too base and scant for a science of such dignity and amplitude. And perhaps that name, by common and secret consent of all wise men, has hitherto been allowed to remain, so that it might carry with it a perpetual memory of the first and most notable benefit shown to common people by that science: which was, when boundaries and meres of land and ground were lost and confounded (as in Egypt, yearly, with the overflowing of the Nile, the greatest and longest river in the world), or ground bequeathed was to be assigned, or ground sold was to be laid out, or (when disorder prevailed) commons were distributed into severalties. For where, upon these and such like occasions, some by ignorance, some by negligence, some by fraud, and some by violence, did wrongfully limit, measure, encroach upon, or claim (by pretense of just content and measure) those lands and grounds: great loss, disquiet, murder, and war did full often ensue: till, by God's mercy and men's industry, the perfect Science of Lines, Planes, and Solids (like a divine justiciar) gave to every man his own. The people then, pleased by this art and greatly relieved in the just measuring of their lands, and other philosophers writing rules for land measuring, between them both thus confirmed the name Geometria, that is (according to the very etymology of the word) land measuring. In it, the people knew no further of the use of magnitudes but in planes; and the philosophers had no fit hearers or scholars among them, to disclose further to than of flat, plain geometry. And though these philosophers knew of further use, and best understood the etymology of the word, yet this name Geometria was by them applied generally to all sorts of magnitudes: except at other times by Plato and Pythagoras, when they would precisely declare their own doctrine. Then it was

Plato, Republic 7.

Geometria, with them, the study concerned with the plane. But well you may perceive by Euclid's Elements that our Science is more ample than to measure planes, and nothing less is taught in it (on purpose) than how to measure land. Another name, therefore, must be had for our mathematical Science of Magnitudes: which regards neither clod nor turf, neither hill nor dale, neither earth nor heaven, but is absolute Megethologia: not creeping on ground and dazzling the eye with pole, perch, rod, or line, but "lifting the heart above the heavens by invisible lines, and

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immortal beams meeting with the reflections of the incomprehensible light, and so procuring joy and unspeakable perfection." Of which true use of our Megethica, or Megethologia, Divine Plato seemed to have good taste and judgment, and (by the name of geometry) so noted it, and warned his scholars of it, as may clearly be seen in his seventh Dialogue of the Commonwealth. Where it is thus, rightly translated: Truly, says Plato, whoever has (even very little) tasted of geometry will not deny us this: that this Science is of another condition, quite contrary to that which they who are exercised in it speak of it. And there it follows, of our geometry: It must be confessed, says Plato, that [geometry] is learned for the knowing of that which is ever, and not of that which in time both is bred and is brought to an end. etc. Geometry is the knowledge of that which is everlasting. It will lift up, therefore (O Gentle Sir), our mind to the Truth, and by that means it will prepare the Thought to the philosophical love of wisdom: that we may turn or convert toward heavenly things [both mind and thought] which now, otherwise than becomes us, we cast down on base or inferior things. etc. Chiefly, therefore, commandment must be given that such as inhabit this most honorable City by no means despise geometry. For even those things [done by it] which in manner seem to be beside the purpose of geometry are of no small importance. etc. And besides the manifold uses of geometry in matters pertaining to war, he adds more, of second unpurposed fruit and commodity arising from geometry, saying: But also we know that for the more easy learning of all arts it much imports whether one has any knowledge in geometry or no. etc. Let us therefore make an ordinance or decree that this Science shall be learned by young men in the second place. This was Divine Plato's judgment, both of the purposed, chief, and perfect use of geometry, and of his second, dependent, derivative commodities. And for us, Christian men, a thousand thousand more occasions are, to have need of the help of

I. D. In this, I would gladly shake off the earthly name of geometry.

metaphysical contemplations, by which to train our imaginations and minds little by little to forsake and abandon the gross and corruptible objects of our outward senses, and to apprehend, by sure demonstrative doctrine, Mathematical Things. And by them, readily to be helped and conducted to conceive, discourse, and conclude of things Intellectual, Spiritual, eternal, and such as concern our everlasting Bliss: which otherwise (without special privilege of Illumination or Revelation from heaven) no mortal man's wit (naturally) is able to reach or to compass. And truly, by my small Talent (from above) I am able to prove and testify that the literal Text and order of our divine Law, Oracles, and Mysteries require more skill in Numbers and Magnitudes than (commonly) the expositors have uttered: but rather only (at most) so warned, and showed their own want tin this. (To name any is needless; and to note the places is here no place; but if I am duly asked, my answer is ready.) And without the literal, grammatical, mathematical, or natural truths of such places, perceived by good and certain Art, no spiritual sense (proper to those places by Absolute Theology) will depend thereon.

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"No man, therefore, can doubt but toward the attaining of knowledge incomparable, and Heavenly Wisdom: Mathematical Speculations, both of Numbers and Magnitudes: are means, aids, and guides: ready, certain, and necessary." From from now on, in this my Preface, will I frame my talk to Plato's fugitive Scholars; or rather to such as well can (and also will) use their outward senses, to the glory of God, the benefit of their Country, and their own secret contentment, or honest advancement, on this earthly Scaffold. To them I will orderly recite, describe, and declare a great Number of arts, from our two mathematical fountains, derived into the fields of Nature. By which such Seeds and Roots as lie deep hidden in the ground of Nature are refreshed, quickened, and provoked to grow, shoot up, flower, and give fruit, infinite and incredible. And these arts shall be such as depend upon the properties of Magnitudes more than upon Number. And by good reason we may call them arts, and derived mathematical arts: for (at this time) I define

An art.

An art to be a methodical complete doctrine, having abundance of sufficient and peculiar matter to deal with, by the allowance of the metaphysical philosopher: the knowledge of which is necessary to the human estate. And that I count,

Derived mathematical art.

A derived mathematical art, which by a mathematical demonstrative method, in Numbers or Magnitudes, orders and confirms its doctrine, as much and as perfectly as the subject matter will admit. And for that, I intend to use the name and property of a

A mechanician.

mechanician, otherwise than (hitherto) it has been used, I think it good (for distinction's sake) to give you also a brief description of what I mean by that. A mechanician, or a mechanical workman, is he whose skill is, without knowledge of mathematical demonstration, perfectly to work and finish any sensible work, by the mathematician, principal or derivative, demonstrated or demonstrable. Full well I know that he who invents or makes these demonstrations is generally called a speculative mechanician, which differs nothing from a mechanical mathematician. So, in respect of diverse actions, one man may have the names of sundry arts: as sometimes a logician, sometimes (in the same matter otherwise handled) a rhetorician. Of these trifles I make (as now, in respect of my Preface) small account: to file them for the fine handling of subtle curious disputers. In other places they may command me to give good reason: and yet here I will not be unreasonable.

(1.)

First, then, from the purity, absoluteness, and immateriality of Principal Geometry is derived that kind of geometry which vulgarly is counted geometry: and is the Art of measuring sensible magnitudes, their just quantities and contents.

Common Geometry

This, teacheth to measure, either at hand: and the practiser, to be by the thing Measured: and so, by due applying of Cumpase, Rule, Squire, Yarde, Ell, Perch, Pole, Line, Gaging rod, (or such like instrument) to the Length, Plaine, or Solide measured,

(1.)

* to be certified, either of the length, perimetry, or distance lineall: and this is called, Mecometrie. Or

(2.)

* to be certified of the content of any plaine Superficies: whether it be in ground Surueyed, Borde, or Glasse measured, or such like thing: which measuring, is named Embadometrie.

(3.)

* Or els to vnderstand the Soliditie, and content of any bodily thing: as of Tymber and Stone, or the content of Pits, Pondes, Wells, Vessels, small & great, of all fashions. Where, of Wine, Oyle, Beere, or Ale vessells, &c, the Measuring, commonly, hath a peculier name: and is called Gaging. And the generall name of these Solide measures, is Stereometrie.

(2.)

Or els, this vulgar Geometrie, hath consideration to teach the practiser, how to measure things, with good distance betwene him and the thing measured: and to vnderstand thereby, either

(1.)

* how Farre, a thing seene (on land or water) is from the measurer: and this may be called Apomecometrie:

(2.)

Or, how High or depe, aboue or vnder the leuel of the measurers stãding, any thing is, which is sene on land or water, called Hypsometrie.

(3.)

* Or, it informeth the measurer, how Broad any thing is, which is in the measurers vew: so it be on Land or Water, situated: and may be called Platometrie. Though I vse here to condition, the thing measured, to be on Land, or Water Situated:

yet, know for certaine, that the sundry heigthe of Cloudes, blasing Starres, and of the Mone, may (by these meanes) haue their distances from the earth: and, of the blasing Starres and Mone, the Soliditie (aswell as distances) to be measured: But because, neither these things are vulgarly taught: nor of a common practiser so ready to be executed: I, rather, let such measures be reckened incident to some of our other Artes, dealing with thinges on high, more purposely, then this vulgar Land measuring Geometrie doth: as in Perspectiue and Astronomie, &c.

Of these Feates (farther applied) is Sprong the Feate of Geodesie, or Land Measuring: more cunningly to measure & Suruey Land, Woods, and Waters, a farre of. More cunningly, I say: But God knoweth (hitherto) in these Realmes of England and Ireland (whether through ignorance or fraude, I can not tell, in euery particular)

how great wrong and iniurie hath (in my time) bene committed by vntrue measuring and surueying of Land or Woods, any way. And, this I am sure: that the Value of the difference, betwene the truth and such Surueyes, would haue bene hable to haue foũd (for euer) in eche of our two Vniuersities, an excellent Mathematicall Reader: to eche, allowing (yearly) a hundred Markes of lawfull money of this realme: which, in dede, would seme requisit, here, to be had (though by other wayes prouided for) as well, as, the famous Vniuersitie of Paris, hath two Mathematicall Readers: and eche, two hundreth French Crownes yearly, of the French Kinges magnificent liberalitie onely. Now, againe, to our purpose returning: Moreouer, of the former knowledge Geometricall, are growen the Skills of Geographie, Chorographie, Hydrographie, and Stratarithmetrie.

This teaches measuring either at hand, with the practitioner standing by the thing measured: and so, by duly applying the compass, rule, square, yard, ell, perch, pole, line, gaging rod (or the like instrument) to the length, plane, or solid being measured,

(1.)

To be certified of the length, perimeter, or linear distance: and this is called Mecometry. Or

(2.)

To be certified of the content of any plane surface: whether it be surveyed ground, a measured board or pane of glass, or the like thing: which measuring is named Embadometry.

(3.)

Or else to understand the solidity and capacity of any bodily thing: such as timber and stone, or the capacity of pits, ponds, wells, vessels small and great of all kinds. Where the measuring of wine, oil, beer, or ale vessels, etc., commonly has a peculiar name: and is called gaging. And the general name of these solid measures is stereometry.

(2.)

Or else this common geometry also undertakes to teach the practitioner how to measure things while standing at a good distance from the thing measured: and by that to understand either

(1.)

How far a thing seen (on land or water) is from the measurer: and this may be called Apomecometry:

(2.)

Or, how high or deep, above or below the level of the measurer's standing, anything is that is seen on land or water, called Hypsometry.

(3.)

Or, it informs the measurer how broad anything is that lies in the measurer's view, provided it is situated on land or water: and may be called Platometry. Though I am in the habit of stipulating that the thing measured be situated on land or water:

Yet know for certain that the various heights of clouds, comets, and the moon may by these means have their distances from the earth; and that of comets and the moon, the solidity as well as the distances may be measured. But because neither these things are taught in the common way, nor are so ready for the ordinary practitioner to carry out, I prefer to let such measures be reckoned as incidental to some of our other arts, which deal more purposely with things on high than this common land-measuring geometry does: as in perspective and astronomy, etc.

From these feats, further applied, has sprung the feat of geodesy, or land surveying: to measure and survey land, woods, and waters more skillfully from afar. More skillfully, I say: but God knows, up to now in these realms of England and Ireland (whether through ignorance or fraud, I cannot tell in every particular)

How great a wrong and injury has been done in my time by untrue measuring and surveying of land or woods in every way. And of this I am sure: that the value of the difference between the truth and such surveys would have been able to fund forever, in each of our two universities, an excellent mathematics reader: each allowed yearly a hundred marks of lawful money of this realm; which indeed would seem to be required here (though provided for in other ways), just as the famous University of Paris has two mathematics readers, each with two hundred French crowns yearly, from the French king's magnificent liberality alone.

Now, returning again to our purpose: moreover, from that earlier geometrical knowledge have grown the skills of geography, chorography, hydrography, and Stratarithmetrie.

Geography

“Geographie teacheth wayes, by which, in sũdry formes, (as Sphærike, Plaine or other), the Situation of Cities, Townes, Villages, Fortes, Castells, Mountaines, Woods, Hauens, Riuers, Crekes, & such other things, vpõ the outface of the earthly Globe (either in the whole, or in some principall mẽber and portion therof cõtayned) may be described and designed, in cõmensurations Analogicall to Nature and veritie: and most aptly to our vew, may be represented.” Of this Arte how great pleasure, and how manifolde commodities do come vnto vs, daily and hourely: of most men, is perceaued. While, some, to beautifie their Halls, Parlers, Chambers, Galeries, Studies, or Libraries with: other some, for thinges past, as battels fought, earthquakes, heauenly fyringes, & such occurentes, in histories mentioned: therby liuely, as it were, to vewe the place, the region adioyning, the distance from vs: and such other circumstances. Some other, presently to vewe the large dominion of the Turke: the wide Empire of the Moschouite: and the litle morsell of ground, where Christendome (by profession) is certainly knowen. Litle, I say, in respecte of the rest. &c. Some, either for their owne iorneyes directing into farre landes: or to vnderstand of other mens trauailes. To conclude, some, for one purpose: and some, for an other, liketh, loueth, getteth, and vseth, Mappes, Chartes, & Geographicall Globes. Of whose vse, to speake sufficiently, would require a booke peculier.

"Geography teaches the ways by which, in various forms (as spherical, planar, or other), the situation of cities, towns, villages, forts, castles, mountains, woods, harbors, rivers, creeks, and such other things upon the surface of the earthly globe (either in the whole, or in some principal member and portion of it contained) may be described and drawn in proportions analogous to nature and truth, and represented most aptly to our view." Of this art how great pleasure and how manifold the commodities that come to us daily and hourly, most men perceive. While some, to beautify their halls, parlors, chambers, galleries, studies, or libraries; others, for things past, as battles fought, earthquakes, heavenly fires, and such occurrences mentioned in histories: by that livelike, as it were, to view the place, the neighboring region, the distance from us, and such other circumstances. Others, presently to view the wide dominion of the Turk, the vast empire of the Muscovite, and the little morsel of ground where Christendom (by profession) is certainly known. Little, I say, in respect of the rest, etc. Some, either to direct their own journeys into far countries, or to learn of other men's travels. To conclude, some for one purpose and some for another like, love, get, and use maps, charts, and geographic globes. Of whose use to speak adequately would require a book of its own.

Chorography

Chorographie seemeth to be an vnderling, and a twig, of Geographie: and yet neuerthelesse, is in practise manifolde, and in vse very ample. “This teacheth Analogically to describe a small portion or circuite of ground, with the contentes: not regarding what commensuration it hath to the whole, or any parcell, without it, contained. But in the territory or parcell of ground which it taketh in hand to make description of, it leaueth out (or vndescribed) no notable, or odde thing, aboue the ground visible. Yea and sometimes, of thinges vnder ground, geueth some peculier marke: or warning: as of Mettall mines, Cole pittes, Stone quarries. &c.” Thus, a Dukedome, a Shiere, a Lordship, or lesse, may be described distinctly. But marueilous pleasant, and profitable it is, in the exhibiting to our eye, and commensuration, the plat of a Citie, Towne, Forte, or Pallace, in true Symmetry: not approching to any of them: and out of Gunne shot. &c. Hereby, the Architect may furnishe him selfe, with store of what patterns he liketh: to his great instruction: euen in those thinges which outwardly are proportioned: either simply in them selues: or respectiuely, to Hilles, Riuers, Hauens, and Woods adioyning. Some also, terme this particular description of places, Topographie.

Chorography seems to be an underling and a twig of geography: and yet nevertheless is manifold in practice and very ample in use. "This teaches, analogically, to describe a small portion or circuit of ground with its contents: without regard to what commensuration it has to the whole, or any parcel contained outside it. But in the territory or parcel of ground it takes in hand to describe, it leaves out nothing notable or odd standing above ground and visible. And sometimes it gives some peculiar mark or warning of things underground: as of metal mines, coal pits, stone quarries, etc." Thus a duchy, a shire, a lordship, or less may be described distinctly. But it is marvelous pleasant and profitable to set before our eye, and in commensuration, the plan of a city, town, fort, or palace in true symmetry: without approaching any of them, and out of gunshot, etc. By that the architect can furnish himself with a store of whatever patterns he likes: to his great instruction, even in those things that are outwardly proportioned: either simply in themselves, or respectively to the hills, rivers, harbors, and woods adjoining. Some also call this particular description of places topography.

Hydrography

“Hydrographie, deliuereth to our knowledge, on Globe or in Plaine, the perfect Analogicall description of the Ocean Sea coastes, through the whole world: or in the chiefe and principall partes thereof:” with the Iles and chiefe particular places of daungers, conteyned within the boundes, and Sea coastes described: as, of Quicksandes, Bankes, Pittes, Rockes, Races, Countertides, Whorlepooles. &c. This, dealeth with the Element of the water chiefly: as Geographie did principally take the Element of the Earthes description (with his appertenances) to taske. And besides thys, Hydrographie, requireth a particular Register of certaine Landmarkes (where markes may be had) from the sea, well hable to be skried, in what point of the Seacumpase they appeare, and what apparent forme, Situation, and bignes they haue, in respecte of any daungerous place in the sea, or nere vnto it, assigned: And in all Coastes, what Mone, maketh full Sea: and what way, the Tides and Ebbes, come and go, the Hydrographer ought to recorde. The Soundinges likewise: and the Chanels wayes: their number, and depthes ordinarily, at ebbe and flud, ought the Hydrographer, by obseruation and diligence of Measuring, to haue certainly knowen. And many other pointes, are belonging to perfecte Hydrographie, and for to make a Rutter, by: of which, I nede not here speake: as of the describing, in any place, vpon Globe or Plaine, the 32. pointes of the Compase, truely: (wherof, scarsly foure, in England, haue right knowledge: bycause, the lines therof, are no straight lines, nor Circles.) Of making due proiection of a Sphere in plaine. Of the Variacion of the Compas, from true Northe: And such like matters (of great importance, all) I leaue to speake of, in this place: bycause, I may seame (al ready) to haue enlarged the boundes, and duety of an Hydographer, much more, then any man (to this day) hath noted, or prescribed. Yet am I well hable to proue, all these thinges, to appertaine, and also to be proper to the Hydrographer. The chief vse and ende of this Art, is the Art of Nauigation: but it hath other diuerse vses: euen by them to be enioyed, that neuer lacke sight of land.

"Hydrography gives us, on globe or in plane, the perfect analogical description of the ocean sea coasts throughout the whole world, or in its chief and principal parts:" with the islands and chief particular places of danger contained within the bounds and sea coasts described: such as quicksands, banks, pits, rocks, races, counter-tides, whirlpools, etc. This deals chiefly with the element of water: just as geography did principally take in hand the description of the element of earth (with its appurtenances). And besides this, hydrography requires a particular register of certain landmarks (where marks can be had) well able to be spied from the sea: at what point of the sea compass they appear, and what apparent form, situation, and bigness they have in respect of any dangerous place in the sea, or near to it, assigned. And on all coasts, what moon makes full sea, and in what way the tides and ebbs come and go, the hydrographer ought to record. The soundings likewise, and the channel ways: their number and depths ordinarily at ebb and flood, the hydrographer ought by observation and diligent measuring to have certainly known. And many other points belong to perfect hydrography, and to making sailing directions: of which I need not speak here: such as truly describing, in any place, on globe or plane, the 32 points of the compass (of which scarcely four in England have right knowledge, because the lines of it are neither straight lines nor circles). Of making due projection of a sphere in plane. Of the variation of the compass from true north. And such like matters (all of great importance) I leave to speak of here: because I may seem already to have widened the bounds and duty of a hydrographer far more than any man (to this day) has noted or prescribed. Yet I am well able to prove that all these things pertain, and are also proper, to the hydrographer. The chief use and end of this art is the art of navigation: but it has other diverse uses: even to be enjoyed by those who never lack sight of land.

Stratarithmetrie

Stratarithmetrie, is the Skill, (appertainyng to the warre,) by which a man can set in figure, analogicall to any Geometricall figure appointed, any certaine number or summe of men: of such a figure capable: (by reason of the vsuall spaces betwene Souldiers allowed: and for that, of men, can be made no Fractions. Yet, neuertheles, he can order the giuen summe of men, for the greatest such figure, that of them, cã be ordred) and certifie, of the ouerplus: (if any be) and of the next certaine summe, which, with the ouerplus, will admit a figure exactly proportionall to the figure assigned. By which Skill, also, of any army or company of men: (the figure & sides of whose orderly standing, or array, is knowen) he is able to expresse the iust number of men, within that figure conteined: or (orderly) able to be conteined.

(* Note.)

* And this figure, and sides therof, he is hable to know: either beyng by, and at hand: or a farre of. Thus farre, stretcheth the description and property of Stratarithmetrie: sufficient for this tyme and place.

(The difference betwene Stratarithmetrie and Tacticie.)

“It differreth from the Feate Tacticall, De aciebus instruendis. bycause, there, is necessary the wisedome and foresight, to what purpose he so ordreth the men: and Skillfull hability, also, for any occasion, or purpose, to deuise and vse the aptest and most necessary order, array and figure of his Company and Summe of men.” By figure, I meane: as, either of a Perfect Square, Triangle, Circle, Ouale, long square, (of the Grekes it is called Eteromekes) Rhombe, Rhomboïd, Lunular, Ryng, Serpentine, and such other Geometricall figures: Which, in warres, haue ben, and are to be vsed: for commodiousnes, necessity, and auauntage &c. And no small skill ought he to haue, that should make true report, or nere the truth, of the numbers and Summes, of footemen or horsemen, in the Enemyes ordring. A farre of, to make an estimate, betwene nere termes of More and Lesse, is not a thyng very rife, among those that gladly would do it.

(I. D. Frende, you will finde it hard, to performe my description of this Feate. But by Chorographie, you may helpe your selfe some what: where the Figures knowne (in Sides and Angles) are not Regular: And where, Resolution into Triangles can serue. &c. And yet you will finde it strange to deale thus generally with Arithmeticall figures: and, that for Battayle ray. Their contentes, differ so much from like Geometricall Figures.)

Great pollicy may be vsed of the Capitaines, (at tymes fete, and in places conuenient) as to vse Figures, which make greatest shew, of so many as he hath: and vsing the aduauntage of the three kindes of vsuall spaces: (betwene footemen or horsemen) to take the largest: or when he would seme to haue few, (beyng many:) contrarywise, in Figure, and space. The Herald, Purseuant, Sergeant Royall, Capitaine, or who soeuer is carefull to come nere the truth herein, besides the Iudgement of his expert eye, his skill of Ordering Tacticall, the helpe of his Geometricall instrument: Ring, or Staffe Astronomicall: (commodiously framed for cariage and vse) He may wonderfully helpe him selfe, by perspectiue Glasses. In which, (I trust) our posterity will proue more skillfull and expert, and to greater purposes, then in these dayes, can (almost) be credited to be possible.

Thus haue I lightly passed ouer the Artificiall Feates, chiefly dependyng vpon vulgar Geometrie: & commonly and generally reckened vnder the name of Geometrie. But there are other (very many) Methodicall Artes, which, declyning from the purity, simplicitie, and Immateriality, of our Principall Science of Magnitudes: do yet neuertheles vse the great ayde, direction, and Method of the sayd principall Science, and haue propre names, and distinct: both from the Science of Geometrie, (from which they are deriued) and one from the other.

Stratarithmetrie is the skill (appertaining to war) by which a man can set in a figure, analogous to any geometric figure appointed, any certain number or sum of men: capable of such a figure (by reason of the usual spaces allowed between soldiers, and because no fractions can be made of men. Yet nevertheless he can order the given sum of men into the greatest such figure that can be ordered of them) and certify the surplus (if any) and the next certain sum which, with the surplus, will admit a figure exactly proportional to the assigned figure. By which skill also, of any army or company of men (the figure and sides of whose orderly standing or array is known), he is able to express the exact number of men contained within that figure: or (in order) able to be contained.

Note.

And this figure and its sides he is able to know: either being by and at hand, or far off. Thus far stretches the description and property of Stratarithmetrie: sufficient for this time and place.

The difference between Stratarithmetrie and Tacticie.

"It differs from the tactical feat of drawing up battle lines, because there it takes wisdom and foresight to what purpose he orders the men; and skillful ability also, for any occasion or purpose, to devise and use the fittest and most necessary order, array, and figure of his company and sum of men." By figure I mean such as a perfect square, triangle, circle, oval, long square (which the Greeks call Eteromekes), rhomb, rhomboid, crescent, ring, serpentine, and such other geometric figures: which in wars have been and are to be used for convenience, necessity, and advantage, etc. And he ought to have no small skill who can give a true report, or near the truth, of the numbers and sums of footmen or horsemen in the enemy's ordering. To make an estimate from afar, between close terms of more and less, is not a thing very common among those who would gladly do it.

