Now the exact Circle is in truth a Figure , which for our purpose hath many fit and eminent properties ; as fitnesse , for Commodity and Receit , being the most capable ; fitnesse for strength and duration , being the most vnited in his parts ; Fitnesse for beautie and delight , as imitating the celestiall Orbes , and the vniuersall Forme . And it seemes , besides , to haue the approbation of Nature , when shee worketh by Instinct , which is her secret Schoole : For birds doe build their nests Spherically : But notwithstanding these Attributes , it is in truth a very vnprofitable Figure in priuate Fabriques , as being of allother the most chargeable , and much roome lost in the bending of the Walles , when it comes to bee diuided : besides an ill distribution of light , except from the Center of the Roofe . So as anciently it was not vsual , saue in their Temples and Amphi-Theaters , which needed no Compartitions . The Ouals and other imperfect circular Formes , haue the same exceptions , and lesse benefite of capacity : So as there remaynes to bee considered in this generall suruey of Figures , the Angular , and the Mixed of both . Touching the Angular , it may perchance sound somewhat strangely , but it is a true obseruation , that this Art doth neither loue many Angles nor few . For first , the Triangle which hath the fewest sides and corners , is of all other the most condemned , as being indeed both incapable and infirme ( wherof the reason shall be afterwards rendred ) and likewise vnresoluable into any other regular Forme then it selfe , in the inward Partitions .

As for Figures of fiue , six , seuen , or more Angles ; They are surely fitter for Militar Architecture , where the Bulworks may be layed out at the Corners , and the sides serue for Curtaines , then for ciuill vse ; though I am not ignorant of that famous Piece at Caprarola , belonging to the house of Farnese , cast by Baroccio into the forme of a Pentagone , with a Circle inscribed , where the Architect did ingeniously wrestle with diuers inconueniences in disposing of the Lights , and in sauing the vacuities . But as designes of such nature doe more ayme at Rarity , then Commoditie : so for my part I had rather admire them , then commend them .

These things considered , we are both by the Precepts and by the Practise of the best Builders , to resolue vpon Rectangular Squares , as a meane betweene too few , and too many Angles ; and through the equall inclination of the sides ( which make the right Angle ) stronger then the Rhombe , or Losenge , or any other irregular Square . But whether the exact Quadrat , or the long Square be the better , I finde not well determined , though in mine owne conceit I must preferre the latter , prouided that the Length doe not exceede the Latitude aboue one third part , which would diminish the beauty of the Aspect , as shall appeare when I come to speake of Symmetry and Proportion .

Of mixed Figures , partly Circular , and partly Angular , I shall neede to say nothing ; because hauing handled the simple already , the mixed according to their composition , doe participate of the same respects . Onely against these , there is a proper Obiection , that they offend Vniformity : Whereof I am therefore opportunely induced to say somewhat , as farre as shal concerne the outward Aspect , which is now in Discourse .

In Architecture , there may seem to be two opposite affectations , Vniformitie and Varietie , which yet will very well suffer a good reconcilement , as we may see in the great Paterne of Nature , to which I must often resort : For surely there can be no Structure , more vniforme , then our Bodies in the whole Figuration : Each side , agreeing with the other , both in the number , in the qualitie , and in the measure of the Parts : And yet some are round , as the Armes , some flat , as the Hands , some prominent , and some more retired : So as vpon the Mater , wee see that Diuersitie doth not destroy Vniformitie , and that the Limmes of a noble Fabrique , may bee correspondent enough , though they be various ; Prouided alwayes , that we doe not runne into certaine extrauagant Inuentions , whereof I shall speake more largely , when I come to the parting and casting of the whole Worke. We ought likewise to auoyde Enormous heights of sixe or seuen Stories , as well as irregular Formes ; and the contrary fault of low-distended Fronts , is as vnseemely : Or againe , when the Face of the Building , is narrow and the Flank deepe ; To all which extreames , some particular Nations , or Townes , are subiect , whose Names may be ciuilly spared : And so much for the generall Figuration , or Aspect of the Worke.

Now concerning the Parts in Seueraltie . All the parts of euery Fabrique , may be comprised vnder fiue Heads , which Diuision I receiue from Batista Alberti , to doe him right . And they be these .

