Consistency is found in that work whose whole and detail are suitable to the occasion. It arises from circumstance, custom, and nature. Vitruvius arisecircumstanceconsistency Change image and share on social
Proportion is that agreeable harmony between the several parts of a building, which is the result of a just and regular agreement of them with each other; the height to the width, this to the length, and each of these to the whole. Vitruvius agreeableagreementbuild share on social
Harmony is an obscure and difficult musical science, but most difficult to those who are not acquainted with the Greek language; because it is necessary to use many Greek words to which there are none corresponding in Latin. Vitruvius acquaintdifficultgreek share on social
Wherefore the mere practical architect is not able to assign sufficient reasons for the forms he adopts; and the theoretic architect also fails, grasping the shadow instead of the substance. Vitruvius adoptarchitectassign Change image and share on social
Since, therefore, individuals as well as the public are so indebted to these writers for the benefits they enjoy, I think them not only entitled to the honour of palms and crowns, but even to be numbered among the gods. Vitruvius benefitcrownenjoy share on social
I am moreover inclined to be concise when I reflect on the constant occupation of the citizens in public and private affairs, so that in their few leisure moments they may read and understand as much as possible. Vitruvius affaircitizenconcise share on social
Music assists him in the use of harmonic and mathematical proportion. Vitruvius assistharmonicmathematical Change image and share on social
The thickness of the walls should be sufficient for two armed men to pass each other with ease. Vitruvius armeaseman Change image and share on social
Quicksilver is used for many purposes; without it, neither silver nor brass can be properly gilt. Vitruvius brasgildproperly Change image and share on social
Perhaps, to the uninformed, it may appear unaccountable that a man should be able to retain in his memory such a variety of learning; but the close alliance with each other, of the different branches of science, will explain the difficulty. Vitruvius alliancebranchclose share on social