I. D., friend, you will find it hard to carry out my description of this feat. But by chorography you can help yourself somewhat: where the figures known (in sides and angles) are not regular, and where a resolution into triangles can serve, etc. And yet you will find it strange to deal so generally with arithmetic figures, and that for battle array: their contents differ so much from like geometric figures.

Great policy may be used by the captains (at fitting times and in convenient places): as to use figures that make the greatest show of as many men as he has; and using the advantage of the three kinds of usual spaces (between footmen or horsemen) to take the largest; or when he would seem to have few, being many: and the contrary, in figure and space. The herald, pursuivant, sergeant royal, captain, or whoever is careful to come near the truth in this, besides the judgment of his expert eye, his skill of tactical ordering, and the help of his geometric instrument, ring or astronomical staff (conveniently framed for carrying and use), he may wonderfully help himself with perspective glasses. In which (I trust) our posterity will prove more skillful and expert, and for greater purposes, than in these days can almost be credited to be possible.

Thus I have lightly passed over the artificial feats depending chiefly upon common geometry, and commonly and generally reckoned under the name of geometry.

The Mixed Sciences and Perspective

As Perspectiue, Astronomie, Musike, Cosmographie, Astrologie, Statike, Anthropographie, Trochilike, Helicosophie, Pneumatithmie, Menadrie, Hypogeiodie, Hydragogie, Horometrie, Zographie, Architecture,

Nauigation, Thaumaturgike and Archemastrie. I thinke it necessary,

orderly, of these to giue some peculier descriptions: and withall, to touch some of their commodious vses, and so to make this Preface, to be a little swete, pleasant Nosegaye for you: to comfort your Spirites, beyng almost out of courage, and in despayre, (through brutish brute) Weenyng that Geometrie, had but serued for buildyng of an house, or a curious bridge, or the roufe of Westminster hall, or some witty pretty deuise, or engyn, appropriate to a Carpenter, or a Ioyner &c. That the thing is farre otherwise, then the world, (commonly) to this day, hath demed, by worde and worke, good profe wilbe made.

Among these Artes, by good reason, Perspectiue ought to be had, ere of Astronomicall Apparences, perfect knowledge can be atteyned. And bycause of the prerogatiue of Light, beyng the first of Gods Creatures: and the eye, the light of our body, and his Sense most mighty, and his organ most Artificiall and Geometricall: At Perspectiue, we will begyn therfore. Perspectiue, is an Art Mathematicall, which demonstrateth the maner, and properties, of all Radiations Direct, Broken, and Reflected. This Description, or Notation, is brief: but it reacheth so farre, as the world is wyde. It concerneth all Creatures, all Actions, and passions, by Emanation of beames perfourmed. Beames, or naturall lines, (here) I meane, not of light onely, or of colour (though they, to eye, giue shew, witnes, and profe, wherby to ground the Arte vpon) but also of other Formes, both Substantiall, and Accidentall, the certaine and determined actiue Radiall emanations. By this Art (omitting to speake of the highest pointes) we may vse our eyes, and the light, with greater pleasure: and perfecter Iudgement: both of things, in light seen, & of other: which by like order of Lightes Radiations, worke and produce their effectes. We may be ashamed to be ignorant of the cause, why so sundry wayes our eye is deceiued, and abused: as, while the eye weeneth a roũd Globe or Sphere (beyng farre of) to be a flat and plaine Circle, and so likewise iudgeth a plaine Square, to be roũd: supposeth walles parallels, to approche, a farre of: rofe and floure parallels, the one to bend downward, the other to rise vpward, at a little distance from you. Againe, of thinges being in like swiftnes of mouing, to thinke the nerer, to moue faster: and the farder, much slower. Nay, of two thinges, wherof the one (incomparably) doth moue swifter then the other, to deme the slower to moue very swift, & the other to stand: what an error is this, of our eye? Of the Raynbow, both of his Colours, of the order of the colours, of the bignes of it, the place and heith of it, (&c) to know the causes demonstratiue, is it not pleasant, is it not necessary? of two or three Sonnes appearing: of Blasing Sterres: and such like thinges: by naturall causes, brought to passe, (and yet neuertheles, of farder matter, Significatiue) is it not commodious for man to know the very true cause, & occasion Naturall? Yea, rather, is it not, greatly, against the Souerainty of Mans nature, to be so ouershot and abused, with thinges (at hand) before his eyes? as with a Pecockes tayle, and a Doues necke: or a whole ore, in water, holden, to seme broken. Thynges, farre of, to seeme nere: and nere, to seme farre of. Small thinges, to seme great: and great, to seme small. One man, to seme an Army. Or a man to be curstly affrayed of his owne shaddow. Yea, so much, to feare, that, if you, being (alone) nere a certaine glasse, and proffer, with dagger or sword, to foyne at the glasse, you shall suddenly be moued to giue backe (in maner) by reason of an Image,

(☞ A marueilous Glasse.)

appearing in the ayre, betwene you & the glasse, with like hand, sword or dagger, & with like quicknes, foyning at your very eye, likewise as you do at the Glasse. Straunge, this is, to heare of: but more meruailous to behold, then these my wordes can signifie. And neuerthelesse by demonstration Opticall, the order and cause therof, is certified: euen so, as the effect is consequent. Yea, thus much more, dare I take vpon me, toward the satisfying of the noble courrage, that longeth ardently for the wisedome of Causes Naturall: as to let him vnderstand, that, in London, he may with his owne eyes, haue profe of that, which I haue sayd herein. A Gentleman, (which, for his good seruice, done to his Countrey, is famous and honorable:

and for skill in the Mathematicall Sciences, and Languages, is the Od man of this land. &c.) euen he, is hable: and (I am sure) will, very willingly, let the Glasse, and profe be sene: and so I (here) request him: for the encrease of wisedome, in the honorable: and for the stopping of the mouthes malicious: and repressing the arrogancy of the ignorant. Ye may easily gesse, what I meane. This Art of Perspectiue, is of that excellency, and may be led, to the certifying, and executing of such thinges, as no man would easily beleue: without Actuall profe perceiued. I speake nothing of Naturall Philosophie, which, without Perspectiue, can not be fully vnderstanded, nor perfectly atteined vnto. Nor, of Astronomie: which, without Perspectiue, can not well be grounded: Nor Astrologie, naturally Verified, and auouched. That part hereof, which dealeth with Glasses (which name, Glasse, is a generall name, in this Arte, for any thing, from which, a Beame reboundeth) is called Catoptrike: and hath so many vses, both merueilous, and proffitable: that, both, it would hold me to long, to note therin the principall conclusions, all ready knowne: And also (perchaunce) some thinges, might lacke due credite with you: And I, therby, to leese my labor: and you, to slip into light Iudgement,

(* ☞)

Before you haue learned sufficiently the powre of Nature and Arte.

But there are other (very many) methodical arts, which, declining from the purity, simplicity, and immateriality of our principal science of magnitudes, do nevertheless use the great aid, direction, and method of the said principal science, and have proper names, distinct both from the science of geometry (from which they are derived) and from one another: such as perspective, astronomy, music, Cosmography, astrology, statics, anthropography, Trochilike, Helicosophy, Pneumatithmie, Menadrie, Hypogeiodie, Hydragogie, horometry, painting, architecture, navigation, Thaumaturgike and Archemastrie. I think it necessary to give, in order, some particular description of these, and also to touch on some of their useful applications, and so to make this preface a little sweet, pleasant nosegay for you: to comfort your spirits when they are almost out of courage and in despair (through a brutish turn of mind), supposing that geometry has served only for the building of a house, or an ornate bridge, or the roof of Westminster Hall, or some clever little device or engine suited to a carpenter or a joiner, etc. That things are far otherwise than the world has commonly judged them, to this day, will be well proved both in word and in deed.

Among these arts, by good reason, perspective ought to be had before perfect knowledge of astronomical appearances can be attained. And because light holds the prerogative as the first of God's creatures, and the eye is the light of our body, whose sense is the mightiest and whose organ is the most skillful and geometric, we will begin, therefore, with perspective. Perspective is a mathematical art which demonstrates the manner and properties of all radiations—direct, broken, and reflected. This description, or statement, is brief, but it reaches as far as the world is wide. It concerns all creatures, all actions and passions brought about by the emanation of rays. By rays, or natural lines, I mean here not only those of light or color (though these give the eye appearance, witness, and proof on which to ground the art) but also the certain and determined active radial emanations of other forms, both substantial and accidental. Through this art (setting aside its highest points) we may use our eyes and the light with greater pleasure and more perfect judgment, both of things seen in light and of other things, which work and produce their effects by the same order of the radiation of lights. We should be ashamed to be ignorant of the cause of the many ways our eye is deceived and misled: as when the eye takes a round globe or sphere, far off, to be a flat plain circle, and likewise judges a flat square to be round; supposes parallel walls to draw together at a distance; and takes roof and floor, parallel to each other, the one to bend downward and the other to rise up, at a little distance from you. Again, of things moving at equal speed, to think the nearer moves faster and the farther much slower. And of two things, one of which moves incomparably faster than the other, to judge the slower to move very swiftly and the other to stand still—what an error is this of our eye! Of the rainbow: of its colors, the order of the colors, its size, its place and height, etc.—to know the demonstrative causes, is it not pleasant, is it not necessary? Of two or three suns appearing, of blazing stars, and such things, brought to pass by natural causes (and yet, nevertheless, significant of matters beyond): is it not useful for humankind to know the very true cause and the natural occasion? Is it not, rather, greatly beneath the dignity of human nature to be so misled and deceived by things at hand, before one's eyes: as with a peacock's tail and a dove's neck, or a whole oar held in water seeming broken? Distant things seeming near, and near things seeming distant. Small things seeming great, and great things seeming small. One man seeming an army. Or a person being terribly afraid of his own shadow. Yes, to fear so much that, if you are alone near a certain mirror and make as if to thrust at it with a dagger or sword, you will suddenly be moved to draw back, as it were, by reason of an image,

A marvelous mirror.

appearing in the air between you and the mirror, with the same hand, sword or dagger, and with equal quickness, lunging at your very eye just as you do at the mirror. Strange this is to hear of, but more marvelous to see than these words of mine can express. And yet by optical demonstration the order and cause of it are made certain, even as its effect follows from it. Yes, this much more I dare undertake, toward satisfying the noble spirit that longs ardently for the wisdom of natural causes: to let him understand that in London he may with his own eyes have proof of what I have said here. A gentleman (who, for the good service he has done his country, is famous and honorable:

and for skill in the mathematical sciences and languages is the odd man of this land, etc.) Even he is able, and I am sure will very willingly, let the mirror and the proof be seen; and so I here request it of him: for the increase of wisdom among the honorable, for the stopping of malicious mouths, and for the repressing of the arrogance of the ignorant. You may easily guess what I mean. This art of perspective is of such excellence, and may be led to the establishing and carrying out of such things as no one would readily believe without actual proof perceived. I say nothing of natural philosophy, which, without perspective, cannot be fully understood nor perfectly attained. Nor of astronomy, which, without perspective, cannot well be grounded; nor of astrology, verified and confirmed on natural grounds. That part of it which deals with mirrors (the word mirror being, in this art, a general name for anything from which a ray bounces back) is called catoptrics, and has so many uses, both marvelous and profitable, that it would keep me too long to note the principal conclusions already known in it; and also some things might perhaps lack due credit with you, and I would by that lose my labor, and you would slip into a light judgment,

Before you have learned sufficiently the power of nature and art.

Astronomy

Now, to procede: Astronomie, is an Arte Mathematicall, which demonstrateth the distance, magnitudes, and all naturall motions, apparences, and passions propre to the Planets and fixed Sterres: for any time past, present and to come: in respect of a certaine Horizon, or without respect of any Horizon. By this Arte we are certified of the distance of the Starry Skye, and of eche Planete from the Centre of the Earth: and of the greatnes of any Fixed starre sene, or Planete, in respect of the Earthes greatnes. As, we are sure (by this Arte) that the Solidity, Massines and Body of the Sonne, conteineth the quantitie of the whole Earth and Sea, a hundred thre score and two times, lesse by ⅛ one eight parte of the earth. But the Body of the whole earthly globe and Sea, is bigger then the body of the Mone, three and forty times lesse by ⅛ of the Mone. Wherfore the Sonne is bigger then the Mone, 7000 times, lesse, by 59 39/64 that is, precisely 6940 25/64 bigger then the Mone. And yet the vnskillfull man, would iudge them a like bigge. Wherfore, of Necessity, the one is much farder from vs, then the other. The Sonne, when he is fardest from the earth (which, now, in our age, is, when he is in the 8. degree, of Cancer) is, 1179 Semidiameters of the Earth, distante. And the Mone when she is fardest from the earth, is 68 Semidiameters of the earth and ⅓ The nerest, that the Mone commeth to the earth, is Semidiameters 52¼ The distance of the Starry Skye is, frõ vs, in Semidiameters of the earth 20081½ Twenty thousand fourescore, one, and almost a halfe. Subtract from this, the Mones nerest distance, from the Earth: and therof remaineth Semidiameters of the earth 20029¼ Twenty thousand nine and twenty and a quarter.

So thicke is the heauenly Palace, that the Planetes haue all their exercise in, and most meruailously perfourme the Commaũdement and Charge to them giuen by the omnipotent Maiestie of the king of kings. This is that, which in Genesis is called Ha Rakia. Consider it well. The Semidiameter of the earth, cõteineth of our common miles 3436 4/11 three thousand, foure hundred thirty six and foure eleuenth partes of one myle: Such as the whole earth and Sea, round about, is 21600. One and twenty thousand six hundred of our myles. Allowyng for euery degree of the greatest circle, thre score myles. Now if you way well with your selfe but this litle parcell of frute Astronomicall, as concerning the bignesse, Distances of Sonne, Mone, Sterry Sky, and the huge massines of Ha Rakia, will you not finde your Consciences moued, with the kingly Prophet, to sing the confession of Gods Glory, and say, The Heauens declare the glory of God, and the Firmament [Ha Rakia] sheweth forth the workes of his handes. And so forth, for those fiue first staues, of that kingly Psalme. Well, well, It is time for some to lay hold on wisedome, and to Iudge truly of thinges: and notso to expound the Holy word, all by Allegories: as to Neglect the wisedome, powre and Goodnes of God, in, and by his Creatures, and Creation to be seen and learned. By parables and Analogies of whose natures and properties, the course of the Holy Scripture, also, declareth to vs very many Mysteries. The whole Frame of Gods Creatures, (which is the whole world,) is to vs, a bright glasse: from which, by reflexion, reboundeth to our knowledge and perceiuerance, Beames, and Radiations: representing the Image of his Infinite goodnes, Omnipotẽcy, and wisedome. And we therby, are taught and persuaded to Glorifie our Creator, as God: and be thankefull therfore. Could the Heathenistes finde these vses, of these most pure, beawtifull, and Mighty Corporall Creatures: and shall we, after that the true Sonne of rightwisenesse is risen aboue the Horizon, of our temporall Hemisphærie, and hath so abundantly streamed into our hartes, the direct beames of his goodnes, mercy, and grace: Whose heat All Creatures feele: Spirituall and Corporall: Visible and Inuisible. Shall we (I say) looke vpon the Heauen, Sterres, and Planets, as an Oxe and an Asse doth: no furder carefull or inquisitiue, what they are: why were they Created, How do they execute that they were Created for? Seing, All Creatures, were for our sake created: and both we, and they, Created, chiefly to glorifie the Almighty Creator: and that, by all meanes, to vs possible. Nolite ignorare (saith Plato in Epinomis) Astronomiam, Sapientissimũ quiddam esse. Be ye not ignorant, Astronomie to be a thyng of excellent wisedome. Astronomie, was to vs, from the beginning commended, and in maner commaunded by God him selfe. In asmuch as he made the Sonne, Mone, and Sterres, to be to vs, for Signes, and knowledge of Seasons, and for Distinctions of Dayes, and yeares. Many wordes nede not. But I wish, euery man should way this word, Signes. And besides that, conferre it also with the tenth Chapter of Hieremie. And though Some thinke, that there, they haue found a rod: Yet Modest Reason, will be indifferent Iudge, who ought to be beaten therwith, in respect of our purpose. Leauing that: I pray you vnderstand this: that without great diligence of Obseruation, examination and Calculation, their periods and courses (wherby Distinction of Seasons, yeares, and New Mones might precisely be knowne) could not exactely be certified. Which thing to performe, is that Art, which we here haue Defined to be Astronomie. Wherby, we may haue the distinct Course of Times, dayes, yeares, and Ages: aswell for Consideratiõ of Sacred Prophesies, accomplished in due time, foretold: as for high Mysticall Solemnities holding: And for all other humaine affaires, Conditions, and couenantes, vpon certaine time, betwene man and man: with many other great vses: Wherin, (verely), would be great incertainty, Confusion, vntruth, and brutish Barbarousnes: without the wonderfull diligence and skill of this Arte: continually learning, and determining Times, and periodes of Time, by the Record of the heauenly booke, wherin all times are written: and to be read with an Astronomicall staffe, in stede of a festue.

Now, to proceed: Astronomy is a mathematical art which demonstrates the distances, magnitudes, and all natural motions, appearances, and affections proper to the planets and fixed stars: for any time past, present, or to come: with respect to a given horizon, or without respect to any horizon. By this art we are assured of the distance of the starry sky and of each planet from the center of the Earth, and of the size of any fixed star seen, or of any planet, in proportion to the Earth's size. Thus we are sure (by this art) that the solidity, bulk, and body of the Sun contain the quantity of the whole Earth and Sea a hundred and sixty-two times, less by one eighth part of the Earth. But the body of the whole earthly globe and Sea is bigger than the body of the Moon forty-three times, less by one eighth of the Moon. Therefore the Sun is bigger than the Moon 7000 times, less by 59 39/64—that is, precisely 6940 25/64 times bigger than the Moon. And yet an unskillful person would judge them alike in size. Therefore, necessarily, one is much farther from us than the other. The Sun, when it is farthest from the Earth (which now, in our age, is when it is in the 8th degree of Cancer), is 1179 semidiameters of the Earth distant. And the Moon, when she is farthest from the Earth, is 68 semidiameters of the Earth and ⅓. The nearest the Moon comes to the Earth is 52¼ semidiameters. The distance of the starry sky from us, in semidiameters of the Earth, is 20081½—twenty thousand, eighty-one and a half. Subtract from this the Moon's nearest distance from the Earth, and there remain 20029¼ semidiameters of the Earth—twenty thousand twenty-nine and a quarter.

So thick is the heavenly palace in which the planets have all their exercise, and so marvelously do they perform the command and charge given to them by the omnipotent majesty of the King of kings. This is that which in Genesis is called Ha Rakia. Consider it well. The semidiameter of the Earth contains, in our common miles, 3436 4/11—that is, three thousand four hundred thirty-six and four elevenths of one mile; so that the whole Earth and Sea round about is 21600, twenty-one thousand six hundred of our miles, allowing sixty miles for every degree of the greatest circle. Now if you weigh well within yourself but this little parcel of astronomical fruit, concerning the size and distances of the Sun, Moon, and starry sky, and the huge mass of Ha Rakia, will you not find your conscience moved, with the kingly prophet, to sing the confession of God's glory, and say, "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament [Ha Rakia] shows forth the works of his hands." And so forth for those first five staves of that kingly psalm. Well, well, it is time for some to lay hold of wisdom and to judge things truly, and not so to expound the Holy Word all by allegories, as to neglect the wisdom, power, and goodness of God to be seen and learned in and through his creatures and creation. Through parables and analogies of their natures and properties, the course of Holy Scripture also declares to us very many mysteries. The whole frame of God's creatures (which is the whole world) is to us a bright mirror, from which, by reflection, beams and radiations bounce back to our knowledge and perception, representing the image of his infinite goodness, omnipotence, and wisdom. And we are by that taught and persuaded to glorify our Creator as God, and to be thankful for it. Could the heathens find these uses in these most pure, beautiful, and mighty corporeal creatures, and shall we—after the true Sun of righteousness has risen above the horizon of our temporal hemisphere, and has so abundantly streamed into our hearts the direct beams of his goodness, mercy, and grace, whose heat all creatures feel, spiritual and corporeal, visible and invisible? Shall we, I say, look upon the heaven, stars, and planets as an ox and a donkey do, no further caring or inquiring what they are, why they were created, or how they carry out the purpose for which they were created? Seeing that all creatures were created for our sake, and that both we and they were created chiefly to glorify the Almighty Creator, and that by every means possible to us. Do not be ignorant (says Plato in Epinomis) that astronomy is a thing of excellent wisdom. Astronomy was from the beginning commended to us, and in a manner commanded by God himself, since he made the sun, moon, and stars to be for us signs, and knowledge of seasons, and for the distinction of days and years. Many words are not needed. But I wish every person would weigh this word, signs. And besides that, compare it also with the tenth chapter of Jeremiah. And though some think that there they have found a rod, yet modest reason will be an impartial judge of who ought to be beaten with it, in respect of our purpose. Leaving that, I ask you to understand this: that without great diligence of observation, examination, and calculation, their periods and courses (by which the distinction of seasons, years, and new moons might be precisely known) could not be exactly established. To accomplish this is the art which we have here defined as astronomy. By it we may have the distinct course of times, days, years, and ages: both for the consideration of sacred prophecies foretold and accomplished in due time, and for the holding of high mystical solemnities, and for all other human affairs, conditions, and covenants made at a fixed time between person and person, with many other great uses: in which, truly, there would be great uncertainty, confusion, untruth, and brutish barbarism without the wonderful diligence and skill of this art, continually learning and determining times and periods of time by the record of the heavenly book in which all times are written, to be read with an astronomical staff instead of a pointer.

Music

Musike, of Motion, hath his Originall cause: Therfore, after the motions most swift, and most Slow, which are in the Firmament, of Nature performed: and vnder the Astronomers Consideration: now I will Speake of an other kinde of Motion, producing sound, audible, and of Man numerable. Musike I call here that Science, which of the Grekes is called Harmonice. Not medling with the Controuersie betwene the auncient Harmonistes, and Canonistes. Musike is a Mathematicall Science, which teacheth, by sense and reason, perfectly to iudge, and order the diuersities of soundes, hye and low. Astronomie and Musike are Sisters, saith Plato. As, for Astronomie, the eyes: So, for Harmonious Motion, the eares were made. But as Astronomie hath a more diuine Contemplation, and cõmodity, then mortall eye can perceiue: So, is Musike to be considered,

(1.)

that the * Minde may be preferred, before the eare. And from audible sound, we ought to ascende, to the examination: which numbers are Harmonious, and which not. And why, either, the one are: or the other are not. I could at large,

(2.)

in the heauenly * motions and distances, describe a meruailous Harmonie, of Pythagoras Harpe

(3.)

with eight stringes. Also, somwhat might be sayd of Mercurius * two Harpes,

(4.)

eche of foure Stringes Elementall. And very straunge matter, might be alledged of the Harmonie,

(5.)

to our * Spirituall part appropriate. As in Ptolomaus third boke, in the fourth and sixth Chapters may appeare. *

(6.)

And what is the cause of the apt bonde, and frendly felowship, of the Intellectuall and Mentall part of vs, with our grosse & corruptible body: but a certaine Meane, and Harmonious Spiritualitie, with both participatyng, & of both (in a maner) resultynge In

(7.)

the * Tune of Mans voyce, and also

(8.)

* the sound of Instrument, what might be sayd, of Harmonie: No common Musicien would lightly beleue.

(I. D. Read in Aristotle his 8. booke of Politikes: the 5, 6, and 7. chapters. Where you shall haue some occasion farder to thinke of Musike, than commonly is thought.)

But of the sundry Mixture (as I may terme it) and concurse, diuerse collation, and Application of these Harmonies: as of thre, foure, fiue, or mo: Maruailous haue the effectes ben: and yet may be founde, and produced the like: with some proportionall consideration for our time, and being: in respect of the State, of the thinges then: in which, and by which, the wondrous effectes were wrought. Democritus and Theophrastus affirmed, that, by Musike, griefes and diseases of the Minde, and body might be cured, or inferred. And we finde in Recorde, that Terpander, Arion, Ismenias, Orpheus, Amphion, Dauid, Pythagoras, Empedocles, Asclepiades and Timotheus, by Harmonicall Consonãcy, haue done, and brought to pas, thinges, more then meruailous, to here of. Of them then, making no farder discourse, in this place: Sure I am, that Common Musike, commonly vsed, is found to the Musiciens and Hearers, to be so Commodious and pleasant, That if I would say and dispute, but thus much: That it were to be otherwise vsed, then it is, I should finde more repreeuers, then I could finde priuy, or skilfull of my meaning. In thinges therfore euident, and better knowen, then I can expresse: and so allowed and liked of, (as I would wish, some other thinges, had the like hap) I will spare to enlarge my lines any farder, but consequently follow my purpose.