About all which I purpose to gather the principall Cautions , and as I passe along , I will touch also the naturall Reasons of Art , that my discourse may be the lesse Mechanicall .

First then concerning the Foundation , which requireth the exactest care ; For if that happen to dance , it will marre all the mirth in the House : Therefore , that wee may found our Habitation firmely , we must first examine the Bed of Earth ( as I may tearme it , ) vpon which we will Build ; and then the vnderfillings , or Substruction , as the Auncients did call it : For the former , we haue a generall precept in Vitruuius twice precisely repeated by him , as a point indeed of mayne consequence , first lib. 1. cap. 5. And againe more fitly lib. 3. cap. 3. in these words as Philander doth well correct the vulgar Copies .

Substructionis Fundationes fodiantur ( saith he ) si queant inueniri adsolidum , & insolido . By which words I conceiue him to commend vnto vs , not onely , a diligent , but euen a iealous examination what the Soile will beare : aduising vs , not to rest vpon any appearing Soliditie , vnlesse the whole Mould through which wee cut , haue likewise beene solid ; But how deepe wee should goe in this search , hee hath no where to my remembrance determined , as perhaps depending more vpon Discretion ▪ then Regularitie , according to the weight of the Worke ; yet Andrea Palla●dio hath fairely aduentured to reduce it into Rule : Allowing for that Ca●uazione ( as he calleth it ) a sixt part of the height of the whole Fabrique , Vnderdiging , or Hollowing of the Earth . vnles● the Cellers be vnder ground , in which case hee would haue vs , ( as it shoul● seeme ) to sound somewhat lower .

Some Italians doe prescribe , that when they haue chosen the Floore , or Plot , and laid out the Limits of the Worke , wee should first of all Digge Wels and Cesternes , and other vnderconducts and conueiances , for the Suillage of the House , whence may arise a double benefit , for both the Nature of the Mould or Soile , would thereby be safely searched , and moreouer those open vents , will serue to discharge such Vapours , as hauing otherwise no issu● might peraduenture shake the Building . This is enough for the naturall Grounding , which though it bee not a part of the solid Fabrique , yet here was the fittest place to handle it .

There followeth the Substruction , or Ground-worke of the whole Edifice , which must sustaine the Walles ; and this is a kinde of Artificiall foundation , as the other was Natural . About which these are the chiefe Remembrances . First , that the bottome be precisely leuell , where the Italians therefore commonly lay a platforme of good Bord ; Then that the lowest Ledge or Row be meerely of Stone , and the broader the better , closely layd without Morter , which is a generall caution for all parts in Building , that are contiguous to Bord or Timber , because Lime amd Wood are insociable , and if any where vnfit confiners , then most especially in the Foundation . Thirdly , that the bredth of the Substruction bee at least double to the insistent Wall , and more or lesse , as the weight of the Fabrique shall require ; for as I must againe repeate , Discretion may be freer then Art . Lastly , I finde in some a curious precept , that the Materials below , be layd as they grew in the Quarrie , supposing them belike to haue most strength in their Naturall and Habituall Posture . For as Philippe de l'Orme obserueth , the breaking or yeelding of a stone in this part , but the bredth of the backe of a knife , will make a Cleft of more then half a foot in the Fabrique aloft , So important are Fundamentall errors . Among which notes I haue sayd nothing of Pallification , or Pyling of the Ground-plot , commanded by Vitruuius , when we build vpon a moist or marshy soile , because that were an error in the first choyce . And therefore all Seats that must vse such prouision below ( as Venice for an eminent example ) would perhaps vpon good enquiry , be found to haue beene at first chosen by the counsell of Necessity .

Now the Foundation being searched , and the Substruction layd , wee must next speake of the Wals.

Wals are either entire and continuall , or intermitted ; and the Intermissions be either Pillars or Pylasters ; for here I had rather handle them , then as some others doe , among Ornaments .

