Ten Books on Architecture

CHAPTERS OF THE TENTH BOOK.

dWhat a machine is, and its difference from a tool; its origin and necessity. The marginal "d" is a guide letter for the rubricator to paint a decorative initial "D" for "De" (Concerning). Vitruvius distinguishes between a "machine" (machina), which requires many workers, and a "tool" (organum), which is handled by a single person. Chapter I.
On hoisting machines for sacred buildings and public works. hoisting machines: "machinationibus tractoriis," engines used for lifting heavy materials during construction Chapter II.
On the various names of machines and the method by which they are erected. Chapter III.
A machine similar to the one above, to which larger loads can be more safely entrusted, having changed only the windlass into a drum. original: "colossicotera," a Latinized Greek term referring to machines designed for moving colossal weights or statues. Chapter IIII.
Another kind of hoisting machine. Chapter V.
Ctesiphon’s ingenious method for hauling heavy loads. Ctesiphon was a Greek architect famous for his work on the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus; he devised a rolling frame to transport massive columns. Chapter VI.
On the discovery of the quarry from which the temple of Diana at Ephesus was constructed. Chapter VII.
On the extension and rotation of machines for lifting weights. Chapter VIII.
On the types of devices for drawing water, and first, the drum. drum: "tympano," a large, hollow water-wheel powered by treading Chapter IX.
On wheels and drums for grinding flour. This chapter describes one of the earliest known water-powered mills. Chapter X.
On the screw which lifts a great quantity of water, but not as high. original: "coclea," better known today as the Archimedean screw, used for irrigation and drainage. Chapter XI.
On the Ctesibian machine which lifts water very high. A double-action force pump invented by Ctesibius of Alexandria. Chapter XII.
On hydraulic machines by which [musical] organs are made. The "hydraulis," a water-powered pipe organ. Chapter XIII.
By what means we may measure the distance traveled when carried by carriage or ship. Vitruvius describes an early odometer using a gear system to drop small stones into a box at set intervals. Chapter XIIII.
On the principles of catapults and scorpions. scorpions: "scorpionum," a type of engine for shooting bolts or arrows Chapter XV.
On the principles of ballistae. ballistae: heavy artillery machines used for hurling large stones Chapter XVI.
On the proportion of stones to be thrown to the size of the ballista’s hole. Chapter XVII.
On the tensioning and tuning of catapults and ballistae. Engineers tuned these weapons by striking the tensioned hair-ropes to achieve a specific musical pitch, ensuring equal power on both sides. Chapter XVIII.
On offensive and defensive matters, and first, the invention of the battering ram and its engine. battering ram: "arietis," a heavy timber used to break down walls Chapter XIX.
On the tortoise for the filling of ditches. original: "testudine," a wheeled shed or mobile shield that protected soldiers as they approached fortifications. Chapter XX.
On other types of tortoises. Chapter XXI.
The conclusion of the entire work. Chapter XXII.