Music has its original cause in motion: therefore, after the motions most swift and most slow, which are in the firmament, performed by nature and under the astronomer's consideration, now I will speak of another kind of motion, producing sound, audible and countable by man. By music I mean, here, that science which the Greeks call Harmonice. I do not meddle with the controversy between the ancient Harmonists and Canonists. Music is a mathematical science which teaches, by sense and reason, perfectly to judge and order the diversities of sounds, high and low. Astronomy and music are sisters, says Plato. As, for astronomy, the eyes were made; so, for harmonious motion, the ears. But as astronomy has a more divine contemplation and benefit than mortal eye can perceive, so music is to be considered,

(1.)

that the mind may be preferred to the ear. And from audible sound we ought to rise to the examination: which numbers are harmonious and which are not. And why the one are, and the other are not. I could at length,

(2.)

in the heavenly motions and distances, describe a marvelous harmony, of Pythagoras' harp

(3.)

with eight strings. Also, something might be said of Mercury's two harps,

(4.)

each of four elemental strings. And very strange matter might be alleged of the harmony,

(5.)

appropriate to our spiritual part. As may appear in Ptolemy's third book, in the fourth and sixth chapters.

(6.)

And what is the cause of the fitting bond and friendly fellowship of the intellectual and mental part of us with our gross and corruptible body, but a certain mean and harmonious spirituality, participating in both and (in a manner) resulting in

(7.)

the tune of the human voice, and also

(8.)

the sound of instruments: what might be said of harmony, no common musician would readily believe.

I. D. Read in Aristotle's 8th book of Politics, the 5th, 6th, and 7th chapters. Where you will have further occasion to think about music than is commonly thought.

But of the sundry mixture (as I may call it) and concourse, the diverse comparison and application of these harmonies, as of three, four, five, or more: marvelous have the effects been; and yet the like may be found and produced, with some proportional consideration for our time and being, in respect of the state of the things then, in which and by which the wondrous effects were wrought. Democritus and Theophrastus affirmed that, by music, griefs and diseases of the mind and body might be cured, or inferred. And we find in record that Terpander, Arion, Ismenias, Orpheus, Amphion, David, Pythagoras, Empedocles, Asclepiades, and Timotheus, by harmonic consonance, have done and brought to pass things more than marvelous to hear of. Of them, then, making no further discourse here: I am sure that common music, commonly used, is found by musicians and hearers to be so beneficial and pleasant that if I were to say and argue only this much—that it ought to be used otherwise than it is—I should find more critics than I could find people privy to, or skilled in, my meaning. In things, therefore, evident and better known than I can express, and so allowed and approved of (as I would wish some other things had the like luck), I will spare to enlarge my lines any further, but consequently follow my purpose.

Cosmography

Of Cosmographie, I appointed briefly in this place, to geue you some intelligence. Cosmographie, is the whole and perfect description of the heauenly, and also elementall parte of the world, and their homologall application, and mutuall collation necessarie. This Art, requireth Astronomie, Geographie, Hydrographie and Musike. Therfore, it is no small Arte, nor so simple, as in common practise, it is (slightly) considered. This matcheth Heauen, and the Earth, in one frame, and aptly applieth parts Correspõdent: So, as, the Heauenly Globe, may (in practise) be duely described vpon the Geographicall, and Hydrographicall Globe. And there, for vs to consider an Æquonoctiall Circle, an Ecliptike line, Colures, Poles, Sterres in their true Longitudes, Latitudes, Declinations, and Verticalitie: also Climes, and Parallels: and by an Horizon annexed, and reuolution of the earthly Globe (as the Heauen, is, by the Primouant, caried about in 24. æquall Houres) to learne the Risinges and Settinges of Sterres (of Virgill in his Georgikes: of Hesiod: of Hippocrates in his Medicinall Sphære, to Perdicca King of the Macedonians: of Diocles, to King Antigonus, and of other famous Philosophers prescribed) a thing necessary, for due manuring of the earth, for Nauigation, for the Alteration of mans body: being, whole, Sicke, wounded, or brused. By the Reuolution, also, or mouing of the Globe Cosmographicall, the Rising and Setting of the Sonne: the Lengthes, of dayes and nightes: the Houres and times (both night and day) are knowne: with very many other pleasant and necessary vses: Wherof, some are knowne: but better remaine, for such to know and vse:

(☞)

who of a sparke of true fire, can make a wonderfull bonfire, by applying of due matter, duely.

Of cosmography, I have briefly set out here to give you some information. Cosmography is the whole and perfect description of the heavenly and also the elemental part of the world, and their corresponding application and necessary mutual comparison. This art requires astronomy, geography, hydrography, and music. Therefore it is no small art, nor so simple as it is (slightly) considered in common practice. This matches heaven and earth in one frame, and fittingly applies corresponding parts, so that the heavenly globe may (in practice) be duly described upon the geographic and hydrographic globe. And there, for us to consider an equinoctial circle, an ecliptic line, colures, poles, stars in their true longitudes, latitudes, declinations, and verticality; also climes and parallels: and by an annexed horizon, and the revolution of the earthly globe (as the heaven is carried about by the primum mobile, the outermost moving sphere, in 24 equal hours), to learn the risings and settings of stars (of Virgil in his Georgics: of Hesiod: of Hippocrates in his medical sphere, to Perdicca, king of the Macedonians: of Diocles, to King Antigonus, and of other famous philosophers prescribed), a thing necessary for the due tillage of the earth, for navigation, for the alteration of a man's body, being whole, sick, wounded, or bruised. By the revolution, also, or motion of the cosmographic globe, the rising and setting of the sun, the lengths of days and nights, and the hours and times (both night and day) are known: with very many other pleasant and necessary uses: of which some are known, but the better remain, for such as know and use them:

(☞)

who, from a spark of true fire, can make a wonderful bonfire, by duly applying due matter.

Astrology

Of Astrologie, here I make an Arte, seuerall from Astronomie: not by new deuise, but by good reason and authoritie: for, Astrologie, is an Arte Mathematicall, which reasonably demonstrateth the operations and effectes, of the naturall beames, of light, and secrete influence: of the Sterres and Planets: in euery element and elementall body: at all times, in any Horizon assigned. This Arte is furnished with many other great Artes and experiences: As with perfecte Perspectiue, Astronomie, Cosmographie, Naturall Philosophie of the 4. Elementes, the Arte of Graduation, and some good vnderstãding in Musike: and yet moreouer, with an other great Arte, hereafter following, though I, here, set this before, for some considerations me mouing. Sufficient (you see) is the stuffe, to make this rare and secrete Arte, of: and hard enough to frame to the Conclusion Syllogisticall. Yet both the manifolde and continuall trauailes of the most auncient and wise Philosophers, for the atteyning of this Arte: and by examples of effectes, to confirme the same: hath left vnto vs sufficient proufe and witnesse: and we, also, daily may perceaue, That mans body, and all other Elementall bodies, are altered, disposed, ordred, pleasured, and displeasured, by the Influentiall working of the Sunne, Mone, and the other Starres and Planets. And therfore, sayth Aristotle, in the first of his Meteorologicall bookes, in the second Chapter: Est autem necessariò Mundus iste, supernis lationibus ferè continuus. Vt, inde, vis eius vniuersa regatur. Ea siquidem Causà prima putanda omnibus est, vnde motus principium existit. That is: This [Elementall] World is of necessitie, almost, next adioyning, to the heauenly motions: That, from thence, all his vertue or force may be gouerned. For, that is to be thought the first Cause vnto all: from which, the beginning of motion, is. And againe, in the tenth Chapter. Oportet igitur & horum principia sumamus, & causas omnium similiter. Principium igitur vt mouens, præcipuum[que] & omnium primum, Circulus ille est, in quo manifeste Solis latio, &c. And so forth. His Meteorologicall bookes, are full of argumentes, and effectuall demonstrations, of the vertue, operation, and power of the heauenly bodies, in and vpon the fower Elementes, and other bodies, of them (either perfectly, or vnperfectly) composed. And in his second booke, De Generatione & Corruptione, in the tenth Chapter. Quocirca & prima latio, Ortus & Interitus causa non est: Sed obliqui Circuli latio: ea nam[que] & continua est, & duobus motibus fit: In Englishe, thus. Wherefore the vppermost motion, is not the cause of Generation and Corruption, but the motion of the Zodiake: for, that, both, is continuall, and is caused of two mouinges. And in his second booke, and second Chapter of hys Physikes. Homo nam[que] generat hominem, at[que] Sol. For Man (sayth he) and the Sonne, are cause of mans generation. Authorities may be brought, very many: both of 1000. 2000. yea and 3000. yeares Antiquitie: of great Philosophers, Expert, Wise, and godly men, for that Conclusion: which, daily and hourely, we men, may discerne and perceaue by sense and reason: All beastes do feele, and simply shew, by their actions and passions, outward and inward: All Plants, Herbes, Trees, Flowers, and Fruites. And finally, the Elementes, and all thinges of the Elementes composed, do geue Testimonie (as Aristotle sayd) that theyr Whole Dispositions, vertues, and naturall motions, depend of the Actiuitie of the heauenly motions and Influences. Whereby, beside the specificall order and forme, due to euery seede: and beside the Nature, propre to the Indiuiduall Matrix, of the thing produced: What shall be the heauenly Impression, the perfect and circumspecte Astrologien hath to Conclude. Not onely (by Apotelesmes) τὸ ὁτὶ]. but by Naturall and Mathematicall demonstration τὸ διότι. Whereunto, what Sciences are requisite (without exception) I partly haue here warned: And in my Propædeumes (besides other matter there disclosed) I haue Mathematically furnished vp the whole Method: To this our age, not so carefully handled by any, that euer I saw, or heard of. I was,

(* Anno. 1548 and 1549. in Louayn.)

(for * 21. yeares ago) by certaine earnest disputations, of the Learned Gerardus Mercator, and Antonius Gogaua, (and other,) therto so prouoked: and (by my constant and inuincible zeale to the veritie) in obseruations of Heauenly Influencies (to the Minute of time,) than, so diligent: And chiefly by the Supernaturall influence, from the Starre of Iacob, so directed: That any Modest and Sober Student, carefully and diligently seking for the Truth, will both finde & cõfesse, therin, to be the Veritie, of these my wordes: And also become a Reasonable Reformer, of three Sortes of people: about these Influentiall Operations, greatly erring from the truth.

Wherof, the one, is Light Beleuers, the other, Light Despisers, and

the third Light Practisers. The first, & most cõmon Sort, thinke the Heauen and Sterres, to be answerable to any their doutes or desires:

(1.)

which is not so: and, in dede, they, to much, ouer reache. The Second sorte thinke no Influentiall vertue (frõ the heauenly bodies) to beare any Sway in Generation

(2.)

and Corruption, in this Elementall world. And to the Sunne, Mone and Sterres (being so many, so pure, so bright, so wonderfull bigge, so farre in distance, so manifold in their motions, so constant in their periodes. &c.) they assigne a sleight, simple office or two, and so allow vnto thẽ (according to their capacities) as much vertue, and power Influentiall, as to the Signe of the Sunne, Mone, and seuen Sterres, hanged vp (for Signes) in London, for distinction of houses, & such grosse helpes, in our worldly affaires: And they vnderstand not (or will not vnderstand) of the other workinges, and vertues of the Heauenly Sunne, Mone, and Sterres: not so much, as the Mariner, or Husband man: no, not so much, as the Elephant doth, as the Cynocephalus, as the Porpentine doth: nor will allow these perfect, and incorruptible mighty bodies, so much vertuall Radiation, & Force, as they see in a litle peece of a Magnes stone: which, at great distance, sheweth his operation. And perchaunce they thinke, the Sea & Riuers (as the Thames) to be some quicke thing, and so to ebbe, and flow, run in and out, of them selues, at their owne fantasies. God helpe, God helpe. Surely, these men, come to short: and either are to dull: or willfully blind: or, perhaps, to malicious. The third man, is the common and vulgare Astrologien, or Practiser: who, being not duely, artificially, and perfectly

(3.)

furnished: yet, either for vaine glory, or gayne: or like a simple dolt, & blinde Bayard, both in matter and maner, erreth: to the discredit of the Wary, and modest Astrologien: and to the robbing of those most noble corporall Creatures, of their Naturall Vertue: being most mighty: most beneficiall to all elementall Generation, Corruption and the appartenances: and most Harmonious in their Monarchie: For which thinges, being knowen, and modestly vsed: we might highly, and continually glorifie God, with the princely Prophet, saying. The Heauens declare the Glorie of God: who made the Heauẽs in his wisedome: who made the Sonne, for to haue dominion of the day: the Mone and Sterres to haue dominion of the nyght: whereby, Day to day vttereth talke: and night, to night declareth knowledge. Prayse him, all ye Sterres, and Light. Amen.

Of astrology, here I make an art, separate from astronomy: not by new device, but by good reason and authority: for astrology is a mathematical art which reasonably demonstrates the operations and effects of the natural beams of light and the secret influence of the stars and planets: in every element and elemental body: at all times, in any given horizon. This art is furnished with many other great arts and experiences: as with perfect perspective, astronomy, cosmography, natural philosophy of the 4 elements, the art of graduation, and some good understanding in music: and yet moreover with another great art, following hereafter, though I set this one before, for some considerations that move me. Sufficient (you see) is the stuff for making this rare and secret art; and hard enough to shape into a syllogistic conclusion. Yet both the manifold and continual travels of the most ancient and wise philosophers, for the attaining of this art, and, by examples of effects, to confirm it, have left us sufficient proof and witness; and we also may perceive daily that a man's body, and all other elemental bodies, are altered, disposed, ordered, pleased, and displeased by the influential working of the sun, the moon, and the other stars and planets. And therefore, says Aristotle, in the first of his Meteorological books, in the second chapter: This [elemental] world is of necessity almost adjoining the heavenly motions: that from there all its virtue or force may be governed. For that is to be thought the first cause of all: from which the beginning of motion is. And again, in the tenth chapter: We must therefore also take up the principles of these things, and the causes of all alike. The principle, then, as that which moves, chief and first of all, is that circle in which the sun's motion is plainly seen, etc. And so forth. His Meteorological books are full of arguments and effective demonstrations of the virtue, operation, and power of the heavenly bodies in and upon the four elements, and other bodies composed of them (either perfectly or imperfectly). And in his second book, On Generation and Corruption, in the tenth chapter: Therefore the uppermost motion is not the cause of generation and corruption, but the motion of the zodiac: for that both is continual and is caused by two motions. And in his second book, and second chapter of his Physics. For man (says he) and the sun are the cause of man's generation. Authorities may be brought, very many: of 1000, 2000, yes and 3000 years of antiquity: from great philosophers, expert, wise, and godly men, for that conclusion: which daily and hourly we men may discern and perceive by sense and reason: all beasts feel, and simply show, by their actions and passions, outward and inward: all plants, herbs, trees, flowers, and fruits. And finally, the elements, and all things composed of the elements, give testimony (as Aristotle said) that their whole dispositions, virtues, and natural motions depend on the activity of the heavenly motions and influences. By which, besides the specific order and form due to every seed: and besides the nature proper to the individual matrix of the thing produced: what the heavenly impression shall be, the perfect and circumspect astrologer has to conclude. Not only (by apotelesms) τὸ ὁτὶ, but by natural and mathematical demonstration τὸ διότι. As to which, what sciences are requisite (without exception) I have partly warned here: and in my Propædeumes (besides other matter disclosed there) I have mathematically furnished up the whole method: which in this age of ours has not been so carefully handled by anyone I ever saw or heard of. I was,

Years 1548 and 1549, in Louvain.

(for 21 years ago) by certain earnest disputations of the learned Gerardus Mercator and Antonius Gogaua (and others), so provoked thereto: and (by my constant and invincible zeal to the truth) in observations of heavenly influences (to the minute of time), then so diligent: and chiefly by the supernatural influence from the star of Jacob, so directed: that any modest and sober student, carefully and diligently seeking the truth, will both find and confess tin this the truth of these my words: and also become a reasonable reformer of three sorts of people, greatly erring from the truth about these influential operations.

Of these, the one is light believers, the other light despisers, and the third light practitioners. The first and most common sort think the heaven and stars answerable to any of their doubts or desires:

(1.)

which is not so: and indeed they overreach too much. The second sort think no influential virtue (from the heavenly bodies) bears any sway in generation

(2.)

and corruption, in this elemental world. And to the sun, moon, and stars (being so many, so pure, so bright, so wonderfully big, so far in distance, so manifold in their motions, so constant in their periods, &c.) they assign a slight, simple office or two, and so allow them (according to their capacities) as much virtue and influential power as they allow to the sign of the sun, moon, and seven stars, hung up (for signs) in London to distinguish houses, and such gross helps in our worldly affairs: and they do not understand (or will not understand) the other workings and virtues of the heavenly sun, moon, and stars: not so much as the mariner or husbandman: no, not so much as the elephant does, as the Cynocephalus, as the porcupine does; nor will they allow these perfect and incorruptible mighty bodies so much virtual radiation and force as they see in a little piece of magnet stone, which at a great distance shows its operation. And perhaps they think the sea and rivers (as the Thames) to be some living thing, and so to ebb and flow, run in and out, of themselves at their own fantasies. God help, God help. Surely these men come short: and either are too dull, or willfully blind, or perhaps too malicious. The third man is the common and vulgar astrologer, or practitioner: who, not being duly, skillfully, and perfectly

(3.)

furnished: yet either for vain glory or gain, or like a simple dolt and blind Bayard, errs both in matter and manner: to the discredit of the wary and modest astrologer, and to the robbing of those most noble corporeal creatures of their natural virtue: being most mighty, most beneficial to all elemental generation, corruption, and their appurtenances: and most harmonious in their monarchy: for which things, being known and modestly used, we might highly and continually glorify God, with the princely prophet, saying: The heavens declare the glory of God: who made the heavens in his wisdom: who made the sun to have dominion of the day: the moon and stars to have dominion of the night: by which day to day utters speech, and night to night declares knowledge. Praise him, all you stars, and light. Amen.

Statics, 1

In order, now foloweth, of Statike, somewhat to say, what we meane by that name: and what commodity, doth, on such Art, depend. Statike, is an Arte Mathematicall, which demonstrateth the causes of heauynes, and lightnes of all thynges: and of motions and properties, to heauynes and lightnes, belonging. And for asmuch as, by the Bilanx, or Balance (as the chief sensible Instrument,) Experience of these demonstrations may be had: we call this Art, Statike: that is, the Experimentes of the Balance. Oh, that men wist, what proffit, (all maner of wayes) by this Arte might grow, to the hable examiner, and diligent practiser. “Thou onely, knowest all thinges precisely (O God) who hast made weight and Balance, thy Iudgement: who hast created all thinges in Number, Waight, and Measure: and hast wayed the mountaines and hils in a Balance: who hast peysed in thy hand, both Heauen and earth. We therfore warned by the Sacred word, to Consider thy Creatures: and by that consideration, to wynne a glyms (as it were,) or shaddow of perceiuerance, that thy wisedome, might, and goodnes is infinite, and vnspeakable, in thy Creatures declared: And being farder aduertised, by thy mercifull goodnes, that, three principall wayes, were, of the, vsed in Creation of all thy Creatures, namely, Number, Waight and Measure, And for as much as, of Number and Measure, the two Artes (auncient, famous, and to humaine vses most necessary,) are, all ready, sufficiently knowen and extant: This third key, we beseche thee (through thy accustomed goodnes,) that it may come to the nedefull and sufficient knowledge, of such thy Seruauntes, as in thy workemanship, would gladly finde, thy true occasions (purposely of the vsed) whereby we should glorifie thy name, and shew forth (to the weaklinges in faith) thy wondrous wisedome and Goodnes. Amen.”

Meruaile nothing at this pang (godly frend, you Gentle and zelous Student.) An other day, perchaunce, you will perceiue, what occasion moued me. Here, as now, I will giue you some ground, and withall some shew, of certaine commodities, by this Arte arising. And bycause this Arte is rare, my wordes and practises might be to darke: vnleast you had some light, holden before the matter: and that, best will be, in giuing you, out of Archimedes demonstrations, a few principal Conclusions, as foloweth.

1 The Superficies of euery Liquor, by it selfe consistyng, and in quyet, is Sphæricall: the centre whereof, is the same, which is the centre of the Earth.

2 If Solide Magnitudes, being of the same bignes, or quãtitie, that any Liquor is, and hauyng also the same Waight: be let downe into the same Liquor, they will settle downeward, so, that no parte of them, shall be aboue the Superficies of the Liquor: and yet neuertheles, they will not sinke vtterly downe, or drowne.

3 If any Solide Magnitude beyng Lighter then a Liquor, be let downe into the same Liquor, it will settle downe, so farre into the same Liquor, that so great a quantitie of that Liquor, as is the parte of the Solid Magnitude, settled downe into the same Liquor: is in Waight, æquall, to the waight of the whole Solid Magnitude.

4 Any Solide Magnitude, Lighter then a Liquor, forced downe into the same Liquor, will moue vpward, with so great a power, by how much, the Liquor hauyng æquall quantitie to the whole Magnitude, is heauyer then the same Magnitude.

5 Any Solid Magnitude, heauyer then a Liquor, beyng let downe into the same Liquor, will sinke downe vtterly: And wilbe in that Liquor, Lighter by so much, as is the waight or heauynes of the Liquor, hauing bygnes or quantitie, æquall to the Solid Magnitude.

6 (I. D. The Cutting of a Sphære according to any proportion assigned may by this proposition be done Mechanically by tempering Liquor to a certayne waight in respect of the waight of the Sphære therein Swymming.)

If any Solide Magnitude, Lighter then a Liquor, be let downe into the same Liquor, the waight of the same Magnitude, will be, to the Waight of the Liquor. (Which is æquall in quantitie to the whole Magnitude,) in that proportion, that the parte, of the Magnitude settled downe, is to the whole Magnitude.

By these verities, great Errors may be reformed, in Opinion of the Naturall Motion of thinges, Light and Heauy. Which errors, are in Naturall Philosophie (almost) of all mẽ allowed: to much trusting to Authority: and false Suppositions. As, Of any two bodyes, the heauyer, to moue downward faster then the lighter.

(A common error, noted.)

This error, is not first by me, Noted: but by one Iohn Baptist de Benedictis. The chief of his propositions, is this: which seemeth a Paradox.

If there be two bodyes of one forme, and of one kynde, æquall in quantitie or vnæquall,

(A paradox.)

they will moue by æquall space, in æquall tyme: So that both theyr mouynges be in ayre, or both in water: or in any one Middle.

Hereupon, in the feate of Gunnyng,

certaine good discourses (otherwise) may receiue great amendement, and furderance.

(The wonderfull vse of these Propositions.)

In the entended purpose, also, allowing somwhat to the imperfection of Nature: not aunswerable to the precisenes of demonstration. Moreouer, by the foresaid propositions (wisely vsed.) The Ayre, the water, the Earth, the Fire, may be nerely, knowen, how light or heauy they are (Naturally) in their assigned partes: or in the whole. And then, to thinges Elementall, turning your practise: you may deale for the proportion of the Elementes, in the thinges Compounded. Then, to the proportions of the Humours in Man: their waightes: and the waight of his bones, and flesh. &c. Than, by waight, to haue consideration of the Force of man, any maner of way: in whole or in part. Then, may you, of Ships water drawing, diuersly, in the Sea and in fresh water, haue pleasant consideration: and of waying vp of any thing, sonken in Sea or in fresh water &c. And (to lift vp your head a loft:) by waight, you may, as precisely, as by any instrument els, measure the Diameters of Sonne and Mone. &c. Frende, I pray you, way these thinges, with the iust Balance of Reason. And you will finde Meruailes vpon Meruailes: And esteme one Drop of Truth (yea in Naturall Philosophie) more worth, then whole Libraries of Opinions, vndemonstrated: or not aunswering to Natures Law, and your experience. Leauing these thinges, thus: I will giue you two or three, light practises, to great purpose: and so finish my Annotation Staticall. In Mathematicall matters, by the Mechaniciens ayde, we will behold, here, the Commodity of waight.

(The practise Staticall, to know the proportion, betwene the Cube, and the Sphære.)

Make a Cube, of any one Vniforme: and through like heauy stuffe: of the same Stuffe, make a Sphære or Globe, precisely, of a Diameter æquall to the Radicall side of the Cube. Your stuffe, may be wood, Copper, Tinne, Lead, Siluer. &c. (being, as I sayd, of like nature, condition, and like waight throughout.) And you may, by Say Balance, haue prepared a great number of the smallest waightes: which, by those Balance can be discerned or tryed: and so, haue proceded to make you a perfect Pyle, company & Number of waightes: to the waight of six, eight, or twelue pound waight: most diligently tryed, all. And of euery one, the Content knowen, in your least waight, that is wayable. [They that can not haue these waightes of precisenes: may, by Sand, Vniforme, and well dusted, make them a number of waightes, somewhat nere precisenes: by halfing euer the Sand: they shall, at length, come to a least common waight. Therein, I leaue the farder matter, to their discretion, whom nede shall pinche.] The Venetians consideration of waight, may seme precise enough: by eight descentes progressionall, * halfing, from a grayne.

(I. D. * For, so, haue you.256. partes of a Graine.)

Your Cube, Sphære, apt Balance, and conuenient waightes, being ready: fall to worke.❉. First, way your Cube. Note the Number of the waight. Way, after that, your Sphære. Note likewise, the Nũber of the waight. If you now find the waight of your Cube, to be to the waight of the Sphære, as 21. is to 11: Then you see, how the Mechanicien and Experimenter, without Geometrie and Demonstration, are (as nerely in effect) tought the proportion of the Cube to the Sphere: as I haue demonstrated it, in the end of the twelfth boke of Euclide. Often, try with the same Cube and Sphære. Then, chaunge, your Sphære and Cube, to an other matter: or to an other bignes: till you haue made a perfect vniuersall Experience of it. Possible it is, that you shall wynne to nerer termes, in the proportion.

