Four Books on Human Proportion

A geometric construction diagram shows a method for determining human proportions, specifically for the arm. The diagram consists of a horizontal base line with point a at the bottom right and b at the bottom left. A vertical line rises from b with points c, d, and e marked along it. To the right of the vertical line, a slightly tilted rectangular shape, representing the limb, rises from the base at point h, with internal points f and g marked. Three diagonal lines extend from point a to the points on the vertical and slanted structures. In the upper triangular space between the diagonal lines, the word "Comparator" original: "Vergleicher"; a geometric tool or scale used for proportional scaling is printed.

Next I determine the length of the arm as follows: from the shoulder joint original: "achsselglid" which stands at the height of the pit of the throat original: "halsgrübleins"; the small depression at the base of the neck between the collarbones to the elbow is two 11th parts.

But from the shoulder joint to the end of the shoulder muscle original: "achsselfleisch"; likely referring to the deltoid is one 10th part.

From the elbow to the end of the fingers is one 4th part.

From the end of the fingers backward to the end of the hand meaning the wrist is one 10th part.

Whoever wishes, however, may make the hand one 9th part long.

The lengths of the limbs original: "glidmaß" are marked above.