The entire Muring is by Writers diuersly distinguished : By some , according to the quality of the Materials , as either Stone or Brick , &c. where , by the way , let me note , that to build Wals and greater Workes of Flint , whereof wee want not example in our Iland , & particularly in the Prouince of Kent , was ( as I conceiue ) meerly vnknown to the Ancients , who obseruing in that Materiall , a kinde of Metalicall Nature , or at least a Fusibility , seeme to haue resolued it into nobler vse ; an Art now vtterly lost , or perchance kept vp by a few Chymicks . Some againe doe not so much consider the quality , as the Position of the sayd Materials : As when Bricke or squared stones are laid in their lengths with sides and heads together , or their points conjoyned like a Networke ( for so Vitruuius doth call it reticulatum opus ) of familiar vse ( as it should seeme ) in his Age , though afterwards growne out of request , euen perhaps for that subtill speculation which hee himselfe toucheth ; because so layd , they are more apt in swagging down , to pierce with their points , then in the jacent Posture , and so to creuice the Wall : But to leaue such cares to the meaner Artificers , the more essentiall are these .

That the Walles bee most exactly perpendicular to the Ground-worke : for the right Angle ( thereon depending ) is the true cause of all Stability ; both in Artificiall and Naturall positions ; A man likewise standing firmest , when he stands vprightest . That the massiest and heauiest Materials bee the lowest , as fitter to beare , then to be borne . That the Worke as it riseth , diminish in thicknesse proportionally , for ease both of weight , and of expence . That certaine courses or Ledges of more strength then the rest , be interlayed like Bones , to sustaine the Fabrique from totall ruine , if the vnder parts should decay . Lastly , that the Angles bee firmely bound , which are the Nerues of the whole Edifice , and therefore are commonly fortified by the Italians , euen in their Bricke buildings , on each side of the corners , with well squared stone , yeelding both strength and grace And so much touching the entire or solid Wall .

The intermissions ( as hath beene sayd ) are either by Pillars , or Pylasters .

Pillers which we may likewise call Columnes ( for the word among Artificers is almost naturallized ) I could distinguish into Simple & Compounded . But ( to tread the beaten and plainest way ) there are fiue Orders of Pillers , according to their dignity and perfection , thus marshalled : The Tuscan . The Dorique . The Ionique . The Corinthian .

And the Compound Order , or as some call it the Roman , others more generally the Italian .

In which fiue Orders I will first consider their Communities , and then their Proprieties .

Their Communities ( as farre as I obserue ) are principally three . First , they are all Round ; for though some conceiue Columna Atticurges mentioned by Vitruuius , lib. 3. cap. 3. to haue beene a squared Pillar , yet wee must passe it ouer as irregular , neuer receiued among these Orders , no more then certaine other licentious inuentions , of Wreathed , and Vined , and Figured Columnes , which our Author himselfe condemneth , being in his whole Booke a professed enemy to Fancies .

Secondly , they are all Diminished , or Contracted insensibly , more or lesse , according to the proportion of their heights , from one third part of the whole Shaft vpwards , which Philander doth prescribe by his owne precise measuring of the Ancient remainders , as the most gracefull Diminution . And here I must take leaue to blame a practice growne ( I know not how ) in certaine places too familiar , of making Pillars swell in the middle , as if they were sicke of some Tympany , or Dropsie , without any Authentique Paterne or Rule , to my knowledge , and vnseemely to the very iudgement of sight . True it is that in Vitruuius , lib. 3. cap. 2. wee finde these words , De adiectione , quae adijcitur in medijs Columnis , quaa apud Grecos 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 appellatur , in extremo erit formatio eius ; which passage , seemeth to haue giuen some coutenance to this error . But of the promise there made , as of diuerse other elsewhere , our Master hath fayled vs , either by slip of memory , or iniury of time , and so wee are left in the darke . Alwayes sure I am , that besides the authority of example which it wanteth , It is likewise contrary to the Originall and Naturall Type , in Trees , which at first was imitated in Pillars , as Vitruuius himselfe obserueth , lib. 5. cap. 1. For who euer saw any Cypresse , or Pine , ( which are there alledged ) small below and aboue , and tumerous in the middle , vnlesse it were some diseased Plant , as Nature ( though otherwise the comliest Mistresse ) hath now and then her deformities and Irregularities .

Thirdly , they haue all their Vndersettings , or Pedistals , in height a third part of the whole Columne , comprehending the Base and Capitall ; and their vpper Adiuncts , as Architraue , Frize , and Cornice , a fourth part of the sayd Pillar ; which rule of singular vse and facility I find setled by Iacobo Baroccio , and hold him a more credible Author , as a man that most intended this piece , then any that vary from him in those Dimentions .