When you haue found this one certaine Drop of Naturall veritie, procede on, to Inferre, and duely to make assay, of matter depending. As, bycause it is well demonstrated, that a Cylinder, whose heith, and Diameter of his base, is æquall to the Diameter of the Sphære, is Sesquialter to the same Sphære (that is, as 3. to 2:) To the number of the waight of the Sphære, adde halfe so much, as it is: and so haue you the number of the waight of that Cylinder. Which is also Comprehended of our former Cube: So, that the base of that Cylinder, is a Circle described in the Square, which is the base of our Cube. But the Cube and the Cylinder, being both of one heith, haue their Bases in the same proportion, in the which, they are, one to an other, in their Massines or Soliditie. But, before, we haue two numbers, expressing their Massines, Solidities, and Quantities, by waight: wherfore,

(* The proportion of the Square to the Circle inscribed.)

we haue * the proportion of the Square, to the Circle, inscribed in the same Square. And so are we fallen into the knowledge sensible, and Experimentall of Archimedes great Secret: of him, by great trauaile of minde, sought and found. Wherfore, to any Circle giuen, you can giue a Square æquall:

(* The Squaring of the Circle, Mechanically.)

* as I haue taught, in my Annotation, vpon the first proposition of the twelfth boke, And likewise, to any Square giuen, you may giue a Circle æquall:

(* To any Square geuen, to geue a Circle, equall.)

* If you describe a Circle, which shall be in that proportion, to your Circle inscribed, as the Square is to the same Circle: This, you may do, by my Annotations, vpon the second proposition of the twelfth boke of Euclide, in my third Probleme there. Your diligence may come to a proportion, of the Square to the Circle inscribed, nerer the truth, then is the proportion of 14. to 11. And consider, that you may begyn at the Circle and Square, and so come to conclude of the Sphære, & the Cube, what their proportion is: as now, you came from the Sphære to the Circle. For, of Siluer, or Gold, or Latton Lamyns or plates (thorough one hole drawẽ, as the maner is) if you make a Square figure & way it: and then, describing theron, the Circle inscribed: & cut of, & file away, precisely (to the Circle) the ouerplus of the Square: you shall then, waying your Circle, see, whether the waight of the Square, be to your Circle, as 14. to 11. As I haue Noted, in the beginning of Euclides twelfth boke. &c. after this resort to my last proposition, vpon the last of the twelfth. And there, helpe your selfe, to the end. And, here, Note this, by the way.

(Note Squaring of the Circle without knowledge of the proportion betwene Circumference and Diameter.)

That we may Square the Circle, without hauing knowledge of the proportion, of the Circumference to the Diameter: as you haue here perceiued. And otherwayes also, I can demonstrate it. So that, many haue cumberd them selues superfluously, by trauailing in that point first, which was not of necessitie, first: and also very intricate. And easily, you may, (and that diuersly) come to the knowledge of the Circumference: the Circles Quantitie, being first knowen. Which thing, I leaue to your consideration: making hast to despatch an other Magistrall Probleme: and to bring it, nerer to your knowledge, and readier dealing with, then the world (before this day,) had it for you, that I can tell of. And that is, A Mechanicall Dubblyng of the Cube: &c. Which may, thus, be done:

(To Dubble the Cube redily: by Art Mechanicall: depending vppon Demonstration Mathematicall.)

Make of Copper plates, or Tyn plates, a foursquare vpright Pyramis, or a Cone: perfectly fashioned in the holow, within. Wherin, let great diligence be vsed, to approche (as nere as may be) to the Mathematicall perfection of those figures. At their bases, let them be all open: euery where, els, most close, and iust to. From the vertex, to the Circumference of the base of the Cone: & to the sides of the base of the Pyramis:

(I. D. The 4. sides of this Pyramis must be 4. Isosceles Triangles alike and æquall.)

Let 4. straight lines be drawen, in the inside of the Cone and Pyramis: makyng at their fall, on the perimeters of the bases, equall angles on both sides them selues, with the sayd perimeters. These 4. lines (in the Pyramis: and as many, in the Cone) diuide: one, in 12. æquall partes: and an other, in 24. an other, in 60, and an other, in 100. (reckenyng vp from the vertex.) Or vse other numbers of diuision, as experience shall teach you.

(I. D. * In all workinges with this Pyramis or Cone, Let their Situations be in all Pointes and Conditions, alike, or all one: while you are about one Worke. Els you will erre.)

In order, now follows, of Statike: to say something of what we mean by that name, and what benefit depends on such an art. Statike is a mathematical art, which demonstrates the causes of heaviness and lightness in all things, and of the motions and properties belonging to heaviness and lightness. And since by the bilanx, or balance (as the chief sensible instrument) experience of these demonstrations may be had, we call this art Statike: that is, the experiments of the balance. Oh, that men knew what profit, in every way, might grow from this art to the able examiner and diligent practitioner. "You alone know all things precisely (O God), who have made weight and balance your judgment; who have created all things in number, weight, and measure; who have weighed the mountains and hills in a balance, and poised in your hand both heaven and earth. We therefore, warned by the sacred word to consider your creatures, and by that consideration to win a glimpse, as it were, or a shadow of perception, that your wisdom, might, and goodness are infinite and unspeakable, declared in your creatures; and being further advised by your merciful goodness that three principal means were used in the creation of all your creatures, namely number, weight, and measure; and since the two arts of number and measure (ancient, famous, and to human uses most necessary) are already sufficiently known and available — this third key we beseech of you (through your accustomed goodness) that it may come to the needed and sufficient knowledge of such of your servants as would gladly find in your workmanship your true occasions (purposely designed) by which we should glorify your name, and show forth (to those weak in faith) your wondrous wisdom and goodness. Amen."

Do not marvel at this outburst, godly friend, you gentle and zealous student. Another day, perhaps, you will perceive what moved me to it. Here, for now, I will give you some foundation, and with it some show of the benefits arising from this art. And because this art is rare, my words and practices might be too dark, unless some light were held before the matter; and that will best be done by giving you, out of Archimedes' demonstrations, a few principal conclusions, as follows.

1 The surface of every liquid, standing by itself and at rest, is spherical; its center is the same as the center of the Earth.

2 If solid magnitudes of the same size or quantity as any liquid, and having the same weight, are lowered into that liquid, they will settle downward so that no part of them lies above the surface of the liquid; and yet for all that they will not sink utterly down, or drown.

3 If any solid magnitude lighter than a liquid is lowered into that same liquid, it will settle down into it so far that the quantity of that liquid equal to the part of the solid magnitude which has settled down into it is, in weight, equal to the weight of the whole solid magnitude.

4 Any solid magnitude lighter than a liquid, forced down into that same liquid, will move upward with a power equal to the amount by which the liquid of equal quantity to the whole magnitude is heavier than that same magnitude.

5 Any solid magnitude heavier than a liquid, lowered into that same liquid, will sink down utterly; and in that liquid it will be lighter by exactly the weight or heaviness of the liquid having size or quantity equal to the solid magnitude.

6 I. D. The cutting of a sphere according to any proportion assigned may by this proposition be done mechanically, by tempering a liquid to a certain weight in respect of the weight of the sphere swimming in it.

If any solid magnitude lighter than a liquid is lowered into that same liquid, the weight of that magnitude is to the weight of the liquid (which is equal in quantity to the whole magnitude) in the same proportion that the part of the magnitude settled down is to the whole magnitude.

By these truths, great errors may be corrected in the opinion of the natural motion of things, light and heavy. Which errors are allowed in natural philosophy by almost all men, from too much trust in authority and false assumptions; as, that of any two bodies, the heavier moves downward faster than the lighter.

A common error, noted.

This error was not first noted by me, but by one John Baptist de Benedictis. The chief of his propositions is this, which seems a paradox:

A paradox.

If there are two bodies of one form and of one kind, equal in quantity or unequal,

they will move through equal spaces in equal times: provided both their motions are in air, or both in water, or in any one medium.

Hereupon, in the practice of gunnery, certain good discourses may otherwise receive great amendment and furtherance.

The wonderful use of these propositions.

In the intended purpose also, allowing something to the imperfection of nature, which does not answer to the precision of demonstration. Moreover, by the foresaid propositions (wisely used) air, water, earth, and fire may be nearly known: how light or heavy they are (naturally) in their assigned parts, or in the whole. And then, turning your practice to elemental things, you may deal for the proportion of the elements in compounded things. Then, for the proportions of the humors in man: their weights, and the weight of his bones and flesh, etc. Then, by weight, to consider the force of a man in any manner, whole or in part. Then you may have pleasant consideration of the water-draft of ships, differing in the sea and in fresh water; and of weighing up anything sunk in sea or fresh water, etc. And (to lift your head aloft) by weight you may, as precisely as by any other instrument, measure the diameters of sun and moon, etc.

Friend, please weigh these things with the just balance of reason, and you will find wonders upon wonders; and esteem one drop of truth (yes, in natural philosophy) more worth than whole libraries of opinions undemonstrated, or not answering to nature's law and your experience. Leaving these things thus, I will give you two or three light practices to great purpose, and so finish my statical annotation. In mathematical matters, by the mechanician's aid, we will here see the benefit of weight.

The statical practice, to know the proportion between the cube and the sphere.

Make a cube of one uniform material throughout, of like heavy stuff; and of the same stuff make a sphere or globe, precisely, of a diameter equal to the radical side of the cube. Your stuff may be wood, copper, tin, lead, silver, etc. (being, as I said, of like nature, condition, and like weight throughout). And you may, by assay balance, have prepared a great number of the smallest weights, which by that balance can be discerned or tried; and so have proceeded to make a perfect pile, company and number of weights, up to the weight of six, eight, or twelve pounds: all most diligently tried. And of every one, the content known, in your least weight that is weighable.

[Those who cannot have weights of precision may, with uniform and well-sifted sand, make themselves a number of weights somewhat near precision, by always halving the sand; they will at length come to a least common weight. There I leave the further matter to the discretion of those whom necessity shall press.]

The Venetian reckoning of weight may seem precise enough: by eight successive descents, halving from a grain.

I. D. For so you have 256 parts of a grain.

Your cube, sphere, suitable balance, and convenient weights being ready, fall to work. First, weigh your cube. Note the number of the weights. Then weigh your sphere, and likewise note the number of the weights. If you now find the weight of your cube to be to the weight of the sphere as 21 is to 11, then you see how the mechanician and experimenter, without geometry and demonstration, are (as nearly in effect) taught the proportion of the cube to the sphere, as I have demonstrated it at the end of the twelfth book of Euclid. Often try with the same cube and sphere. Then change your sphere and cube to another material, or to another size, until you have made a perfect universal experience of it. It is possible that you may win to nearer terms in the proportion.

When you have found this one certain drop of natural truth, proceed on to infer, and duly to make trial of, the matter depending. For, since it is well demonstrated that a cylinder whose height and the diameter of its base are equal to the diameter of the sphere is sesquialter to that same sphere (that is, as 3 is to 2), to the number of the weight of the sphere add half as much again, and so you have the number of the weight of that cylinder. Which is also contained in our former cube: so that the base of that cylinder is a circle described in the square which is the base of our cube. But the cube and the cylinder, being both of one height, have their bases in the same proportion in which they are, one to another, in their bulk or solidity. But, beforehand, we have two numbers expressing their bulk, solidities, and quantities by weight; therefore,

The proportion of the square to the circle inscribed.

we have the proportion of the square to the circle inscribed in the same square. And so we have fallen into the sensible and experimental knowledge of Archimedes' great secret, sought and found by him through great travail of mind. Therefore, to any circle given you can give a square equal:

The squaring of the circle, mechanically.

as I have taught in my annotation upon the first proposition of the twelfth book; and likewise to any square given you may give a circle equal:

To any square given, to give a circle equal.

If you describe a circle which shall be in that proportion to your inscribed circle as the square is to the same circle, this you may do by my annotations upon the second proposition of the twelfth book of Euclid, in my third problem there. Your diligence may come to a proportion of the square to the circle inscribed nearer the truth than is the proportion of 14 to 11. And consider that you may begin at the circle and square, and so come to conclude of the sphere and the cube what their proportion is, as now you came from the sphere to the circle. For, of silver or gold or brass sheets or plates (drawn through one hole, as is the manner) if you make a square figure and weigh it; and then, describing thereon the inscribed circle, cut off and file away precisely (to the circle) the surplus of the square, you shall then, weighing your circle, see whether the weight of the square be to your circle as 14 to 11. As I have noted at the beginning of Euclid's twelfth book, etc. After this, resort to my last proposition upon the last of the twelfth; and there help yourself to the end. And here note this by the way.

Note: squaring the circle without knowledge of the proportion between circumference and diameter.

That we may square the circle without having knowledge of the proportion of the circumference to the diameter, as you have here perceived. And otherwise also, I can demonstrate it. So that many have encumbered themselves superfluously, by laboring in that point first which was not of necessity first, and also very intricate. And easily you may (and that variously) come to the knowledge of the circumference, the circle's quantity being first known. Which thing I leave to your consideration, making haste to dispatch another masterly problem, and to bring it nearer to your knowledge and readier dealing with than the world (before this day) had it for you, that I can tell of. And that is, a mechanical doubling of the cube, etc. Which may thus be done:

To double the cube readily, by mechanical art, depending upon mathematical demonstration.

Make of copper plates or tin plates a four-square upright pyramid, or a cone, perfectly fashioned hollow within. In this let great diligence be used to approach (as near as may be) to the mathematical perfection of those figures. At their bases let them be all open; everywhere else most close and just. From the vertex to the circumference of the base of the cone, and to the sides of the base of the pyramid:

I. D. The 4 sides of this pyramid must be 4 isosceles triangles alike and equal.

Let 4 straight lines be drawn in the inside of the cone and pyramid, making at their fall upon the perimeters of the bases equal angles on both sides of themselves with those perimeters. These 4 lines (in the pyramid, and as many in the cone) divide: one into 12 equal parts, another into 24, another into 60, and another into 100 (counting up from the vertex). Or use other numbers of division, as experience shall teach you.

I. D. In all workings with this pyramid or cone, let their situations be in all points and conditions alike, or all the same, while you are about one work. Else you will err.

Statics, 2

Then, * set your Cone or Pyramis, with the vertex downward, perpendicularly, in respect of the Base. (Though it be otherwayes, it hindreth nothyng.) So let thẽ most stedily be stayed. Now, if there be a Cube, which you wold haue Dubbled. Make you a prety Cube of Copper, Siluer, Lead, Tynne, Wood, Stone, or Bone. Or els make a hollow Cube, or Cubik coffen, of Copper, Siluer, Tynne, or Wood &c. These, you may so proportiõ in respect of your Pyramis or Cone, that the Pyramis or Cone, will be hable to conteine the waight of them, in water, 3. or 4. times: at the least: what stuff so euer they be made of. Let not your Solid angle, at the vertex, be to sharpe: but that the water may come with ease, to the very vertex, of your hollow Cone or Pyramis. Put one of your Solid Cubes in a Balance apt: take the waight therof exactly in water. Powre that water, (without losse) into the hollow Pyramis or Cone, quietly. Marke in your lines, what numbers the water Cutteth: Take the waight of the same Cube againe: in the same kinde of water, which you had before:

(I. D. * Consider well whan you must put your waters togyther: and whan, you must empty your first water, out of your Pyramis or Cone. Els you will erre.)

put that* also, into the Pyramis or Cone, where you did put the first. Marke now againe, in what number or place of the lines, the water Cutteth them. Two wayes you may conclude your purpose: it is to wete, either by numbers or lines. By numbers: as, if you diuide the side of your Fundamentall Cube into so many æquall partes, as it is capable of, conueniently, with your ease, and precisenes of the diuision. For, as the number of your first and lesse line (in your hollow Pyramis or Cone,) is to the second or greater (both being counted from the vertex) so shall the number of the side of your Fundamentall Cube, be to the nũber belonging to the Radicall side, of the Cube, dubble to your Fundamentall Cube: Which being multiplied Cubik wise, will sone shew it selfe, whether it be dubble or no, to the Cubik number of your Fundamentall Cube. By lines, thus: As your lesse and first line, (in your hollow Pyramis or Cone,) is to the second or greater, so let the Radical side of your Fundamẽtall Cube, be to a fourth proportionall line, by the 12. proposition, of the sixth boke of Euclide. Which fourth line, shall be the Rote Cubik, or Radicall side of the Cube, dubble to your Fundamentall Cube: which is the thing we desired.

(☞ God be thanked for this Inuention, & the fruite ensuing.)

For this, may I (with ioy) say, ΕΥΡΗΚΑ, ΕΥΡΗΚΑ, ΕΥΡΗΚΑ: thanking the holy and glorious Trinity: hauing greater cause therto, then

(* Vitruuius. Lib. 9. Cap. 3.)

* Archimedes had (for finding the fraude vsed in the Kinges Crowne, of Gold): as all men may easily Iudge: by the diuersitie of the frute following of the one, and the other. Where I spake before, of a hollow Cubik Coffen: the like vse, is of it: and without waight. Thus. Fill it with water, precisely full, and poure that water into your Pyramis or Cone. And here note the lines cutting in your Pyramis or Cone. Againe, fill your coffen, like as you did before. Put that Water, also, to the first. Marke the second cutting of your lines. Now, as you proceded before, so must you here procede.

(* Note.)

* And if the Cube, which you should Double, be neuer so great: you haue, thus, the proportion (in small) betwene your two litle Cubes: And then, the side, of that great Cube (to be doubled) being the third, will haue the fourth, found, to it proportionall: by the 12. of the sixth of Euclide.

(Note, as concerning the Sphæricall Superficies of the Water.)

Note, that all this while, I forget not my first Proposition Staticall, here rehearsed: that, the Superficies of the water, is Sphæricall. Wherein, vse your discretion: to the first line, adding a small heare breadth, more: and to the second, halfe a heare breadth more, to his length. For, you will easily perceaue, that the difference can be no greater, in any Pyramis or Cone, of you to be handled. Which you shall thus trye. For finding the swelling of the water aboue leuell.

(☞)

“Square the Semidiameter, from the Centre of the earth, to your first Waters Superficies. Square then, halfe the Subtendent of that watry Superficies (which Subtendent must haue the equall partes of his measure, all one, with those of the Semidiameter of the earth to your watry Superficies): Subtracte this square, from the first: Of the residue, take the Rote Square. That Rote, Subtracte from your first Semidiameter of the earth to your watry Superficies: that, which remaineth, is the heith of the water, in the middle, aboue the leuell.” Which, you will finde, to be a thing insensible. And though it were greatly sensible, *

(* Note.)

yet, by helpe of my sixt Theoreme vpon the last Proposition of Euclides twelfth booke, noted: you may reduce all, to a true Leuell. But, farther diligence, of you is to be vsed, against accidentall causes of the waters swelling: as by hauing (somwhat) with a moyst Sponge, before, made moyst your hollow Pyramis or Cone, will preuent an accidentall cause of Swelling, &c. Experience will teach you abundantly: with great ease, pleasure, and cõmoditie.

Thus, may you Double the Cube Mechanically, Treble it, and so forth, in any proportion.

(Note this Abridgement of Dubbling the Cube. &c.)

Now will I Abridge your paine, cost, and Care herein. Without all preparing of your Fundamentall Cubes: you may (alike) worke this Conclusion. For, that, was rather a kinde of Experimentall demõstration, then the shortest way: and all, vpon one Mathematicall Demonstration depending. “Take water (as much as conueniently will serue your turne: as I warned before of your Fundamentall Cubes bignes) Way it precisely. Put that water, into your Pyramis or Cone. Of the same kinde of water, then take againe, the same waight you had before: put that likewise into the Pyramis or Cone. For, in eche time, your marking of the lines, how the Water doth cut them, shall geue you the proportion betwen the Radicall sides, of any two Cubes, wherof the one is Double to the other: working as before I haue taught you:

(* ☞ Note.)

* sauing that for you Fundamentall Cube his Radicall side: here, you may take a right line, at pleasure.”

Yet farther proceding with our droppe of Naturall truth:

(To giue Cubes one to the other in any proportion, Rationall or Irrationall.)

you may (now) geue Cubes, one to the other, in any proportiõ geuẽ: Rationall or Irrationall: on this maner. Make a hollow Parallelipipedon of Copper or Tinne: with one Base wãting, or open: as in our Cubike Coffen. Frõ the bottome of that Parallelipipedon, raise vp, many perpendiculars, in euery of his fower sides. Now if any proportion be assigned you, in right lines: Cut one of your perpendiculars (or a line equall to it, or lesse then it) likewise: by the 10. of the sixth of Euclide. And those two partes, set in two sundry lines of those perpendiculars (or you may set them both, in one line) making their beginninges, to be, at the base: and so their lengthes to extend vpward. Now, set your hollow Parallelipipedon, vpright, perpendicularly, steadie. Poure in water, handsomly, to the heith of your shorter line. Poure that water, into the hollow Pyramis or Cone. Marke the place of the rising. Settle your hollow Parallelipipedon againe. Poure water into it: vnto the heith of the second line, exactly.

(* Emptying the first.)

Poure that water * duely into the hollow Pyramis or Cone: Marke now againe, where the water cutteth the same line which you marked before. For, there, as the first marked line, is to the second: So shall the two Radicall sides be, one to the other, of any two Cubes: which, in their Soliditie, shall haue the same proportion, which was at the first assigned: were it Rationall or Irrationall.

Thus, in sundry waies you may furnishe your selfe with such straunge and profitable matter: which, long hath bene wished for. And though it be Naturally done and Mechanically: yet hath it a good Demonstration Mathematicall.

(The demonstrations of this Dubbling of the Cube, and of the rest.)

Which is this: Alwaies, you haue two Like Pyramids: or two Like Cones, in the proportions assigned: and like Pyramids or Cones, are in proportion, one to the other, in the proportion of their Homologall sides (or lines) tripled. Wherefore, if to the first, and second lines, found in your hollow Pyramis or Cone, you ioyne a third and a fourth, in continuall proportion: that fourth line, shall be to the first, as the greater Pyramis or Cone, is to the lesse: by the 33. of the eleuenth of Euclide. If Pyramis to Pyramis, or Cone to Cone, be double,

(I. D. * Hereby, helpe your self to become a præcise practiser. And so consider, how, nothing at all, you are hindred (sensibly) by the Conuexitie of the water.)

then shall * Line to Line, be also double, &c. But, as our first line, is to the second, so is the Radicall side of our Fundamentall Cube, to the Radicall side of the Cube to be made, or to be doubled: and therefore, to those twaine also, a third and a fourth line, in continuall proportion, ioyned: will geue the fourth line in that proportion to the first, as our fourth Pyramidall, or Conike line, was to his first: but that was double, or treble, &c. as the Pyramids or Cones were, one to an other (as we haue proued) therfore, this fourth, shalbe also double or treble to the first, as the Pyramids or Cones were one to an other: But our made Cube, is described of the second in proportion, of the fower proportionall lines:

(* By the 33. of the eleuenth booke of Euclide.)

therfore * as the fourth line, is to the first, so is that Cube, to the first Cube: and we haue proued the fourth line, to be to the first, as the Pyramis or Cone, is to the Pyramis or Cone: Wherefore the Cube is to the Cube, as Pyramis is to Pyramis, or Cone is to Cone.

(I. D. * And your diligence in practise, can so (in waight of water) performe it: Therefore, now, you are able to geue good reason of your whole doing.)

But we * Suppose Pyramis to Pyramis, or Cone to Cone, to be double or treble. &c. Therfore Cube, is to Cube, double, or treble, &c. Which was to be demonstrated. And of the Parallelipipedõ, it is euidẽt, that the water Solide Parallelipipedons, are one to the other, as their heithes are, seing they haue one base. Wherfore the Pyramids or Cones, made of those water Parallelipipedons, are one to the other, as the lines are (one to the other) betwene which, our proportion was assigned. But the Cubes made of lines, after the proportiõ of the Pyramidal or Conik homologall lines, are one to the other, as the Pyramides or Cones are, one to the other (as we before did proue) therfore, the Cubes made, shalbe one to the other, as the lines assigned, are one to the other: Which was to be demonstrated. Note.

(* Note this Corollary.)

* This, my Demonstratiõ is more generall, then onely in Square Pyramis or Cone: Consider well. Thus, haue I, both Mathematically and Mechanically, ben very long in wordes: yet (I trust) nothing tedious to them, who, to these thinges, are well affected. And verily I am forced (auoiding prolixitie) to omit sundry such things, easie to be practised: which to the Mathematicien, would be a great Threasure: and to the Mechanicien, no small gaine.

(* The great Commodities following of these new Inuentions.)

