A decorative headpiece consisting of three horizontal rows of typographic ornaments: the top and bottom rows feature fleur-de-lis style motifs, while the middle row contains a series of star-shaped or floral patterns.

PREFACE.

WHEN one examines somewhat strictly the different works that fall under the scope of Mechanics original: "Mécanique"; in the 18th century, this referred broadly to the science of motion, forces, and the construction of machines., one is shocked by the lack of precision that reigns in their various parts, which are almost always determined by chance, without following any certain rules by which one might approach as closely as possible to perfection. To reach such perfection, it would be necessary to return to the first principles of things and to hold a sentiment opposite to a fairly general prejudice: that Practice original: "Pratique"; refers to hands-on, traditional building methods learned through apprenticeship. is preferable to Theory original: "Théorie"; the mathematical and physical laws governing engineering.. The error of many people on this point being the main cause of the faults that are committed, I shall try to destroy this notion, so that I may afterward better introduce the goal I have set for myself in this Treatise original: "Traité"; a formal and systematic written work on a specific subject..

Everyone will agree that to make a Work original: "Ouvrage"; here referring to engineering projects or buildings. complete, it must be solidly constructed, it must fulfill its purpose well, and the expense must be so managed that it appears spent only on what is indispensably necessary.

These conditions are so natural that one would be inclined to believe there is no possibility that craftsmen would ever deviate from them, if results did not sometimes prove the contrary. However, as these conditions are much more difficult to fulfill than one might think, one is not always entitled to offer a legitimate reproach; on the contrary, these Craftsmen original: "gens du Métier"; referring to the professional engineers and builders of the time. deserve much more excuse than blame for having succeeded in making things as passable as they are, without other...