Ten Books on Architecture

BOOK I

of arrangements. Eurhythmy original: "Eurythmia" is a graceful appearance and a fitting aspect in the compositions of the members. This is achieved when the members of the work are suitable: the height to the width, the width to the length, and when all parts correspond to the total symmetry original: "symmetria" of the whole. Likewise, symmetry is the proper agreement between the members of the work itself, and the correspondence between the separate parts and the appearance of the entire figure, based on a fixed module. Just as in the human body there is a symmetrical ratio from the forearm, the foot, the palm, the finger, and the other parts, so it is in the perfection of finished works. And first in sacred buildings, the calculation of symmetries is found either from the thickness of the columns, or from a triglyph A tablet with three vertical grooves in a Doric frieze, or from the module original: "embate" in a ballista A large ancient missile launcher through the hole—which the Greeks call the peritreton original: "περίτρητον"—or in ships by the space between the oarlocks, which is called the two-cubit measure original: "διπηχαϊκή"; likewise, the logic of symmetries is found from the members of other works.

Propriety original: "Decor", however, is the faultless appearance of a work, approved by things composed with authority. This is achieved by ritual placement original: "statione," which the author notes the Greeks call "θεματισμὸς" (thematismos), or by custom, or by nature. By ritual placement, when temples are built under the open sky original: "sub diuo" and open to the air original: "hypetra" for Jupiter the Light-Bringer, and for the Sky, the Sun, and the Moon. For we see the appearances and effects of these gods present in the open and shining world. For Minerva, Mars, and Hercules, Doric temples shall be made. For it is fitting that buildings be established for these gods without luxuries, on account of their virtue. For Venus, Flora, Proserpina, and the nymphs of the springs, the Corinthian style original: "corinthio genere" will seem to have the appropriate characteristics, because for these goddesses, works that are more slender, flowery, and adorned with leaves and volutes Spiral, scroll-like ornaments will seem to increase the rightful propriety due to their delicacy. For Juno, Diana, Father Liber Another name for Bacchus/Dionysus, and the other gods who are of the same...