* Now may you, Betwene two lines giuen, finde two middle proportionals, in Continuall proportion: by the hollow Parallelipipedon, and the hollow Pyramis, or Cone. Now, any Parallelipipedon rectangle being giuen: thre right lines may be found, proportionall in any proportion assigned, of which, shal be produced a Parallelipipedon, æquall to the Parallelipipedon giuen. Hereof, I noted somwhat, vpon the 36. proposition, of the 11. boke of Euclide. Now, all those thinges, which Vitruuius in his Architecture, specified hable to be done, by dubbling of the Cube: Or, by finding of two middle proportionall lines, betwene two lines giuen, may easely be performed. Now, that Probleme, which I noted vnto you, in the end of my Addition, vpon the 34. of the 11. boke of Euclide, is proued possible. Now, may any regular body, be Transformed into an other, &c. Now, any regular body: any Sphere, yea any Mixt Solid: and (that more is) Irregular Solides, may be made (in any proportiõ assigned) like vnto the body, first giuen. Thus, of a Manneken, (as the Dutch Painters terme it) in the same Symmetrie, may a Giant be made: and that, with any gesture, by the Manneken vsed: and contrarywise. Now, may you, of any Mould, or Modell of a Ship, make one, of the same Mould (in any assigned proportion) bigger or lesser.

(* ☞)

Now, may you, of any * Gunne, or little peece of ordinaũce, make an other, with the same Symmetrie (in all pointes) as great, and as little, as you will. Marke that: and thinke on it. Infinitely, may you apply this, so long sought for, and now so easily concluded: and withall, so willingly and frankly communicated to such, as faithfully deale with vertuous studies.

(Such is the Fruite of the Mathematicall Sciences and Artes.)

Then set your cone or pyramid, with the vertex downward, perpendicularly with respect to the base. (Though it is placed otherwise, it hinders nothing.) So let them be most steadily supported. Now, if there is a cube which you would have doubled, make a neat cube of copper, silver, lead, tin, wood, stone, or bone; or else make a hollow cube, or cubic coffer, of copper, silver, tin, or wood, etc. You may so proportion these with respect to your pyramid or cone that the pyramid or cone will be able to contain their weight in water 3 or 4 times over, at the least, whatever stuff they are made of. Let not your solid angle at the vertex be too sharp, but let the water come with ease to the very vertex of your hollow cone or pyramid. Put one of your solid cubes in a suitable balance; take its weight exactly in water. Pour that water (without loss) into the hollow pyramid or cone, quietly. Mark in your lines what numbers the water cuts at. Take the weight of the same cube again, in the same kind of water which you had before:

I. D. Consider well when you must put your waters together, and when you must empty your first water out of your pyramid or cone. Else you will err.

put that also into the pyramid or cone where you put the first. Mark now again in what number or place of the lines the water cuts them. Two ways you may reach your conclusion: that is, either by numbers or by lines. By numbers: as, if you divide the side of your fundamental cube into as many equal parts as it is capable of, conveniently, with your ease and the precision of the division. For, as the number of your first and lesser line (in your hollow pyramid or cone) is to the second or greater (both being counted from the vertex), so shall the number of the side of your fundamental cube be to the number belonging to the radical side of the cube double to your fundamental cube; which, being multiplied cubically, will soon show whether it is double the cubic number of your fundamental cube or not. By lines, thus: as your lesser and first line (in your hollow pyramid or cone) is to the second or greater, so let the radical side of your fundamental cube be to a fourth proportional line, by the 12th proposition of the sixth book of Euclid. Which fourth line shall be the cube root, or radical side, of the cube double to your fundamental cube; which is the thing we desired.

God be thanked for this invention and the fruit ensuing.

For this may I (with joy) say, ΕΥΡΗΚΑ, ΕΥΡΗΚΑ, ΕΥΡΗΚΑ, thanking the holy and glorious Trinity, having greater cause thereto than

Vitruvius, Book 9, Chapter 3.

Archimedes had, for finding the fraud used in the king's crown of gold; as all men may easily judge by the diversity of the fruit following from the one and the other.

Where I spoke before of a hollow cubic coffer, the like use is of it, and without weight. Thus: fill it with water precisely full, and pour that water into your pyramid or cone. And here note where the lines are cut in your pyramid or cone. Again fill your coffer, just as you did before. Put that water also to the first. Mark the second cutting of your lines. Now, as you proceeded before, so must you proceed here.

Note.

And if the cube which you should double be ever so great, you have thus the proportion (in small) between your two little cubes; and then the side of that great cube (to be doubled), being the third, will have the fourth found to it proportional, by the 12th of the sixth book of Euclid.

Note, concerning the spherical surface of the water.

Note that all this while I do not forget my first statical proposition, here rehearsed: that the surface of the water is spherical. In this use your discretion: to the first line adding a small hair's breadth more, and to the second half a hair's breadth more to its length. For you will easily perceive that the difference can be no greater in any pyramid or cone you are to handle. Which you shall thus try. For finding the swell of the water above level.

"Square the semidiameter from the center of the earth to the surface of your first water. Then square half the subtendent of that watery surface (which subtendent must have the equal parts of its measure all the same as those of the semidiameter of the earth to your watery surface). Subtract this square from the first; of the residue take the square root. Subtract that root from your first semidiameter of the earth to your watery surface: what remains is the height of the water in the middle above the level."

Which you will find to be a thing imperceptible. And though it were greatly perceptible,

Note.

yet, by help of my sixth theorem upon the last proposition of Euclid's twelfth book, you may reduce all to a true level. But further diligence is to be used by you against accidental causes of the water's swelling: as by having beforehand made moist your hollow pyramid or cone somewhat with a moist sponge, which will prevent an accidental cause of swelling, etc. Experience will teach you abundantly, with great ease, pleasure, and convenience.

Thus may you double the cube mechanically, treble it, and so forth, in any proportion.

Note this abridgment of doubling the cube, etc.

Now will I abridge your pain, cost, and care in this. Without all the preparing of your fundamental cubes, you may (alike) work this conclusion. For that was rather a kind of experimental demonstration than the shortest way, and all depending upon one mathematical demonstration. "Take water (as much as will conveniently serve your turn, as I warned before of your fundamental cube's size). Weigh it precisely. Put that water into your pyramid or cone. Of the same kind of water then take again the same weight you had before, and put that likewise into the pyramid or cone. For each time, your marking of the lines, how the water cuts them, shall give you the proportion between the radical sides of any two cubes, of which the one is double to the other; working as before I have taught you:

Note.

saving that, for your fundamental cube's radical side, here you may take a straight line at pleasure."

Yet further proceeding with our drop of natural truth:

To give cubes one to another in any proportion, rational or irrational.

you may (now) give cubes one to another in any proportion given, rational or irrational, in this manner. Make a hollow parallelepiped of copper or tin, with one base wanting, or open, as in our cubic coffer. From the bottom of that parallelepiped raise up many perpendiculars in each of its four sides. Now if any proportion be assigned you in straight lines, cut one of your perpendiculars (or a line equal to it, or less than it) likewise, by the 10th of the sixth book of Euclid. And set those two parts in two separate lines of those perpendiculars (or you may set them both in one line), making their beginnings to be at the base, and so their lengths to extend upward. Now set your hollow parallelepiped upright, perpendicularly, steady. Pour in water to the height of your shorter line. Pour that water into the hollow pyramid or cone. Mark the place of the rise. Settle your hollow parallelepiped again. Pour water into it, to the height of the second line, exactly.

Emptying the first.

Pour that water duly into the hollow pyramid or cone; mark now again where the water cuts the same line which you marked before. For there, as the first marked line is to the second, so shall the two radical sides be, one to the other, of any two cubes which in their solidity shall have the same proportion which was at the first assigned, whether it be rational or irrational.

Thus, in sundry ways you may furnish yourself with such strange and profitable matter, which long has been wished for. And though it be done naturally and mechanically, yet it has a good mathematical demonstration.

The demonstrations of this doubling of the cube, and of the rest.

Which is this: always you have two like pyramids, or two like cones, in the proportions assigned; and like pyramids or cones are in proportion, one to another, in the proportion of their homologous sides (or lines) tripled. Therefore, if to the first and second lines found in your hollow pyramid or cone you join a third and a fourth in continual proportion, that fourth line shall be to the first as the greater pyramid or cone is to the lesser, by the 33rd of the eleventh book of Euclid. If pyramid to pyramid, or cone to cone, be double,

I. D. Hereby help yourself to become a precise practitioner. And so consider how you are hindered not at all (sensibly) by the convexity of the water.

then shall line to line be also double, etc. But, as our first line is to the second, so is the radical side of our fundamental cube to the radical side of the cube to be made or to be doubled; and therefore to those two also a third and a fourth line in continual proportion joined will give the fourth line in that proportion to the first as our fourth pyramidal or conic line was to its first; but that was double or triple, etc., as the pyramids or cones were one to another (as we have proved); therefore this fourth shall be also double or triple to the first, as the pyramids or cones were one to another. But our made cube is described of the second in proportion, of the four proportional lines:

By the 33rd of the eleventh book of Euclid.

therefore, as the fourth line is to the first, so is that cube to the first cube; and we have proved the fourth line to be to the first as the pyramid or cone is to the pyramid or cone. Therefore the cube is to the cube as pyramid is to pyramid, or cone is to cone.

I. D. And your diligence in practice can so (in weight of water) perform it; therefore, now, you are able to give good reason for your whole doing.

But we suppose pyramid to pyramid, or cone to cone, to be double or triple, etc. Therefore cube is to cube double, or triple, etc. Which was to be demonstrated. And of the parallelepiped it is evident that the solid water parallelepipeds are one to another as their heights are, seeing they have one base. Therefore the pyramids or cones made of those water parallelepipeds are one to another as the lines are (one to another) between which our proportion was assigned. But the cubes made of lines, after the proportion of the pyramidal or conic homologous lines, are one to another as the pyramids or cones are one to another (as we before did prove); therefore the cubes made shall be one to another as the lines assigned are one to another. Which was to be demonstrated. Note.

Note this corollary.

This my demonstration is more general than only in a square pyramid or cone; consider well. Thus have I, both mathematically and mechanically, been very long in words; yet (I trust) nothing tedious to those who are well affected toward these things. And truly I am forced (avoiding prolixity) to omit sundry such things easy to be practiced, which to the mathematician would be a great treasure, and to the mechanician no small gain.

The great benefits following from these new inventions.

Now may you, between two lines given, find two middle proportionals in continual proportion, by the hollow parallelepiped and the hollow pyramid or cone. Now, any rectangular parallelepiped being given, three straight lines may be found proportional in any proportion assigned, of which shall be produced a parallelepiped equal to the parallelepiped given. Hereof I noted somewhat upon the 36th proposition of the 11th book of Euclid. Now, all those things which Vitruvius in his Architecture specified as able to be done by doubling of the cube, or by finding of two middle proportionals between two lines given, may easily be performed. Now, that problem which I noted to you at the end of my addition upon the 34th of the 11th book of Euclid is proved possible. Now may any regular body be transformed into another, etc. Now, any regular body: any sphere, yes, any mixed solid; and (what is more) irregular solids may be made (in any proportion assigned) like the body first given. Thus, of a mannequin (as the Dutch painters term it) in the same symmetry may a giant be made, and that with any gesture used by the mannequin, and conversely. Now may you, of any mold or model of a ship, make one of the same mold (in any assigned proportion) bigger or lesser.

Now may you, of any gun, or little piece of ordnance, make another, with the same symmetry (in all points) as great and as little as you will. Mark that, and think on it. Infinitely may you apply this, so long sought for and now so easily concluded, and withal so willingly and frankly communicated to such as faithfully deal with virtuous studies.

Such is the fruit of the mathematical sciences and arts.

Statics, 3

Thus, can the Mathematicall minde, deale Speculatiuely in his own Arte: and by good meanes, Mount aboue the cloudes and sterres: And thirdly, he can, by order, Descend, to frame Naturall thinges, to wonderfull vses: and when he list, retire home into his owne Centre: and there, prepare more Meanes, to Ascend or Descend by: and, all, to the glory of God, and our honest delectation in earth.

Although, the Printer, hath looked for this Præface, a day or two, yet could I not bring my pen from the paper, before I had giuen you comfortable warning, and brief instructions, of some of the Commodities, by Statike, hable to be reaped: In the rest, I will therfore, be as brief, as it is possible: and with all, describing them, somwhat accordingly. And that, you shall perceiue, by this, which in order commeth next. For, wheras, it is so ample and wonderfull, that, an whole yeare long, one might finde fruitfull matter therin, to speake of: and also in practise, is a Threasure endeles: yet will I glanse ouer it, with wordes very few.

Thus the mathematical mind can deal speculatively in its own art, and by good means mount above the clouds and stars; and thirdly, it can, in order, descend, to frame natural things to wonderful uses, and, when it pleases, retire home into its own center, and there prepare more means to ascend or descend by, all to the glory of God and our honorable delight on earth.

Although the printer has looked for this preface a day or two, yet I could not bring my pen from the paper before I had given you encouraging notice and brief instructions about some of the benefits that may be reaped by statics. In the rest I will therefore be as brief as I possibly can, and, at the same time, describe them somewhat accordingly. And you will perceive as much from what comes next in order. For, whereas it is so ample and wonderful that one might find in it fruitful matter to speak of for a whole year, and in practice is a treasure without end, yet I will glance over it with very few words.

Anthropography

This do I call Anthropographie. Which is an Art restored, and of my preferment to your Seruice. I pray you, thinke of it, as of one of the chief pointes, of Humane knowledge. Although it be, but now, first Cõfirmed, with this new name: yet the matter, hath from the beginning, ben in consideration of all perfect Philosophers. Anthropographie, is the description of the Number, Measure, Waight, figure, Situation, and colour of euery diuerse thing, conteyned in the perfect body of MAN: with certain knowledge of the Symmetrie, figure, waight, Characterization, and due locall motion, of any parcell of the sayd body, assigned: and of Nũbers, to the sayd parcell appertainyng. This, is the one part of the Definition, mete for this place: Sufficient to notifie, the particularitie, and excellency of the Arte: and why it is, here, ascribed to the Mathematicals. Yf the description of the heauenly part of the world, had a peculier Art, called Astronomie: If the description of the earthly Globe, hath his peculier arte, called Geographie. If the Matching of both, hath his peculier Arte, called Cosmographie: Which is the Descriptiõ of the whole, and vniuersall frame of the world: Why should not the description of

(MAN is the Lesse World.)

him, who is the Lesse world: and, frõ the beginning, called Microcosmus (that is. The Lesse World.) And for whose sake, and seruice, all bodily creatures els, were created: Who, also, participateth with Spirites, and Angels: and is made to the Image and similitude of God: haue his peculier Art? and be called the Arte of Artes: rather, then, either to want a name, or to haue to base and impropre a name? You must of sundry professions, borow or challenge home, peculier partes hereof: and farder procede: as, God, Nature, Reason and Experience shall informe you. The Anatomistes will restore to you, some part: The Physiognomistes, some: The Chyromantistes some. The Metaposcopistes, some: The excellent, Albert Durer, a good part: the Arte of Perspectiue, will somwhat, for the Eye, helpe forward: Pythagoras, Hipocrates, Plato, Galenus, Meletius, & many other (in certaine thinges) will be Contributaries. And farder, the Heauen, the Earth, and all other Creatures, will eche shew, and offer their Harmonious seruice, to fill vp, that, which wanteth hereof: and with your own Experience, concluding: you may Methodically register the whole, for the posteritie: Whereby, good profe will be had, of our Harmonious, and

(Micro Cosmus.)

Microcosmicall constitution.

(* ☞)

The outward Image, and vew hereof: to the Art of Zographie and Painting, to Sculpture, and Architecture: (for Church, House, Fort, or Ship) is most necessary and profitable: for that, it is the chiefe base and foundation of them.

(* Lib. 3. Cap. 1.)

Looke in * Vitruuius, whether I deale sincerely for your behoufe, or no. Looke in Albertus Durerus, De Symmetria humani Corporis. Looke in the 27. and 28. Chapters, of the second booke, De occulta Philosophia. Consider the Arke of Noe. And by that, wade farther. Remember the Delphicall Oracle NOSCE TEIPSVM (Knowe thy selfe) so long agoe pronounced: of so many a Philosopher repeated: and of the Wisest attempted: And then, you will perceaue, how long agoe, you haue bene called to the Schole, where this Arte might be learned. Well. I am nothing affrayde, of the disdayne of some such, as thinke Sciences and Artes, to be but Seuen. Perhaps, those Such, may, with ignorance, and shame enough, come short of them Seuen also: and yet neuerthelesse they can not prescribe a certaine number of Artes: and in eche, certaine vnpassable boundes, to God, Nature, and mans Industrie. New Artes, dayly rise vp: and there was no such order taken, that,

(☞)

All Artes, should in one age, or in one land, or of one man, be made knowen to the world. Let vs embrace the giftes of God, and wayes to wisedome, in this time of grace, from aboue, continually bestowed on them, who thankefully will receiue them: Et bonis Omnia Cooperabuntur in bonum.

This I call Anthropography: an art restored, and an advancement of mine in your service. I ask you to think of it as one of the chief points of human knowledge. Although it has only now first been confirmed with this new name, yet the matter has, from the beginning, been under consideration by all perfect philosophers. Anthropography is the description of the number, measure, weight, figure, situation, and color of every diverse thing contained in the perfect body of man, with certain knowledge of the symmetry, figure, weight, characterization, and due local motion of any assigned part of the said body, and of the numbers belonging to that part. This is the one part of the definition suited to this place, sufficient to show the particularity and excellency of the art, and why it is here ascribed to the mathematical sciences. If the description of the heavenly part of the world has a peculiar art called astronomy; if the description of the earthly globe has its peculiar art called geography; if the matching of both has its peculiar art called cosmography, which is the description of the whole and universal frame of the world; why should not the description of

Man is the lesser world.

him who is the lesser world, and from the beginning called Microcosmus (that is, the lesser world), and for whose sake and service all other bodily creatures were created, who also partakes with spirits and angels and is made in the image and similitude of God, have its peculiar art, and be called the art of arts, rather than either lack a name or have too base and improper a one? You must borrow or claim back for yourself the peculiar parts of this from sundry professions, and proceed farther, as God, nature, reason, and experience shall inform you. The anatomists will restore to you some part; the physiognomists, some; the chiromantists, some; the metaposcopists, some; the excellent Albert Durer, a good part; the art of perspective will help the eye forward somewhat; Pythagoras, Hippocrates, Plato, Galen, Meletius, and many others, in certain things, will be contributors. And farther, the heavens, the earth, and all other creatures will each show and offer their harmonious service to fill up whatever is lacking hereof; and, concluding with your own experience, you may methodically register the whole for posterity, by which good proof will be had of our harmonious and

The microcosm.

microcosmic constitution.

The outward image and view of this is most necessary and profitable to the art of drawing and painting, to sculpture, and to architecture (for church, house, fort, or ship), for it is the chief base and foundation of them.

Book 3, chapter 1.

Look in Vitruvius, whether I deal sincerely for your benefit or not. Look in Albertus Durerus, On the Symmetry of the Human Body. Look in chapters 27 and 28 of the second book, On Occult Philosophy. Consider the Ark of Noah. And from that, wade farther. Remember the Delphic oracle "Know yourself", pronounced so long ago, repeated by so many a philosopher, and attempted by the wisest; and then you will perceive how long ago you have been called to the school where this art might be learned. Well, I am not at all afraid of the disdain of some who think the sciences and arts to be only seven. Perhaps such people may, with ignorance and shame enough, come short of those seven as well; and yet nevertheless they cannot set down a certain number of arts, nor in each art certain impassable bounds for God, nature, and human industry. New arts rise up daily; and no such order was taken that all the arts should be made known to the world in one age, or in one land, or by one man. Let us embrace the gifts of God and the ways to wisdom, in this time of grace, continually bestowed from above on those who will receive them thankfully: and to the good, all things shall work together for good.

Trochilike

Trochilike, is that Art Mathematicall, which demonstrateth the properties of all Circular motions, Simple and Compounde. And bycause the frute hereof, vulgarly receiued, is in Wheles, it hath the name of Trochilike: as a man would say, Whele Art. By this art, a Whele may be geuen which shall moue ones about, in any tyme assigned. Two Wheles may be giuen, whose turnynges about in one and the same tyme, (or equall tymes), shall haue, one to the other, any proportion appointed. By Wheles, may a straight line be described: Likewise, a Spirall line in plaine, Conicall Section lines, and other Irregular lines, at pleasure, may be drawen. These, and such like, are principall Conclusions of this Arte: and helpe forward many pleasant and profitable Mechanicall workes:

(Saw Milles.)

As Milles, to Saw great and very long Deale bordes, no man being by. Such haue I seene in Germany: and in the Citie of Prage: in the kingdome of Bohemia: Coyning Milles, Hand Milles for Corne grinding: And all maner of Milles, and Whele worke: By Winde, Smoke, Water, Waight, Spring, Man or Beast, moued. Take in your hand, Agricola De re Metallica: and then shall you (in all Mines) perceaue, how great nede is, of Whele worke. By Wheles, straunge workes and incredible, are done: as will, in other Artes hereafter, appeare. A wonderfull example of farther possibilitie, and present commoditie, was sene in my time, in a certaine Instrument: which by the Inuenter and Artificer (before) was solde for xx. Talentes of Golde: and then had (by misfortune) receaued some iniurie and hurt: And one Ianellus of Cremona did mend the same, and presented it vnto the Emperour Charles the fifth. Hieronymus Cardanus, can be my witnesse, that therein, was one Whele, which moued, and that, in such rate, that, in 7000. yeares onely, his owne periode should be finished. A thing almost incredible: But how farre, I keepe me within my boundes: very many men (yet aliue) can tell.

Trochilike is that mathematical art which demonstrates the properties of all circular motions, simple and compound. And because the fruit of it, commonly received, is in wheels, it has the name Trochilike, as one might say, Wheel Art. By this art a wheel may be given which shall turn once about in any assigned time. Two wheels may be given whose turnings about in one and the same time (or in equal times) shall have to one another any appointed proportion. By wheels a straight line may be described; likewise a spiral line in a plane, conic section lines, and other irregular lines may be drawn at pleasure. These and such like are principal conclusions of this art, and help forward many pleasant and profitable mechanical works:

Sawmills.

Mills that saw great and very long deal boards, with no man standing by. Such I have seen in Germany, and in the city of Prague, in the kingdom of Bohemia; coining mills, hand mills for grinding corn; and all manner of mills and wheelwork, moved by wind, smoke, water, weight, spring, man or beast. Take up in your hand Agricola's On the Nature of Metals, and then you shall perceive, in all mines, how great need there is of wheelwork. By wheels strange and incredible works are done, as will appear hereafter in other arts. A wonderful example of further possibility and of present benefit was seen in my time in a certain instrument: which its inventor and artificer had formerly sold for twenty talents of gold, and which had then, by misfortune, suffered some injury and hurt. One Ianellus of Cremona mended it, and presented it to Emperor Charles the Fifth. Hieronymus Cardanus can be my witness that in it there was one wheel which moved, and that at such a rate that in 7000 years only its own period would be completed. A thing almost incredible; but how far I keep within my bounds, very many men yet alive can tell.

Helicosophy

Helicosophie, is nere Sister to Trochilike: and is, An Arte

Mathematicall, which demonstrateth the designing of all Spirall lines in Plaine, on Cylinder, Cone, Sphære, Conoid, and Sphæroid, and their properties appertayning. The vse hereof, in Architecture, and diuerse Instrumentes and Engines, is most necessary. For, in many thinges, the Skrue worketh the feate, which, els, could not be performed. By helpe hereof,

(* Atheneus Lib. 5. cap. 8.)

it is * recorded, that, where all the power of the Citie of Syracusa, was not hable to moue a certaine Ship (being on ground) mightie Archimedes, setting to, his Skruish Engine, caused Hiero the king, by him self, at ease, to remoue her, as he would.

(Proclus. Pag. 18.)

Wherat, the King wondring: Απὸ τάυτης τῆς ἡμέρας, περὶ παντὸς, Αρχιμήδει λέγοντι πιϛευτεόν. From this day, forward (said the King) Credit ought to be giuen to Archimedes, what soeuer he sayth.

Helicosophy is near sister to Trochilike, and is a mathematical art which demonstrates the drawing of all spiral lines, in a plane, on a cylinder, cone, sphere, conoid, and spheroid, and the properties belonging to them. Its use in architecture and in diverse instruments and engines is most necessary. For in many things the screw performs the feat which otherwise could not be accomplished. By the help of this,

Athenaeus, book 5, chapter 8.

it is recorded that, whereas all the power of the city of Syracuse could not move a certain ship (being on the ground), mighty Archimedes, applying his screw engine, caused Hiero the king, by himself and at ease, to move her just as he pleased.

Proclus, page 18.

At this the king, wondering, said: Απὸ τάυτης τῆς ἡμέρας, περὶ παντὸς, Αρχιμήδει λέγοντι πιϛευτεόν. "From this day forward (said the king), credit ought to be given to Archimedes, whatever he says."

Pneumatithmie

Pneumatithmie demonstrateth by close hollow Geometricall Figures, (regular and irregular) the straunge properties (in motion or stay) of the Water, Ayre, Smoke, and Fire, in theyr cõtinuitie, and as they are ioyned to the Elementes next them. This Arte, to the Naturall Philosopher, is very proffitable: to proue, that Vacuum, or Emptines is not in the world. And that, all Nature, abhorreth it so much: that, contrary to ordinary law, the Elementes will moue or stand. As, Water to ascend: rather then betwene him and Ayre, Space or place should be left, more then (naturally) that quãtitie of Ayre requireth, or can fill. Againe, Water to hang, and not descend: rather then by descending, to leaue Emptines at his backe. The like, is of Fire and Ayre: they will descend: when, either, their Cõtinuitie should be dissolued: or their next Element forced from them. And as they will not be extended, to discontinuitie: So, will they not, nor yet of mans force, can be prest or pent, in space, not sufficient and aunswerable to their bodily substance. Great force and violence will they vse, to enioy their naturall right and libertie.

