Four Books on Human Proportion

A geometric diagram illustrates the proportions of a human arm. On the left, a vertical line serves as a baseline with points labeled d, e, and b. To its right, a slanted rectangular limb representing the arm is marked with points f at the top, g and z in the middle, and h at the base. All these points, plus point b, are connected by converging perspective lines to a single point a on the far right. The word Proportioner is printed to the right of the limb.

Afterward, I determine the length of the arm as follows: from the shoulder joint original: "achsselglid", which is located at the same height as the pit of the throat original: "halsgrübleins"; the small hollow at the base of the neck where the collarbones meet., to the elbow original: "elnbogen", is two-elevenths Dürer uses these fractions to represent parts of the total body height..

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

From the elbow to the end of the fingers is one-fourth.

From the end of the fingers backward to the end of the hand meaning the wrist is one-tenth.

However, whoever wishes may make it one-ninth long.

The lengths of the limbs are marked above.

Vocabulary: shoulder joint, pit of the throat, elbow, shoulder muscle, limbs, proportioner, parts.