These are their most considerable Communities and agreements .

Their Proprieties or Distinctions will best appeare by some reasonable description of them all , together with their Architraues , Frizes , and Cornices , as they are vsually handled .

First therefore the Tuscan is a plain , massie , rurall Pillar , resembling some sturdy well-limmed Labourer , homely clad , in which kinde of comparisons Vitruuius himselfe seemeth to take pleasure , lib. 4. cap. 1. The length thereof shall be six Diameters , of the grossest of the Pillar below . Of all proportions , in truth , the most naturall ; For our Author tells vs , lib. 3. cap. 1. that the foote of a man is the sixt part of his bodie in ordinary measure , and Man himselfe , according to the saying of Protagoras ( which Aristotle doth somewhere vouchsafe to celebrate ) is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 : as it were the Prototype of all exact Symmetrie , which we haue had other occasion to touch before : This Columne I haue by good warrant called Rurall , Vitru . cap. 2. lib. 3. And therefore we need not consider his rank among the rest . The distance or Intercolumniation ( which word Artificers doe vsually borrow ) may bee neere foure of his owne Diameters , because the Materials commonly layd ouer this Pillar , were rather of wood then stone ; through the lightnesse whereof the Architraue could not suffer , though thinnely supported , nor the Columne it selfe being so substantiall . The Contraction aloft shall be ( according to the most receiued practice ) one fourth part of his thicknesse below . To conclude , ( for I intend only as much as shall serue for a due Distinguishment , and not to delineate every petty member ) the Tuscan is of all the rudest Pillar , and his principall Character Simplicity .

The Dorique Order is the grauest that hath beene receiued into ciuill vse , preseruing , in comparison of those that follow , a more Masculine Aspect , and litle trimmer then the Tuscan that went before , saue a sober garnishment now and then of Lions heads in the Cornice , and of Triglyphs and Metopes alwayes in the Frize . Sometimes likewise , but rarely , chaneled , and a little slight sculpture about the Hypotrachelion , or Necke vnder the Capitall . The length , seuen Diameters . His ranke or degree , is the lowest by all Congruity , as being more massie then the other three , and consequently abler to support . The Intercolumniation , thrice as much as his thicknesse below . The Contraction aloft , one fift of the same measure . To discerne him , will bee a peece rather of good Heraldry , then of Architecture : For he is best knowne by his place , when he is in company , and by the peculiar ornament of his Frize ( before mentioned ) when he is alone .

The Ionique Order doth represent a kinde of Feminine slendernesse , yet saith Vitruuius , not like a light Housewife , but in a decent dressing , hath much of the Matrone . The length eight Diameters . In degree as in substantialnesse , next aboue the Dorique , sustayning the third , and adorning the second Story . The Intercolumniation two of his owne Diameters . The Contraction one sixt part . Best knowne by his trimmings , for the bodie of this Columne is perpetually chaneled , like a thicke plighted Gowne . The Capitall dressed on each side , not much vnlike womens Wires , in a spirall wreathing , which they call the Ionian Voluta . The Cornice indented . The Frize swelling like a pillow ; And therefore by Vitruuius , not vnelegantly tearmed Puluinata . These are his best Characters .

The Corinthian , is a Columne , laciuiously decked like a Curtezane , and therein much participating ( as all Inuentions doe ) of the place where they were first borne : Corinthe hauing been without controuersie one of the wantonest Townes in the world . This Order is of nine Diameters . His degree , one Stage aboue the Ionique , and alwaies the highest of the simple Orders . The Intercolumniation two of his Diameters , and a fourth part more , which is of all other the comeliest distance . The Contraction one seuenth Part. In the Cornice both Dentelli and Modiglioni . The Frize , Our Artizans call them Teeth and Cartonzes . adorned with all kinds of Figures and various Compartments at Pleasure . The Capitall , cut into the beautifullest leafe , that Nature doth yeeld , which surely next the Aconitum Pardalianches ( reiected perchance as an ominous Plant ) is the Acanthus or Branca Vrsina though Vitruuius doe impute the choice thereof vnto Chance , and wee must be contented to beleeue him : In short , As Plainenesse did Charactarize the Tuscan , so must Delicacie and Varietie the Corinthian Pillar , besides the height of his Ranke .