(To go to the bottom of the Sea without daunger.)

Hereupon, two or three men together, by keping Ayre vnder a great Cauldron, and forcyng the same downe, orderly, may without harme descend to the Sea bottome: and continue there a tyme &c. Where, Note, how the thicker Element (as the Water) giueth place to the thynner (as, is the ayre:) and receiueth violence of the thinner, in maner. &c. Pumps and all maner of Bellowes, haue their ground of this Art: and many other straunge deuises. As, Hydraulica, Organes goyng by water. &c. Of this Feat, (called commonly Pneumatica,) goodly workes are extant, both in Greke, and Latin. With old and learned Schole men, it is called Scientia de pleno & vacuo.

Pneumatithmie demonstrates, by closed hollow geometric figures (regular and irregular), the strange properties (in motion or rest) of water, air, smoke, and fire in their continuity, and as they are joined to the elements next them. This art is very profitable to the natural philosopher, to prove that a vacuum, or emptiness, is not in the world; and that all nature abhors it so much that, contrary to ordinary law, the elements will move or stand. Thus water will ascend, rather than leave between it and the air a space or place more than that quantity of air naturally requires or can fill. Again, water will hang and not descend, rather than leave emptiness behind it by descending. The same is true of fire and air: they will descend rather than have their continuity dissolved, or their next element forced away from them. And as they will not be extended to discontinuity, so they will not, nor can they by any human force, be pressed or pent into a space not sufficient and answerable to their bodily substance. Great force and violence will they use to enjoy their natural right and liberty.

To go to the bottom of the sea without danger.

Hereupon, two or three men together, by keeping air under a great cauldron and forcing it down in order, may descend without harm to the bottom of the sea, and stay there for a time, etc. Where note how the thicker element, as water, gives place to the thinner, as is the air, and receives violence from the thinner in like manner, etc. Pumps and all manner of bellows have their ground in this art, and many other strange devices; as hydraulica, organs worked by water, etc. Of this feat, commonly called Pneumatica, goodly works are extant, both in Greek and Latin. With old and learned schoolmen it is called the Science of the Full and the Empty.

Menadrie

Menadrie, is an Arte Mathematicall, which demonstrateth, how, aboue Natures vertue and power simple: Vertue and force may be multiplied: and so, to direct, to lift, to pull to, and to put or cast fro, any multiplied or simple, determined Vertue, Waight or Force: naturally, not, so, directible or moueable. Very much is this Art furdred by other Artes: as, in some pointes, by Perspectiue: in some, by Statike: in some, by Trochilike: and in other, by Helicosophie: and Pneumatithmie. By this Art, all Cranes, Gybbettes, & Ingines to lift vp, or to force any thing, any maner way, are ordred: and the certaine cause of their force, is knowne: As, the force which one man hath with the Duche waghen Racke: therwith, to set vp agayne, a mighty waghen laden, being ouerthrowne. The force of the Crossebow Racke, is certainly, here, demonstrated. The reason, why one mã, doth with a leauer, lift that, which Sixe men, with their handes onely, could not, so easily do. By this Arte, in our common Cranes in London, where powre is to Crane vp, the waight of 2000. pound: by two Wheles more (by good order added) Arte concludeth, that there may be Craned vp 200000. pound waight &c. So well knew Archimedes this Arte: that he alone, with his deuises and engynes, (twise or thrise) spoyled and discomfited the whole Army and Hoste of the Romaines, besieging Syracusa,

(Plutarchus in Marco Marcello.)

Marcus Marcellus the Consul, being their Generall Capitaine.

(Synesius in Epistolis.)

Such huge Stones, so many, with such force, and so farre, did he with his engynes hayle among them, out of the Citie.

(Polybius.)

(Plinius.)

(Quintilianus.)

(T. Liuius.)

And by Sea likewise: though their Ships might come to the walls of Syracusa, yet hee vtterly confounded the Romaine Nauye. What with his mighty Stones hurlyng:

(* Athenæus.)

what with Pikes of * 18 fote long, made like shaftes: which he forced almost a quarter of a myle. What, with his catchyng hold of their Shyps, and hoysing them vp aboue the water, and suddenly letting them fall into the Sea againe:

(* Galenus.)

(Anthemius.)

what with his * Burning Glasses: by which he fired their other Shippes a far-of: what, with his other pollicies, deuises, and engines, he so manfully acquit him selfe: that all the Force, courage, and pollicie of the Romaines (for a great season) could nothing preuaile, for the winning of Syracusa. Wherupon, the Romanes named Archimedes, Briareus, and Centimanus. Zonaras maketh mention of one Proclus, who so well had perceiued Archimedes Arte of Menadrie, and had so well inuented of his owne, that with his Burning Glasses,

(Burning Glasses.)

being placed vpon the walles of Bysance, he multiplied so the heate of the Sunne, and directed the beames of the same against his enemies Nauie with such force, and so sodeinly (like lightening) that he burned and destroyed both man and ship. And Dionspecifieth of Priscus, a Geometricien in Bysance, who inuented and vsed sondry Engins, of Force multiplied: Which was cause, that the Emperour Seuerus pardoned him, his life, after he had wonne Bysance: Bycause he honored the Arte, wytt, and rare industrie of Priscus. But nothing inferior to the inuention of these engines of Force, was the inuention of Gunnes.

(Gunnes.)

Which, from an English man, had the occasion and order of first inuenting: though in an other land, and by other men, it was first executed. And they that should see the record, where the occasion and order generall, of Gunning, is first discoursed of, would thinke: that, “small thinges, slight, and cõmon: comming to wise mens consideration, and industrious mens handling, may grow to be of force incredible.”

Menadrie is a mathematical art which demonstrates how, above nature's simple virtue and power, virtue and force may be multiplied, and so direct, lift, pull toward, and push or cast from, any multiplied or simple determined virtue, weight, or force that is not naturally so easy to direct or move. This art is furthered very much by other arts: in some points by perspective; in some by statics; in some by Trochilike; and in others by Helicosophy and Pneumatithmie. By this art all cranes, gibbets, and engines to lift up or to force anything, in any manner of way, are ordered, and the certain cause of their force is known: as the force that one man has with the Dutch wagon rack, with which to set up again a mighty laden wagon that has been overturned. The force of the crossbow rack is certainly here demonstrated. The reason why one man with a lever lifts that which six men with their hands only could not so easily do. By this art, in our common cranes in London, where the power is to crane up a weight of 2000 pounds, by two more wheels (added by good ordering) the art concludes that there may be craned up a weight of 200000 pounds, etc. So well did Archimedes know this art that he alone, with his devices and engines, twice or thrice spoiled and discomfited the whole army and host of the Romans besieging Syracuse,

Plutarch in Marco Marcello.

Marcus Marcellus the Consul, being their commander-in-chief.

Synesius, in his Letters.

Such huge stones, so many, with such force, and so far, did he with his engines hail among them out of the city.

Polybius.

Pliny.

Quintilian.

T. Livius.

And by sea likewise, though their ships might come to the walls of Syracuse, yet he utterly confounded the Roman navy. What with his mighty stones hurling:

Athenaeus.

what with pikes 18 feet long, made like shafts, which he forced almost a quarter of a mile; what with his catching hold of their ships, hoisting them up above the water, and suddenly letting them fall into the sea again;

Galen.

Anthemius.

what with his burning glasses, by which he fired their other ships afar off; what with his other policies, devices, and engines, he so manfully acquitted himself that all the force, courage, and policy of the Romans (for a great season) could nothing prevail for the winning of Syracuse. After which the Romans named Archimedes Briareus and Centimanus. Zonaras makes mention of one Proclus, who so well had perceived Archimedes' art of Menadrie, and had so well invented on his own, that with his burning glasses,

Burning glasses.

being placed upon the walls of Byzantium, he multiplied the heat of the sun so, and directed its beams against his enemies' navy with such force and so suddenly (like lightning), that he burned and destroyed both man and ship. And Dion specifies of Priscus, a geometrician in Byzantium, who invented and used sundry engines of force multiplied; which was the cause that Emperor Severus pardoned him his life after he had won Byzantium, because he honored the art, wit, and rare industry of Priscus. But nothing inferior to the invention of these engines of force was the invention of guns.

Guns.

Which took its occasion and order of first invention from an Englishman, though in another land and by other men it was first carried out. And those who should see the record where the occasion and general order of gunning is first discussed would think that "small things, slight and common, coming to wise men's consideration and industrious men's handling, may grow to be of force incredible."

Hypogeiodie

Hypogeiodie, is an Arte Mathematicall, demonstratyng, how, vnder the Sphæricall Superficies of the earth, at any depth, to any perpendicular line assigned (whose distance from the perpendicular of the entrance: and the Azimuth, likewise, in respect of the said entrance, is knowen) certaine way may be præscribed and gone: And how, any way aboue the Superficies of the earth designed, may vnder earth, at any depth limited, be kept: goyng alwayes, perpendicularly, vnder the way, on earth designed: And, contrarywise, Any way, (straight or croked,) vnder the earth, beyng giuen: vppon the vtface, or Superficies of the earth, to Lyne out the same: So, as, from the Centre of the earth, perpendiculars drawen to the Sphæricall Superficies of the earth, shall precisely fall in the Correspondent pointes of those two wayes. This, with all other Cases and circumstances herein, and appertenances, this Arte demonstrateth. This Arte, is very ample in varietie of Conclusions: and very profitable sundry wayes to the Common Wealth. The occasion of my Inuenting this Arte, was at the request of two Gentlemen, who had a certaine worke (of gaine) vnder ground: and their groundes did ioyne ouer the worke: and by reason of the crokednes, diuers depthes, and heithes of the way vnder ground, they were in doubt, and at controuersie, vnder whose ground, as then, the worke was. The name onely (before this) was of me published, De Itinere Subterraneo: The rest, be at Gods will. For Pioners, Miners, Diggers for Mettalls, Stone, Cole, and for secrete passages vnder ground, betwene place and place (as this land hath diuerse) and for other purposes, any man may easily perceaue, both the great fruite of this Arte, and also in this Arte, the great aide of Geometrie.

Hypogeiodie is a mathematical art demonstrating how, under the spherical surface of the earth, at any depth, to any assigned perpendicular line (whose distance from the perpendicular of the entrance, and the azimuth likewise with respect to the said entrance, are known), a certain way may be prescribed and traveled; and how any way designed above the surface of the earth may be kept under ground at any limited depth, always going perpendicularly beneath the way designed on the earth; and, conversely, given any way (straight or crooked) under the earth, to lay it out upon the outer face or surface of the earth, so that perpendiculars drawn from the center of the earth to the spherical surface of the earth shall precisely fall in the corresponding points of those two ways. This, with all other cases and circumstances in this, and appurtenances, this art demonstrates. This art is very ample in variety of conclusions, and very profitable in sundry ways to the commonwealth. The occasion of my inventing this art was at the request of two gentlemen who had a certain work (of gain) under ground, and their grounds joined over the work; and by reason of the crookedness, diverse depths, and heights of the way under ground, they were in doubt, and at controversy, over under whose ground the work then was. The name only (before this) was published by me, On the Subterranean Journey; the rest is at God's will. For pioneers, miners, diggers for metals, stone, and coal, and for secret passages under ground between place and place (as this land has diverse), and for other purposes, any man may easily perceive both the great fruit of this art, and also in this art the great aid of geometry.

Hydragogie

Hydragogie, demonstrateth the possible leading of Water, by Natures lawe, and by artificiall helpe, from any head (being a Spring, standing, or running Water) to any other place assigned. Long, hath this Arte bene in vse: and much thereof written: and very marueilous workes therein, performed: as may yet appeare, in Italy: by the Ruynes remaining of the Aqueductes. In other places, of Riuers leading through the Maine land, Nauigable many a Mile. And in other places, of the marueilous forcinges of Water to Ascend. which all, declare the great skill, to be required of him, who should in this Arte be perfecte, for all occasions of waters possible leading. To speake of the allowance of the Fall, for euery hundred foote: or of the Ventills (if the waters labour be farre, and great) I neede not: Seing, at hand (about vs) many expert men can sufficiently testifie, in effecte, the order: though the Demonstration of the Necessitie thereof, they know not: Nor yet, if they should be led, vp and downe, and about Mountaines, from the head of the Spring: and then, a place being assigned: and of them, to be demaunded, how low or high, that last place is, in respecte of the head, from which (so crokedly, and vp and downe) they be come: Perhaps, they would not, or could not, very redily, or nerely assoyle that question. Geometrie therefore, is necessary to Hydragogie. Of the sundry wayes to force water to ascend, eyther by Tympane, Kettell mills, Skrue, Ctesibike, or such like: in Vitruuius, Agricola, (and other,) fully, the maner may appeare. And so, thereby, also be most euident, how the Artes, of Pneumatithmie, Helicosophie, Statike, Trochilike, and Menadrie, come to the furniture of this, in Speculation, and to the Commoditie of the Common Wealth, in practise.

Hydragogie demonstrates the possible leading of water, by nature's law and by artificial help, from any head (being a spring, standing, or running water) to any other place assigned. Long has this art been in use, and much of it written, and very marvelous works performed in it, as may still appear in Italy by the ruins remaining of the aqueducts; in other places, of rivers led through the mainland, navigable many a mile; and in other places, of the marvelous forcings of water to ascend. All these declare the great skill that must be required of one who would be perfect in this art for all possible occasions of leading water. I need not speak of the allowance of the fall for every hundred feet, or of the vents (if the water's labor be far and great), seeing that at hand (about us) many expert men can sufficiently testify to the effect of the order, though they do not know the demonstration of its necessity; nor yet, if they were led up and down and about mountains from the head of the spring, and then a place being assigned, and them being asked how low or high that last place is with respect to the head from which (so crookedly and up and down) they have come, perhaps they would not or could not very readily or precisely answer that question. Geometry is therefore necessary to Hydragogie. Of the sundry ways to force water to ascend, whether by tympanum, kettle mills, screw, Ctesibike, or such like, the manner may fully appear in Vitruvius, Agricola, and others; and so by that also may be most evident how the arts of Pneumatithmie, Helicosophy, statics, Trochilike, and Menadrie come to the furnishing of this in speculation, and to the benefit of the commonwealth in practice.

Horometry

Horometrie, is an Arte Mathematicall, which demõstrateth, how, at all times appointed, the precise vsuall denominatiõ of time, may be knowen, for any place assigned. These wordes, are smoth and plaine easie Englishe, but the reach of their meaning, is farther, then you woulde lightly imagine. Some part of this Arte, was called in olde time, Gnomonice: and of late, Horologiographia: and in Englishe, may be termed, Dialling. Auncient is the vse, and more auncient, is the Inuention. The vse, doth well appeare to haue bene (at the least) aboue two thousand and three hundred yeare agoe:

(4. Reg. 20.)

in * King Achaz Diall, then, by the Sunne, shewing the distinction of time. By Sunne, Mone, and Sterres, this Dialling may be performed, and the precise Time of day or night knowen. But the demonstratiue delineation of these Dialls, of all sortes, requireth good skill, both of Astronomie, and Geometrie Elementall, Sphæricall, Phænomenall, and Conikall. Then, to vse the groundes of the Arte, for any regular Superficies, in any place offred: and (in any possible apt position therof) theron, to describe (all maner of wayes) how, vsuall howers, may be (by the Sunnes shadow) truely determined: will be found no sleight Painters worke. So to Paint, and prescribe the Sunnes Motion, to the breadth of a heare. In this Feate (in my youth) I Inuented a way, How in any Horizontall, Murall, or Æquinoctiall Diall, &c. At all howers (the Sunne shining) the Signe and Degree ascendent, may be knowen. Which is a thing very necessary for the Rising of those fixed Sterres: whose Operation in the Ayre, is of great might, euidently. I speake no further, of the vse hereof. Bur forasmuch as, Mans affaires require knowledge of Times & Momentes, when, neither Sunne, Mone, or Sterre, can be sene: Therefore, by Industrie Mechanicall, was inuented, first, how, by Water, running orderly, the Time and howers might be knowen: whereof, the famous Ctesibius, was Inuentor: a man, of Vitruuius, to the Skie (iustly) extolled. Then, after that, by Sand running, were howers measured: Then, by Trochilike with waight: And of late time, by Trochilike with Spring: without waight. All these, by Sunne or Sterres direction (in certaine time) require ouersight and reformation, according to the heauenly Æquinoctiall Motion: besides the inæqualitie of their owne Operation. There remayneth (without parabolicall meaning herein) among the Philosophers,

(A perpetuall Motion.)

a more excellent, more commodious, and more marueilous way, then all these: of hauing the motion of the Primouant (or first æquinoctiall motion,) by Nature and Arte, Imitated: which you shall (by furder search in waightier studyes) hereafter, vnderstand more of. And so, it is tyme to finish this Annotation, of Tymes distinction, vsed in our common, and priuate affaires: The commoditie wherof, no man would want, that can tell, how to bestow his tyme.

Horometry is a mathematical art that demonstrates how, at any appointed time, the precise customary reckoning of time may be known for any given place. These words are smooth, plain, easy English, but their meaning reaches farther than you would readily imagine. Some part of this art was called in old times Gnomonice, and more recently Horologiographia, and in English it may be called dialing. The use is ancient, and the invention is older still. The use plainly appears to have been in existence, at least, more than two thousand three hundred years ago:

(4. Reg. 20.)

In King Achaz's dial, then, by the sun, showing the distinction of time. By sun, moon, and stars this dialing may be carried out, and the precise time of day or night known. But the demonstrative drawing of dials of every sort requires good skill in astronomy and in elemental, spherical, phenomenal, and conic geometry. Then, to apply the grounds of the art to any regular surface offered in any place, and there to describe, in every manner of way, how the usual hours may truly be determined by the sun's shadow, will be found no slight work for a draftsman: so to draw and prescribe the sun's motion to the breadth of a hair. In this feat (in my youth) I invented a way how, in any horizontal, mural, or equinoctial dial, etc., at all hours (the sun shining) the ascending sign and degree may be known. Which is a thing very necessary for the rising of those fixed stars whose operation in the air is plainly of great power. I say no more of its use here. But since human affairs require knowledge of times and moments when neither sun, moon, nor star can be seen, mechanical industry first invented how, by water running in orderly course, the time and hours might be known, of which the famous Ctesibius was the inventor, a man whom Vitruvius justly extolled to the sky. After that, hours were measured by running sand; then by Trochilike driven by weight; and in recent times by Trochilike driven by a spring, without weight. All of these, directed by sun or stars at certain times, require oversight and correction according to the heavenly equinoctial motion, besides the inequality of their own working. There remains (without any parabolic meaning here) among the philosophers,

(A perpetual motion.)

a more excellent, more useful, and more marvelous way than all these: to have the motion of the Primouant (the first equinoctial motion) imitated by nature and art, which you shall hereafter understand more of through further search in weightier studies. And so it is time to finish this account of the division of time used in our common and private affairs, the benefit of which no man would want who knows how to spend his time.

Zography

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 of Geometrie, Arithmetike, Perspectiue, and Anthropographie, with many other particular Artes, hath the Zographer, 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 of Zographie, the Scholemaster of Picture, and chief gouernor? Though I mencion not Sculpture, in my Table of Artes Mathematicall: yet may all men perceiue, How, that Picture and Sculpture, are Sisters germaine: and both, right profitable, in a Commõ wealth. and of Sculpture, aswell as of Picture, excellent Artificers haue written great bokes in commendation. Witnesse I take, of Georgio Vasari, Pittore Aretino: of Pomponius Gauricus: and other. To these two Artes, (with other,) is a certaine od Arte, called Althalmasat, much beholdyng: more, then the common Sculptor, Entayler, Keruer, Cutter, Grauer, Founder, or Paynter (&c) know their Arte, to be commodious.

Drawing is a mathematical art which teaches and demonstrates how the intersection of all visual pyramids, made by any assigned plane (the center, distance, and lights being determined), may be represented by lines and proper colors. A notable art this is, and it would require a whole volume to declare its nature and the benefits ensuing from it. Great skill of geometry, arithmetic, perspective, and anthropography, with many other particular arts, the draftsman needs for his perfection. For the most excellent painter (who is but the proper mechanic and the sensible imitator of the draftsman) has attained to such perfection that the senses of men and beasts have judged painted things to be natural and not artificial, alive and not dead. This mechanical draftsman (commonly called the painter) is marvelous in his skill, and seems to have a certain divine power: to make of absent friends a friendly, present comfort; yes, and of dead friends to give a continual, silent presence, not only with us but with our posterity for many ages.

And so proceeding, consider: in winter he can show you the lively view of summer's joy and riches, and in summer present the face of winter's doleful state and nakedness. Cities, towns, forts, woods, armies, yes whole kingdoms (however distant or great) he can easily bring home with him (into anyone's judgment) as living patterns of the things rehearsed. In one little house he can enclose (to the great pleasure of the beholders) the lively portrait of all visible creatures: those on earth or living under the earth; or in the waters, lying, creeping, sliding, or swimming; or any bird or fly flying in the air. Even set against the stars, the sky, the clouds, yes, in the very appearance of light itself (that divine creature), can he match the judgment of our eyes most nearly. What a thing this is! Things that do not yet exist he can represent so that, when they do exist, the picture seems (in a manner) to have created them. To what craftsman is painting not a great pleasure and benefit? Which of them all would refuse the direction and aid of painting? The architect, the goldsmith, and the tapestry weaver hold painting in high regard. Our vivid herbals, our portraits of birds, beasts, and fishes, and our elaborate anatomies, in what way are they most perfectly made, or beheld by us with most pleasure? Is it not by painting alone? And if painting, by the painter's industry, is so beneficial and marvelous, what shall be thought of drawing, the schoolmaster of painting and its chief governor? Though I do not mention sculpture in my table of mathematical arts, yet all men may perceive how painting and sculpture are full sisters, and both very profitable in a commonwealth. And of sculpture, as much as of painting, excellent craftsmen have written large books in its praise. I take as witnesses Georgio Vasari, Pittore Aretino; of Pomponius Gauricus; and others. To these two arts (and others) a certain odd art called Althalmasat owes much, more than the ordinary sculptor, carver, cutter, engraver, founder, or painter, etc., knows his art to owe.

Architecture

(An objection.)

Architecture, to many may seme not worthy, or not mete, to be reckned among the Artes 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 the Artes 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 those Artes 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, the Architect procureth, enformeth, & directeth, the Mechanicien, to handworke, & the building actuall, of house, Castell, or Pallace, and is chief Iudge of the same: yet, with him selfe (as chief Master and Architect,) remaineth the Demonstratiue reason and cause, of the Mechaniciens worke: in Lyne, plaine, and Solid: by Geometricall, Arithmeticall, Opticall, Musicall, Astronomicall, Cosmographicall” (& to be brief) by all the former Deriued Artes Mathematicall, and other Naturall Artes, hable to be confirmed and stablished. If this be so: then, may you thinke, that Architecture, hath good and due allowance, in this honest Company of Artes Mathematicall Deriuatiue. I will, herein, craue Iudgement of two most perfect Architectes: the one, being Vitruuius, the Romaine: who did write ten bookes thereof, to the Emperour Augustus (in whose daies our Heauenly Archemaster, was borne): and the other, Leo Baptista Albertus, a Florentine: who also published ten bookes therof. Architectura (sayth Vitruuius) 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 at[que] explicare 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, Cæli[que]

rationes 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 excellent Architect. 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 called φυσιολογία) 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 y^e Grecians call ηχεῖα) are ordred according to Musicall Symphonies & Harmonies: being distributed in y^e Circuites, 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 y^t increasing, might come more cleare & pleasant, to y^e eares of the lokers on. &c. And of Astronomie, is knowẽ y^e East, 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 the suddeyne. 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 Incõparable Architect 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 is Geometrie, 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 of Architecture. Sed ante[que] vltra 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 may be had, 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, y^e whole 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 Master Baptist, that you haue so aptly brought your Arte, and phrase therof, to haue some Mathematicall perfection:

by certaine order, nũber, forme, figure, and Symmetrie mentall:” all naturall & sensible stuffe set a part. Now, then, it is euident, (Gentle reader) how aptely and worthely, I haue preferred Architecture, to be bred and fostered vp in the Dominion of the pereles Princesse, Mathematica: and to be a naturall Subiect of hers. And the name of Architecture, is of the principalitie, which this Science hath, aboue all other Artes. And Plato affirmeth, the Architect to be Master ouer all, that make any worke. Wherupon, he is neither Smith, nor Builder: nor, separately, any Artificer: but the Hed, the Prouost, the Directer, and Iudge of all Artificiall workes, and all Artificers. For, the true Architect, 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, is Architecture: 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 of Wisedome, or Honestie, or of Frendeshyp or of Iustice. No more will I consent, to Diminish any whit, of the perfection and dignitie, (by iust cause) allowed to absolute Architecture. Vnder the Direction of this Arte, are thre principall, necessary Mechanicall Artes. Namely, Howsing, Fortification, and Naupegie. Howsing, I vnderstand, both for Diuine Seruice, and Mans common vsage: publike, and priuate. Of Fortification and Naupegie, 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 the Power 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.

(An objection.)

Architecture seems to many not worthy, or not fit, to be reckoned among the mathematical arts. To them I think it good to give some account of my doing so. Not worthy, they will say, because it is only for the building of a house, palace, church, fort, or such like gross works. And you also defined the mathematical arts to be such as dealt with no material or corruptible thing, and also did demonstratively proceed in their faculty by number or magnitude. First,

(The answer.)

You see that I count Architecture here among those mathematical arts which are derived from the principal arts; and you know that such may deal with natural things and sensible matter. Of which, "some draw nearer to simple and absolute mathematical speculation than others do.

And though the architect procures, informs, and directs the mechanic in the handwork and the actual building of house, castle, or palace, and is chief judge of the same, yet with himself (as chief master and architect) remains the demonstrative reason and cause of the mechanic's work: in line, plane, and solid; by geometric, arithmetic, optic, musical, astronomical, cosmographic" (to be brief) by all the former derived mathematical arts and other natural arts, able to be confirmed and established. If this be so, then you may think that Architecture has good and due allowance in this honest company of derived mathematical arts. I will here crave the judgment of two most perfect architects: the one, Vitruvius the Roman, who wrote ten books of it to the Emperor Augustus (in whose days our heavenly Archemaster was born); and the other, Leo Baptista Albertus, a Florentine, who also published ten books of it. Architecture (says Vitruvius) is a science garnished with many doctrines and diverse instructions, by whose judgment all works finished by other workmen are judged. It follows: Architecture grows of framing and reasoning, etc. Reasoning is that which, of things framed with forecast and proportion, can make demonstration and manifest declaration. Again: In all things, therefore chiefly in Architecture, these two things are: the thing signified, and that which signifies. The thing propounded, of which we speak, is the thing signified. But demonstration, expressed with the reasons of diverse doctrines, signifies the same thing. After that: An architect (says he) ought to understand languages, to be skilled in painting, well instructed in geometry, not ignorant of perspective, furnished with arithmetic, to have knowledge of many histories, and diligently to have heard philosophers, to have skill in music, not ignorant of medicine, to know the answers of lawyers, and to have astronomy and the courses of the heavens in good knowledge. He gives orderly reason why all these arts, doctrines, and instructions are requisite in an excellent architect. And (for brevity) omitting the Latin text, thus he has it. Secondly, it is helpful for an architect to have the knowledge of painting: that he may the more easily fashion out, in painted patterns, the form of whatever work he likes. And geometry gives to architecture many helps: and first teaches the use of the rule and the compass, by which (chiefly and easily) the descriptions of buildings are dispatched in ground plans, and the directions of squares, levels, and lines. Likewise, by perspective, the lights of the sky are well led in buildings from certain quarters of the world. By arithmetic the charges of buildings are summed together, the measures are expressed, and the hard questions of symmetries are discoursed on by geometric means and methods, etc. Besides this, of the nature of things (which in Greek is called φυσιολογία) philosophy makes declaration. Which it is necessary for an architect diligently to have learned, because it has many and diverse natural questions, as especially in aqueducts. For in their courses, their leadings about in the level ground and in the mountings, the natural spirits or breaths are engendered diverse ways. The hindrances which they cause no man can help, but he who out of philosophy has learned the original causes of things. Likewise, whoever shall read Ctesibius or Archimedes' books (and others who have written such rules) cannot think as they do, unless he shall have received from philosophers instruction in these things. And he must know music too, that he may have understanding both of regular and mathematical music: that he may tune well his ballistas, catapults, and scorpions, etc. Moreover, the bronze vessels which in theaters are placed by mathematical order in niches beneath the steps, and the diversities of the sounds (which the Greeks call ηχεῖα) are ordered according to musical symphonies and harmonies, being distributed through the compass by Diatessaron, Diapente, and Diapason: so that the fitting voice of the players' sound, coming to these preparations made in order and there being increased, might with that increase come more clear and pleasant to the ears of the listeners, etc. And by astronomy are known the east, west, south, and north; the fashion of the sky, the equinox, the solstice, and the course of the stars. Which things, unless one knows, he cannot perceive anything at all of the reason of horologies. Seeing therefore this ample science is garnished, beautified, and stored with so many and sundry skills and knowledges, I think that none can justly account themselves architects all at once. But only those who, from their childhood years, ascending by these degrees of knowledge, being fostered up with the attainment of many languages and arts, have won their way to the high tabernacle of architecture, etc. And to whom nature has given such quick discernment, sharpness of wit, and memory that they may be thoroughly skilled in geometry, astronomy, music, and the rest of the mathematical arts: such surpass and pass the calling and state of architects:

(A mathematician.)

and have become mathematicians, etc. And they are found seldom. As in times past was Aristarchus Samius; Philolaus and Archytas, Tarentines; Apollonius Pergaeus; Eratosthenes Cyreneus; Archimedes and Scopas, Syracusians. Who also left to their posterity many engines and gnomonical works, invented and declared by numbers and natural means.

Thus much, and the same words (in sense) in one single chapter of this incomparable architect Vitruvius shall you find. And if you should but take his book in hand and look through it ever so slightly, you would say at once:

(Vitruvius.)

This is geometry, arithmetic, astronomy, music, anthropography, Hydragogie, horometry, etc. And (to conclude) the storehouse of all workmanship. Now let us listen to our other judge, our Florentine Leo Baptista, and narrowly consider how he determines of architecture. But before I proceed any further (says he) I think that I ought to express what man I would have allowed an architect. For I will not bring in place a carpenter, as though you might compare him to the chief masters of other arts. For the hand of the carpenter is the architect's instrument.

(Who is an architect.)

But I will appoint the architect to be "that man who has the skill (by a certain and marvelous means and way) both in mind and imagination to determine, and also in work to finish, whatever works, by motion of weight and the coupling and framing together of bodies, may most aptly be made useful for the worthiest uses of man." And that he may be able to perform these things he needs attainment and knowledge of the best and most worthy things, etc. The whole practice of architecture in building consists in lineaments and in framing. And the whole power and skill of lineaments tends to this: that the right and absolute way may be had of adapting and joining lines and angles, by which the face of the building or frame may be comprehended and concluded. And it is the property of lineaments to prescribe to buildings and every part of them a fitting place and certain number: a worthy manner and a seemly order: that so the whole form and figure of the building may rest in the very lineaments, etc. And we may prescribe in mind and imagination the entire forms,

(The immateriality of perfect architecture.)

all material stuff being excluded. Which point we shall attain by noting and forepointing the angles and lines by a sure and certain direction and connection. Seeing then that these things are thus:

(What lineament is.)

Lineament shall be the certain and constant prescribing, conceived in mind: made in lines and angles: and finished with a learned mind and wit. "We thank you, Master Baptist, that you have so aptly brought your art and the phrase of it to a certain mathematical perfection:

by certain order, number, form, figure, and mental symmetry:" all natural and sensible stuff set aside. Now, then, it is evident, gentle reader, how aptly and worthily I have preferred Architecture to be bred and fostered in the dominion of the peerless princess Mathematics, and to be a natural subject of hers. And the name of Architecture comes from the principality which this science has above all other arts. And Plato affirms the architect to be master over all who make any work. So he is neither smith nor builder, nor separately any craftsman, but the head, provost, director, and judge of all artificial works and all craftsmen. For the true architect is able to teach, demonstrate, distribute, describe, and judge all works wrought. And he alone searches out the causes and reasons of all artificial things. Thus excellent is architecture, though few in our days attain to it; yet the art must not be thought of as anything less than it truly deserves. Nor may we make new and imperfect definitions of ancient arts in our days, for scarcity of craftsmen: no more than we may cut short the definitions of wisdom, or honesty, or friendship, or justice. Neither will I consent to diminish any whit of the perfection and dignity (by just cause) allowed to absolute architecture. Under the direction of this art are three principal, necessary mechanical arts. Namely housing, fortification, and shipbuilding. By housing I understand buildings both for divine service and human common use, public and private. Of fortification and shipbuilding strange matter might be told you; but perhaps some will be tired with this long list already rehearsed, and others will finely pick apart my coarse, homely discourse written in haste, for fear you should lack this true and friendly warning, and this foretaste of mathematical power. Life is short and uncertain; times are perilous, etc. And with the printer still waiting while my pen lingers: all these things, with further matter of ingratitude, give me occasion to move on to the other arts remaining, with all speed possible.

Navigation

The Arte of Nauigation, 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, the Master Pilote, hath of other Artes, here before recited, it is easie to know: as, of Hydrographie, Astronomie, Astrologie, and Horometrie. Presupposing continually, the common Base, and foundacion of all: namely Arithmetike and Geometrie. 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 Compasses

(Anno. 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 (as Plato sayth,) Mutationes, opportunitates[que] temporum presentire, non minus rei militari, quàm Agriculturæ, Nauigationi[que] conuenit. 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) Virgilius teacheth, in hys Georgikes. Where he sayth,

(Sidenote: Georgic. 1.)

Sol quo[que] & 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, nimbis[que] videbis Feruere: non illa quisquam me nocte per altum Ire, ne[que] a 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, how Mathematicall, the Arte of Nauigation, is: and how it nedeth and also vseth other Mathematicall Artes: And now, if I would go about to speake of the manifold Commodities, commyng to this Land, and others, by Shypps and Nauigation, you might thinke, that I catch at occasions, to vse many wordes, where no nede is.

Yet, this one thyng may I, (iustly) say. In Nauigation, 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 for Nauigation, 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, (either Westerly, by Cape de Paramantia: or Esterly, aboue Noua Zemla, and the Cyremisses) 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. 1569)

Yet, 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 that Trade and Voyage: 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.

The art of Navigation demonstrates how a sufficient ship, between any two places assigned (in navigable passage), may be conducted by the shortest good way, by the aptest direction, and in the shortest time; and in all storms and natural disturbances that may happen, how to use the best possible means to recover the place first assigned. What need the master pilot has of the other arts recited before is easy to know: of hydrography, astronomy, astrology, and horometry; always presupposing the common base and foundation of all, namely arithmetic and geometry. So that he is able to understand and judge his own necessary instruments and necessary equipment, whether they are perfectly made or not, and also can, if need be, make them himself: quadrants, the astronomer's ring, the astronomer's staff, the universal astrolabe, a hydrographical globe, true hydrographical charts (not with parallel meridians), the common sea compass, the compass of variation, the proportional and paradoxical compasses.

(Year 1559.)

(Invented by me for our two Moscouy master pilots, at the request of the Company) clocks with springs: hour, half-hour, and three-hour sand glasses, and sundry other instruments; and also to be able, on globe or plane, to describe the paradoxical compass, and duly to use the same to all manner of purposes for which it was invented; and also to be able to calculate the planets' places for all times.

Moreover, with sun, moon, or star (or without them) he is able to define the longitude and latitude of the place which he is in; so that the longitude and latitude of the place from which he sailed be given, or known to him. To which belong expert means of always being certain of the ship's course, and so on. And by foreseeing the rising, setting, culmination at noon, or culmination at midnight of certain tempestuous fixed stars, or their conjunctions and angles with the planets, and so on, he ought to have expert conjecture of storms, tempests, and waterspouts, and such like meteorological effects, dangerous at sea. For, as Plato says, To foresee the alterations and opportunities of times is fitting no less to the art of war than to husbandry and navigation. And besides such skillful means, more evident tokens in sun and moon ought to be known to him: such as the philosophical poet Virgilius teaches in his Georgics, where he says:

(Georgic. 1.)

The sun also, both at his rising and when he sinks into the waves, will give signs; the surest signs follow the sun, etc. … For often we see that on his very face various colors wander. Blue, he announces rain; fiery, the east winds. But if spots begin to mingle with the ruddy fire, then you will see everything alike seething with wind and storm clouds: on such a night let no one urge me to go out over the deep, or to pull up the cable from the land, etc. The sun will give you signs. Who would dare call the sun false? … etc.

And so of moon, stars, water, air, fire, wood, stones, birds, and beasts, and of many things else, a certain sympathetic forewarning may be had, sometimes to great pleasure and profit, both on sea and land. Enough for my present purpose it appears from the premises how mathematical the art of navigation is, and how it needs and also uses other mathematical arts. And now, if I should go about to speak of the many benefits coming to this land and others by ships and navigation, you might think that I catch at occasions to use many words where none are needed.

Yet this one thing may I justly say: in navigation, none ought to take greater care to be skillful than our English pilots. And perhaps some would attempt more, and others more willingly would help, if they knew for certain what privilege God had endowed this island with, by reason of a situation most convenient for navigation to places most famous and rich. And though,

(Year 1567 S. H. G.)

(Of late) a young gentleman, a courageous captain, was in great readiness, with good hope and strong grounds of confidence, to have ventured on a discovery (either westward, by Cape de Paramantia; or eastward, above Nova Zemla and the Cyremisses), and was, at the very near time of attempting it, called and employed otherwise, both then and since, in great good service to his country, as the Irish rebels have experienced:

(Year 1569)

Yet I say, though the same gentleman does not hereafter deal with the matter, someone or other should attend to it; and by good advice and careful discretion, little by little, gain sufficient knowledge of that trade and voyage; which now I would be sorry, through carelessness, lack of skill and courage, should remain unknown and unheard of. Seeing also that, in this matter, we are half challenged by the learned and half requested to publish. From this, truly, might grow benefit, to this land chiefly, and to the rest of the Christian commonwealth, far surpassing all riches and worldly treasure.

Thaumaturgike, 1

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, this Wonder-worke is wrought. Some, by Pneumatithmie. As the workes of Ctesibius and Hero, Some by waight. wherof Timæus speaketh. Some, by Stringes strayned, or Springs, therwith Imitating liuely Motions. Some, by other meanes, as the Images of Mercurie: and the brasen hed, made by Albertus Magnus, which dyd seme to speake. Boethius was excellent in these feates. To whom, Cassiodorus writyng, 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 (Orontius beyng 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 by Perspectiue also straunge thinges, are done. As partly (before) I gaue you to vnderstand in Perspectiue. 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 sayd Claudius 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. Of Archimedes Sphære, Cicero witnesseth.

(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 by Claudianus report hereof. Who affirmeth this Archimedes worke, to haue ben of Glasse. And discourseth of it more at large: which I omit. The Doue of wood, which the Mathematicien Archytas did make to flye, is by Agellius spoken of. Of Dædalus straunge Images, Plato reporteth. Homere of Vulcans Selfmouers, (by secret wheles) leaueth in writyng. Aristotle, in hys Politikes, of both, maketh mention. Meruaylous was the workemanshyp, of late dayes, performed by good skill of Trochilike. &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 a Coniurer? 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 meane space, 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 Frog?

(* A prouerb. Fayre fisht, and caught 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 of damnation? 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. Pacient Socrates, his Apologie will testifie: Apuleius his Apologies, will declare the Brutishnesse of the Multitude. Ioannes Picus, Earle of Mirandula, his Apologie will teach you, of the Raging slaunder of the Malicious Ignorant against him. Ioannes Trithemius, his Apologie will 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 terme Coniuring. 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. Such Frendes and Fondlinges, 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 my behalf, with the light & vntrue tounged, my enuious Aduersaries, or Fond frends. And farther, I would wishe, that at leysor, you would consider, how Basilius Magnus, layeth Moses and Daniel, before the eyes of those, which count all such Studies Philosophicall (as mine hath bene) to be vngodly, or vnprofitable. Waye well S. Stephen his witnesse of Moses.

(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, which Moses had, to be nothing misliked of the Holy Ghost. Yet Plinius hath recorded, Moses to be a wicked Magicien. And that (of force) must be, either for this Philosophicall wisedome, learned, before his calling to the leading of the Children of Israel: or for those his wonders, wrought before King Pharao, after he had the conducting of the Israelites. As concerning the first, you perceaue, how S. Stephen, at his Martyrdome (being full of the Holy Ghost) in his Recapitulation of the olde Testament, hath made mention of Moses Philosophie: with good liking of it: And Basilius Magnus also, auoucheth it, to haue bene to Moses profitable (and therefore, I say, to the Church of God, necessary). But as cõcerning Moses wonders, done before King Pharao: 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, Plinius hath slaundered Moses,

(Lib. 30. Cap. 1.)

of vayne fraudulent Magike, 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 to Plinie, “take good heede, least they ouershoote them selues rashly,” in

(☞)

Iudging of Philosophers straunge Actes: and the Meanes, how they are done.

Thaumaturgike is that mathematical art which gives a certain order to make strange works, to be perceived by the sense, and greatly to be wondered at by men. By sundry means this wonder-work is wrought: some by Pneumatithmie, as the works of Ctesibius and Hero; some by weight, of which Timæus speaks; some by strings strained or springs, by that imitating lively motions; some by other means, as the images of Mercurie, and the brazen head made by Albertus Magnus which seemed to speak. Boethius was excellent in these feats. To whom Cassiodorus, writing, says, "Your purpose is to know profound things and to show marvels. By the disposition of your art, metals bellow: Diomedes of brass blows a trumpet loud: a brazen serpent hisses: made birds sing sweetly. Small things we rehearse of you, who can imitate heaven, and so on." Of the strange self-moving which, at Saint Denys by Paris,

(Year 1551)

I saw, once or twice (Orontius being then with me, in company); it would be too strange to tell. But some have written it; and yet, I hope, it is there to be seen by others. And by perspective also strange things are done, as partly before I gave you to understand in perspective: as, to see in the air aloft the lively image of another man, either walking to and fro or standing still; likewise, to come into a house and there see the lively show of gold, silver, or precious stones, and coming to take them in your hand, find nothing but air. By this have some men (in all other matters counted wise) badly overshot themselves, misjudging the means. Therefore said Claudius Cælestinus:

(On those things that happen marvelously in the world. Chapter 8.)

Nowadays we see some men, yes of great learning and reputation, judge certain works to be marvelous, above the power of nature; of which works one skilled in perspective might easily have given the cause. Of Archimedes' sphere, Cicero bears witness.

(Tusculan Disputations 1.)

Which is very strange to think on. For when Archimedes, says he, fastened in a sphere the movements of the sun, moon, and of the five other planets, he did as the god who (in Timæus of Plato) made the world: that, with one turning, he should rule motions most unlike in slowness and swiftness. But a greater cause for wondering we have from Claudianus' report of this, who affirms this work of Archimedes to have been of glass, and discourses of it more at length, which I omit. The dove of wood, which the mathematician Archytas made to fly, is spoken of by Agellius. Of Dædalus' strange images Plato reports. Homere, of Vulcan's self-movers (by secret wheels), leaves in writing. Aristotle, in his Politics, makes mention of both. Marvelous was the workmanship, in late days, performed by good skill of Trochilike, and so on. For in Noremberge a fly of iron, let out of the artisan's hand, did, as it were, fly about among the guests at the table, and at length, as though it were weary, return to its master's hand again. Moreover, an artificial eagle was ordered to fly out of the same town a mighty way, and that aloft in the air, toward the emperor coming there, and followed him when he had come to the gate of the town.

(☞)

Thus you see what the mathematical art can perform, when skill, will, industry, and ability are duly applied to proof.

(A Digression.)

And for these, and such like marvelous acts and feats, naturally, mathematically, and mechanically wrought and contrived:

(Apologeticall.)

ought any honest student and modest Christian philosopher be counted and called a conjurer? Shall the folly of idiots and the malice of the scornful so much prevail, that he who seeks no worldly gain or glory at their hands, but only from God the treasure of heavenly wisdom and knowledge of pure truth, shall he, I say, in the meantime be robbed and despoiled of his honest name and fame? He who seeks (by S. Paul's admonition) in the creatures' properties and wonderful virtues to find just cause to glorify the eternal and almighty Creator by: shall that man be (in secret) condemned as a companion of the hellhounds, and a caller and conjurer of wicked and damned spirits? He who bewails his great want of time, enough (to his satisfaction) to learn godly wisdom and godly truths in, and sets all his delight only in that: will that man lose and abuse his time in dealing with the chief enemy of Christ our Redeemer: the deadly foe of all humankind, the subtle and impudent perverter of godly truth, the hypocritical crocodile, the envious basilisk, continually desirous, in the twinkling of an eye, to destroy all humankind, both body and soul, eternally? Surely (for my part, somewhat to say in this) I have not learned to make so brutish and so wicked a bargain. Should I, for my twenty or twenty-five years of study: for two or three thousand marks spent: for seven or eight thousand miles gone and traveled, only for good learning's sake; and that in all manner of weather: in all manner of ways and passages: both early and late: in danger of violence by man: in danger of destruction by wild beasts: in hunger: in thirst: in perilous heat by day, with toil on foot: in dangerous damp colds by night, almost depriving life (as God knows): with lodgings often to little ease, and sometimes to less security; and for much more than all this done and suffered, for learning and the attainment of wisdom: should I, I ask you, for all this, no otherwise nor more warily (or by God's mercy no more luckily), have fished with so large and costly a net, so long a time in drawing (and that with the help and advice of Lady Philosophy and Queen Theology), but at length to have caught and drawn up a frog?

(A proverb. Fair fished, and caught a frog.)

No, a devil? For, so, does the common peevish prattler imagine and jangle; and so does the malicious scorner secretly wish, and bravely and boldly face down behind my back. Ah, what a miserable thing is this kind of men! How great is the blindness and boldness of the multitude in things above their capacity? What a land: what a people: what manners: what times are these? Have they become devils themselves, and, by false witness bearing against their neighbor, would they also become murderers? Does God so long give them respite, to reclaim themselves from this horrible slandering of the guiltless, contrary to their own consciences, and yet will they not cease? Does the innocent forbear calling them to answer him juridically, according to the rigor of the laws, and will they despise his charitable patience? As they, against him, by name, forge, fable, rage, and raise slander by word and print, will they provoke him, by word and print likewise, to note their names to the world, with their particular devices, fables, beastly imaginations, and unchristian-like slanders? Well, well. O you who are such, my unkind countrymen: O unnatural countrymen: O unthankful countrymen: O brainsick, rash, spiteful, and disdainful countrymen. Why do you oppress me so violently with your slandering of me, contrary to truth and contrary to your own consciences? And I, to this hour, neither by word, deed, or thought, have been in any way harmful, damaging, or injurious to you or yours? Have I so long, so dearly, so far, so carefully, so painfully, so dangerously sought and traveled for the learning of wisdom, and the attaining of virtue; and in the end (in your judgment) have I become worse than when I began? Worse than a madman? A dangerous member of the commonwealth, and no member of the church of Christ? Is this what you call being learned? Is this what you call being a philosopher, and a lover of wisdom? To forsake the straight heavenly way, and to wallow in the broad way of damnation? To forsake the light of heavenly wisdom, and to lurk in the dungeon of the prince of darkness? To forsake the truth of God and his creatures, and to fawn upon the impudent, crafty, obstinate liar, and continual disgracer of God's truth, to the utmost of his power? To forsake the life and bliss eternal, and to cleave to the author of everlasting death: that murderous tyrant most greedily awaiting the prey of a human soul? Well, I thank God and our Lord Jesus Christ, for the comfort which I have by the examples of other men before my time: to whom, neither in godliness of life nor in perfection of learning, I am worthy to be compared; and yet they sustained the very same injuries that I do, or rather greater. Patient Socrates, his Apology, will testify: Apuleius, his Apologies, will declare the brutishness of the multitude. Ioannes Picus, Earl of Mirandula, his Apology will teach you of the raging slander of the malicious ignorant against him. Ioannes Trithemius, his Apology will specify how he had occasion to make public protestation, as much by reason of the rude and simple, as also in respect of those who were counted to be of the wisest sort of men. "Many could I recite: but I defer the precise and determined handling of this matter, being loth to detect the folly and malice of my native countrymen.

(☞)

Who so hardly can digest or like any extraordinary course of philosophical studies: not falling within the compass of their capacity: or where they are not made privy of the true and secret cause of such wonderful philosophical feats." These men are of four sorts, chiefly: the first I may name, vain prattling busybodies; the second, fond friends; the third, imperfectly zealous; and the fourth, malicious ignorant. To each of these (briefly and in charity) I will say a word or two, and so return to my Preface.

(1.)

Vain prattling busybodies: use your idle assemblies and conferences otherwise than in talk of matter either above your capacities for hardness, or contrary to your consciences in truth.

(2.)

Fond friends, leave off so to commend your unacquainted friend upon blind affection: as, because he knows more than the common student, that therefore he must necessarily be skillful and a doer in such matter and manner as you term conjuring. You think by that that you advance his fame, and that you make other men marvel greatly at your luck, to have such a learned friend. Cease to ascribe impiety where you pretend amity. For, if your tongues were true, then would that friend of yours be untrue both to God and his sovereign. Such friends and fondlings, I shake off and renounce you: shake off your folly.

(3.)

Imperfectly zealous, to you I say: that perhaps well you mean, but far you miss the mark: if a lamb you will kill to feed the flock with his blood. Sheep, with lamb's blood, have no natural sustenance: no more is Christ's flock duly edified with horrible slanders. Nor is your fair pretense any whit well graced by such rash ragged rhetoric. But such as so use me will find a foul crack in their credit. Speak what you know: and know as you ought: do not know by hearsay when life lies in danger. Search to the quick, and let charity be your guide.

(4.)

Malicious ignorant, what shall I say to you? Keep your tongue from evil. Refrain your tongue from slander. Though your tongues be sharpened serpent-like, and adders' poison lie in your lips:

(Psalm 140.)

yet take heed, and in time think to yourself: A man of loose tongue shall not be established in the land. Evil shall hunt the violent man until he is cast down. For I am sure that the Lord will do justice for the afflicted, and vengeance for the poor.

Thus I require you, my assured friends and countrymen (you mathematicians, mechanicians, and philosophers, charitable and discrete), to deal in my behalf with the frivolous and untrue-tongued, my envious adversaries or fond friends. And farther, I would wish that at leisure you would consider how Basilius Magnus lays Moses and Daniel before the eyes of those who count all such philosophical studies (as mine has been) ungodly or unprofitable. Weigh well S. Stephen's witness of Moses.

(Act. 7. C.)

Moses was instructed in all manner of wisdom of the Egyptians: and he was of power both in his words and works. You see this philosophical power and wisdom, which Moses had, to be in no way disapproved by the Holy Ghost. Yet Plinius has recorded Moses to be a wicked magician. And that of necessity must be either for this philosophical wisdom, learned before his calling to the leading of the children of Israel, or for those his wonders, wrought before King Pharao, after he had the conducting of the Israelites. As concerning the first, you perceive how S. Stephen, at his martyrdom (being full of the Holy Ghost), in his recapitulation of the old testament, made mention of Moses' philosophy, with good liking of it: and Basilius Magnus also avouches it to have been profitable to Moses (and therefore, I say, to the church of God, necessary). But as concerning Moses' wonders, done before King Pharao: God himself said: See that you do all those wonders before Pharao, which I have put in your hand. Thus you evidently perceive how rashly Plinius has slandered Moses,

(Book 30, chapter 1.)

of vain fraudulent magic, saying: There is also another sect of magic, depending on Moses, Jannes, and Iotape, and the Jews, but many thousands of years after Zoroaster. etc.

(1.)

Let all such, therefore, who, in judgment and skill of philosophy, are far inferior to Plinie, "take good heed, for fear that they overshoot themselves rashly," in

(☞)

judging of philosophers' strange acts, and the means how they are done.

Thaumaturgike, 2

(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.

(2.)

But much more ought they to beware of forging, devising, and imagining monstrous feats and wonderful works when and where none such were done: not even a spark or likelihood of such as they report without any shame.

(3.)

And, to conclude, most of all let them be ashamed before men and afraid of the dreadful and just Judge: both for foolishly or maliciously devising such things, and then devilishly fathering their newly contrived monsters on me, though I am innocent in hand and heart, as though I had trespassed against the law of God or of man in any of my studies or exercises, philosophical or mathematical—which I hope will in due time be more manifest.

Archemastrie

Now end I, with Archemastrie. 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 considered Architecture, in respect of all common handworkes: some light may you haue, therby, to vnderstand the Souerainty and propertie of this Science. Science I may call it, rather, then an Arte: for the excellency and Mastershyp it hath, ouer so many, and so mighty Artes and Sciences. And bycause it procedeth by Experiences, and searcheth forth the causes of Conclusions, by Experiences: and also putteth the Conclusions them selues, in Experience, it is named of some, Scientia Experimentalis. The Experimentall Science. Nicolaus Cusanus termeth it so, in hys Experimentes Statikall, And an other Philosopher,

of this land Natiue (the floure of whose worthy fame, can neuer dye nor wither) did write therof largely, at the request of Clement 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 by Experience complete and absolute: and other Artes, with their Argumentes, and Demonstrations, persuade: and in wordes, proue very well their Conclusions. *

(☞)

But wordes, 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 in Experience: but neither, all, that they may: nor yet sufficiently, and to the vtmost, those, which they do, There, then, the Archemaster steppeth in, and leadeth forth on, the Experiences, by order of his doctrine Experimentall, to the chief and finall power of Naturall and Mathematicall Artes. Of two or three men, in whom, this Description of Archemastry was Experimentally, 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 the Science 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, commeth Ars Sintrillia, by Artephius, 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 the Artes 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 of Geometrie, called Euclides 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 the Vniuersities, 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 Italian Vniuersities, as Academia 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, by Frater Lucas de Burgo, or by Nicolaus Tartalea, who in vulgar Italian language, haue published, not onely Euclides Geometrie, but of Archimedes somewhat: and in Arithmetike and Practicall Geometrie, very large volumes, all in their vulgar speche. Nor in Germany haue the famous Vniuersities, any thing bene discontent with Albertus Durerus, his Geometricall Institutions in Dutch: or with Gulielmus Xylander, his learned translation of the first sixe bookes of Euclide, out of the Greke into the high Dutch. Nor with Gualterus H. Riffius, his Geometricall Volume: very diligently translated into the high Dutch tounge, and published. Nor yet the Vniuersities of Spaine, or Portugall, thinke their reputation to be decayed: or suppose any their Studies to be hindred by the Excellent P. 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 the Vniuersitie, shall (or may) be, now (according to Plato his Counsell) sufficiently instructed in Arithmetike and Geometrie, for the better and easier learning of all maner of Philosophie, Academicall, or Peripateticall. 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 the Vniuersities to 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 the Vniuersities haue, by reason of this Englishe Geometrie, 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 the Mathematicall Sciences onely, 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 any Apologie, 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 the Sciences and Artes 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 the Groundplatt of 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 am sure) in part of recompence, (for my earnest and sincere good will to pleasure you), Consider the rockish huge mountaines, and the perilous vnbeaten wayes, which (both night and day, for the while) it hath toyled and labored through, to bryng you this good Newes, and Comfortable profe, of Vertues frute.

So, I Commit you vnto Gods Mercyfull direction, for the rest: hartely besechyng hym, to prosper your Studyes, and honest Intentes: to his Glory, & the Commodity of our Countrey. Amen.

Written at my poore House At Mortlake.

Anno. 1570. February. 9.

J. DEE

Now I end, with Archemastrie. The name is not so new as the art is rare; for another art, a degree below this in skill and power, had already been given this English name. And yet this will serve our purpose well enough for now. This art teaches how to bring to actual sensible experience all worthy conclusions proposed by all the mathematical arts and concluded by true natural philosophy; and it both adds to them a further scope in the terms of the same arts, and also by its own method and in peculiar terms proceeds, with the help of the aforesaid arts, to the performance of complete experiences which of no particular art can formally be challenged. If you remember how we considered architecture in respect of all common handiworks, some light you may have from that toward understanding the sovereignty and property of this science. I may call it a science rather than an art, for the excellence and mastery it has over so many and so mighty arts and sciences. And because it proceeds by experiences, and searches out the causes of conclusions by experiences, and also puts the conclusions themselves into experience, it is named by some the Experimental Science. Nicolaus Cusanus calls it so in his Statical Experiments, and another philosopher, native to this land (the flower of whose worthy fame can never die nor wither), wrote at length on it at the request of Clement the Sixth. The art carries with it wonderful credit, for it certifies sensibly, fully, and completely, to the utmost power of nature and art. This art certifies by complete and absolute experience; other arts, with their arguments and demonstrations, persuade, and in words prove their conclusions very well.

But words and arguments are no sensible certification, nor the full and final fruit of the sciences as they are practiced. And though some arts have experiences in them, yet they are not complete, nor brought to the utmost they may be stretched to and applied sensibly. As for example: the natural philosopher disputes and makes a goodly show of reason; and the astronomer and the optical mechanician put some things into experience—but neither all that they may, nor yet those they do, sufficiently and to the utmost. There then the Archemaster steps in, and leads the experiences on, by order of his experimental doctrine, to the chief and final power of natural and mathematical arts. Of two or three men in whom this description of Archemastry was experimentally verified, I have read and heard, and there is good record of such perfection in them. So that this art is no fantastic imagination—as some sophister, with his Insolubles, might flourish, and dazzle your imagination, and dash your honest desire and courage from believing these things so unheard-of, so marvelous, and of such importance. Well: as you will. I have warned you. I have done the part of a friend: I have discharged my duty toward God, for my small talent received at his most merciful hands. To this science does the science Alnirangiat render great service. Do not wonder at this name: I do not change a name so used, and published in print by others, being a name proper to the science. Under this comes Ars Sintrillia [title unclear in the source], briefly written by Artephius. But the chief science of the Archemaster (in this world) as yet known is another (as it were) optical science: of which the name shall be told (God willing) when I shall have some more just occasion to discourse of it.

Here I must end, thus abruptly (gentle friend, and unfeigned lover of honest and necessary verities). For they who have, for your sake and virtue's cause, requested me (an old, worn-out mathematician) to take pen in hand (through the confidence they placed in my long experience and tried sincerity), for the declaring and reporting somewhat of the fruit and commodity to be attained by the mathematical arts: even they, sore against their wills, are forced, for sundry causes, to satisfy the workman's request by ending without delay; he so fears this so new an attempt, and so costly, and in a matter so slenderly hitherto considered or esteemed among the common sort of students.

And since I was urged to set forth some reason why, in our vulgar speech, this part of the principal science of geometry, called Euclid's Geometrical Elements, is published for your handling—you who have no Latin, and are not university scholars—truly, I think it needless.

(1.)

For the honor and estimation of the universities and graduates is hereby nothing diminished, seeing that from them, and by those they have reared, you receive all this benefit, however great it be.

(2.)

Neither are their studies in the least hindered: no more than the Italian universities, as the academies of Bologna, Ferrara, Florence, Milan, Padua, Pavia, Perugia, Pisa, Rome, and Siena, or any one of them, find themselves at all disgraced, or their studies anything hindered, by Friar Lucas de Burgo or by Nicolaus Tartalea, who in the vulgar Italian language have published not only Euclid's Geometry, but somewhat of Archimedes: and in arithmetic and practical geometry very large volumes, all in their vulgar speech. Nor in Germany have the famous universities been anything discontent with Albertus Durerus, his geometrical institutions in German; or with Gulielmus Xylander, his learned translation of the first six books of Euclid out of the Greek into high German; nor with Gualterus H. Riffius, his geometrical volume, very diligently translated into the German tongue and published. Nor yet do the universities of Spain or Portugal think their reputation to be decayed, or suppose any of their studies hindered by the excellent P. Nonnius, his mathematical works put forth in vulgar speech. Have you not, likewise, in the French tongue the whole mathematical quadrivium? and yet have neither Paris, Orleans, nor any of the other universities of France ever been offended with the translators or publishers, or any man's study by that hindered?

(3.)

And surely the common and ordinary scholar (much more the grammarian) before coming to the university shall (or may) now be sufficiently instructed, according to Plato's counsel, in arithmetic and geometry, for the better and easier learning of all manner of philosophy, academic or peripatetic; and by that means go forward more cheerfully, more skillfully, and more speedily in his studies there to be learned; and so, in less time, profit more than otherwise he should or could do.

(4.)

Also many good and pregnant English wits, of young gentlemen and of others who never intend to meddle with the profound search and study of philosophy (to be learned in the universities), may nevertheless now, with more ease and liberty, have good occasion to occupy the sharpness of their wits virtuously: where otherwise, perhaps, they would spend their time—or rather lose it—in foolish exercises, neither serving God nor furthering the common or private good.

(5.)

And great comfort, with good hope, may the universities have, by reason of this English geometry and mathematical preface, that they hereafter shall be the more regarded, esteemed, and resorted to. For when it shall be known and reported that of the mathematical sciences only such great commodities are ensuing as I have specified, and that indeed some of you students with no Latin can be good witnesses of such rare fruit enjoyed by you by that, as either was not heard of before this, or else not so fully credited: "Well may all men conjecture that far greater aid and better furniture, to win to the perfection of all philosophy,

(Universities.)

may in the universities be had: being the storehouses and treasury of all sciences, and all arts necessary for the best and most noble state of commonwealths."

(6.)

Besides this, how many a common artisan is there in these realms of England and Ireland who deals with numbers, rule, and compass: who, with their own skill and experience already had, will be able (by these good helps and information) to find out and devise new works, strange engines, and instruments, for sundry purposes in the commonwealth? or for private pleasure? and for the better maintaining of their own estate? I will not therefore fight against my own shadow. For no man (I am sure) will open his mouth against this enterprise. No man (I say) who either has charity toward his brother (and would be glad of his furtherance in virtuous knowledge), or who has any care and zeal for the bettering of the common state of this realm. Neither any who make account of what the wiser sort of men (sage and steady) think of them. To none, therefore, will I make any apology for doing a virtuous act, and for commending or setting forth profitable arts to English men in the English tongue. "But to God our Creator let us all be thankful: for that, as he, of his goodness, by his power, and in his wisdom, has created all things in number, weight, and measure: so, to us, of his great mercy, he has revealed means by which to attain the sufficient and necessary knowledge of his three principal instruments aforesaid: which means I have abundantly proved to you to be the sciences and arts mathematical."

And though I have been pinched with straightness of time, that in no way I could pen down the matter (in my mind) as I determined, hoping for convenient leisure: yet if virtuous zeal and honest intent provoke and bring you to the reading and examining of this compendious treatise, I do not doubt but as the truth of it (according to our purpose) will be evident to you, so the pith and force of it will persuade you, and the wonderful fruit of it highly please you. And that you may the easier perceive, and better remember, the principal points of which my preface treats,

(The ground plan of this preface in a table.)

I will give you the ground plan of my whole discourse, in a table annexed, from the first to the last, somewhat methodically contrived.

If haste has caused my poor pen anywhere to stumble, you will (I am sure), in partial recompense for my earnest and sincere good will in pleasing you, consider the huge rocky mountains and the perilous unbeaten ways through which it (both night and day the while) has toiled and labored to bring you this good news and comfortable proof of virtue's fruit.

So I commit you to God's merciful direction for the rest: heartily beseeching him to prosper your studies and honest intentions, to his glory and the benefit of our country. Amen.

Written at my poor house at Mortlake.

In the year 1570. February 9.

J. Dee

The Groundplat of the Mathematical Praeface

Here haue you (according to my promisse) the Groundplat of my MATHEMATICALL Præface: annexed to Euclide (now first) published in our Englishe tounge. An. 1570. Febr. 3.

Sciences, and Artes Mathematicall, are, either

Principall, which are two, onely,

Arithmetike.

Simple, Which dealeth with Numbers onely: and demonstrateth all their properties and appertenances: where, an Vnit, is Indiuisible. Mixt, Which with aide of Geometrie principall, demonstrateth some Arithmeticall Conclusion, or Purpose.

Geometrie.

Simple, Which dealeth with Magnitudes, onely: and demonstrateth all their properties, passions, and appertenances: whose Point, is Indiuisible. Mixt, Which with aide of Arithmetike principall, demonstrateth some Geometricall purpose, as EVCLIDES ELEMENTES.

The vse whereof, is either,

In thinges Supernaturall, æternall, & Diuine: By Application, Ascending. In thinges Mathematicall: without farther Application. In thinges Naturall: both Substãtiall, & Accidentall, Visible, & Inuisible. &c. By Application: Descending.

The like Vses and Applications are, (though in a degree lower) in the Artes Mathematicall Deriuatiue.

Deriuatiue frõ the Principalls: of which, some haue

The names of the Principalls: as,

Arithmetike, vulgar: which considereth

--Arithmetike of most vsuall whole numbers: And of Fractions to them appertaining. --Arithmetike of Proportions. --Arithmetike Circular. --Arithmetike of Radicall Nũbers: Simple, Compound, Mixt: And of their Fractions. --Arithmetike of Cossike Nũbers: with their Fractions: And the great Arte of Algiebar.

Geometrie, vulgar: which teacheth Measuring

At hand

All Lengthes.--Mecometrie. All Plaines: As, Land, Borde, Glasse, &c.--Embadometrie. All Solids: As, Timber, Stone, Vessels, &c.--Stereometrie.

With distãce from the thing Measured, as,

How farre, from the Measurer, any thing is: of him sene, on Land or Water: called Apomecometrie. How high or deepe, from the leuell of the Measurers standing, any thing is: Seene of hym, on Land or Water: called Hypsometrie. How broad, a thing is, which is in the Measurers view: so it be situated on Land or Water: called Platometrie.

Of which are growen the Feates & Artes of

Geodesie: more cunningly to Measure and Suruey Landes, Woods, Waters. &c. Geographie. Chorographie. Hydrographie. Stratarithmetrie.

Propre names as,

Perspectiue,--Which demonstrateth the maners and properties of all Radiations: Directe, Broken, and Reflected.

Astronomie,--Which demonstrateth the Distances, Magnitudes, and all Naturall motions, Apparences, and Passions, proper to the Planets and fixed Starres: for any time, past, present, and to come: in respecte of a certaine Horizon, or without respecte of any Horizon.

Musike,--Which demonstrateth by reason, and teacheth by sense, perfectly to iudge and order the diuersitie of Soundes, hie or low.

Cosmographie,--Which, wholy and perfectly maketh description of the Heauenlym and also Elementall part of the World: and of these partes, maketh homologall application, and mutuall collation necessary.

Astrologie,--Which reasonably demonstrateth the operations and effectes of the naturall beames of light, and secrete Influence of the Planets, and fixed Starres, in euery Element and Elementall body: at all times, in any Horizon assigned.

Statike,--Which demonstrateth the causes of heauines and lightnes of all thinges: and of the motions and properties to heauines and lightnes belonging.

Anthropographie, Which describeth the Nũber, Measure, Waight, Figure, Situation, and colour of euery diuers thing contained in the perfecte body of MAN: and geueth certaine knowledge of the Figure, Symmetrie, Waight, Characterization, & due Locall motion of any percell of the said body assigned: and of numbers to the said percell appertaining.

Trochilike,--Which demonstrateth the properties of all Circular motions: Simple and Compound.

Helicosophie,--Which demonstrateth the designing of all Spirall lines: in Plaine, on Cylinder, Cone, Sphære, Conoïd, and Sphæroid: and their properties.

Pneumatithmie,--Which demonstrateth by close hollow Geometricall figures (Regular and Irregular) the straunge properties (in motion or stay) of the Water, Ayre, Smoke, and Fire, in their Continuitie, and as they are ioyned to the Elementes next them.

Menadrie,--Which demonstrateth, how, aboue Natures Vertue, and power simple: Vertue and force, may be multiplied: and so to directe, to lift, to pull to, and to put or cast fro, any multiplied, or simple determined Vertue, Waight, or Force: naturally, not, so, directible, or moueable.

Hypogeiodie,--Which demonstrateth, how, vnder the Sphæricall Superficies of the Earth, at any depth, to any perpendicular line assigned (whose distance from the perpendicular of the entrance: and the Azimuth likewise, in respecte of the sayd entrance, is knowen) certaine way, may be prescribed and gone, &c.

Hydragogie,--Which demonstrateth the possible leading of water by Natures law, and by artificiall helpe, from any head (being Spring, standing, or running water) to any other place assigned.

Horometrie,--Which demonstrateth, how, at all times appointed, the precise, vsuall denomination of time, may be knowen, for any place assigned.

Zographie,--Which demonstrateth and teacheth, how, the Intersection of all visuall Pyramids, made by any plaine assigned (the Center, distance, and lightes being determined) may be, by lines, and proper colours represented.

Architecture,--Which is a Science garnished with many doctrines, and diuers Instructions: by whose iudgement, all workes by other workmen finished, are iudged.

Nauigation,--Which demonstrateth, how, by the Shortest good way, by the aptest direction, and in the shortest time: a sufficient Shippe, betwene any two places (in passage nauigable) assigned, may be conducted: and in all stormes and naturall disturbances chauncing, how to vse the best possible meanes, to recouer the place first assigned.

Thaumaturgike,--Which geueth certaine order to make straunge workes, of the sense to be perceiued: and of men greatly to be wondred at.

Archemastrie,--Which teacheth to bring to actuall experience sensible, all worthy conclusions, by all the Artes Mathematicall purposed: and by true Naturall philosophie, concluded: And both addeth to them a farder Scope, in the termes of the same Artes: and also, by his proper Method, and in peculiar termes, procedeth, with helpe of the forsayd Artes, to the performance of complete Experiences: which, of no particular Arte, are hable (Formally) to be challenged.

¶ Imprinted by Iohn Day.

An. 1570. Feb. 25.

Here you have (as I promised) the ground plan of my Mathematical Preface, annexed to Euclid and now first published in our English tongue. An. 1570. Febr. 3.

Sciences and arts mathematical are either

Principal, which are two only,

Arithmetic.

Simple, which deals with numbers only, and demonstrates all their properties and appurtenances, where a unit is indivisible. Mixed, which, with the help of principal geometry, demonstrates some arithmetical conclusion or purpose.

Geometry.

Simple, which deals with magnitudes only, and demonstrates all their properties, affections, and appurtenances, whose point is indivisible. Mixed, which, with the help of principal arithmetic, demonstrates some geometrical purpose, as Euclid's Elements.

The use of these is either:

In supernatural, eternal, and divine things: by application, ascending. In mathematical things: without further application. In natural things, both substantial and accidental, visible and invisible, etc.: by application, descending.

The like uses and applications are found, though a degree lower, in the derivative mathematical arts.

Derivative from the principal ones: of which some have

The names of the principal ones, as:

Arithmetic, vulgar, which considers

—Arithmetic of the most usual whole numbers, and of the fractions belonging to them.—Arithmetic of proportions.—Circular arithmetic.—Arithmetic of radical numbers: simple, compound, and mixed; and of their fractions.—Arithmetic of cossic numbers, with their fractions; and the great art of algebra.

Geometry, vulgar, which teaches measuring

At hand

All lengths—Mecometrie. All planes, such as land, board, glass, etc.—Embadometrie. All solids, such as timber, stone, vessels, etc.—Stereometrie.

With distance from the thing measured, as:

How far any thing is from the measurer, seen by him on land or water, is called Apomecometrie. How high or deep any thing is from the level of the measurer's standing, seen by him on land or water, is called Hypsometrie. How broad a thing is that lies in the measurer's view, so it be situated on land or water, is called Platometrie.

From which have grown the feats and arts of

Geodesy, more skillfully to measure and survey lands, woods, waters, etc. Geography. Chorography. Hydrography. Stratarithmetrie.

Proper names, as:

Perspective—which demonstrates the modes and properties of all radiations: direct, broken, and reflected.

Astronomy—which demonstrates the distances, magnitudes, and all natural motions, appearances, and affections proper to the planets and fixed stars: for any time, past, present, and to come: in respect of a certain horizon, or without respect of any horizon.

Music—which demonstrates by reason, and teaches by sense, perfectly to judge and order the diversity of sounds, high or low.

Cosmography—which wholly and perfectly makes description of the heavenly and also the elemental part of the world: and of these parts makes homologous application and mutual collation necessary.

Astrology—which reasonably demonstrates the operations and effects of the natural beams of light and the secret influence of the planets and fixed stars in every element and elemental body: at all times, in any horizon assigned.

Statics—which demonstrates the causes of heaviness and lightness of all things: and of the motions and properties belonging to heaviness and lightness.

Anthropography—which describes the number, measure, weight, figure, situation, and color of every diverse thing contained in the perfect body of man: and gives certain knowledge of the figure, symmetry, weight, characterization, and due local motion of any designated part of the said body, and of the numbers belonging to that part.

Trochilike—which demonstrates the properties of all circular motions: simple and compound.

Helicosophy—which demonstrates the designing of all spiral lines in a plane, on a cylinder, cone, sphere, conoid, and spheroid, and their properties.

Pneumatithmie—which demonstrates by closed hollow geometric figures (regular and irregular) the strange properties (in motion or rest) of water, air, smoke, and fire in their continuity, and as they are joined to the elements next to them.

Menadrie—which demonstrates how virtue and force may be multiplied above nature's simple virtue and power: and so to direct, to lift, to pull toward, and to put or cast from, any determined virtue, weight, or force, simple or multiplied, which naturally cannot be so directed or moved.

Hypogeiodie—which demonstrates how, under the spherical surface of the earth, at any depth, to any assigned perpendicular line (whose distance from the perpendicular of the entrance, and the azimuth likewise in respect of the said entrance, being known), a certain course may be prescribed and traveled, etc.

Hydragogie—which demonstrates the possible leading of water by nature's law and by artificial help from any head (being spring, standing, or running water) to any other place assigned.

Horometry—which demonstrates how, at all times appointed, the precise customary designation of time may be known for any place assigned.

Painting—which demonstrates and teaches how the intersection of all visual pyramids made by any assigned plane (the center, distance, and lights being determined) may be represented by lines and proper colors.

Architecture—which is a science adorned with many doctrines and diverse instructions: by whose judgment all works finished by other workmen are judged.

Navigation—which demonstrates how, by the shortest good way, by the aptest direction, and in the shortest time, a sufficient ship between any two places (in a navigable passage) assigned may be conducted: and in all storms and natural disturbances happening, how to use the best possible means to recover the place first assigned.

Thaumaturgike—which gives certain order to make strange works, to be perceived by the senses, and greatly to be wondered at by men.

Archemastrie—which teaches how to bring to actual sensible experience all worthy conclusions proposed by all the mathematical arts and concluded by true natural philosophy: and both adds to them a further scope in the terms of the same arts, and also by its proper method and in peculiar terms proceeds, with the help of the aforesaid arts, to the performance of complete experiences which of no particular art can formally be challenged.

Imprinted by John Day.

An. 1570. Feb. 25.

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