Organisation of the book:
- The first volume is separated into five parts, each containing 3 chapters, besides the last part which contains 5 chapters.
- The first part treats the origin and progress of architecture, speaks also about interpreters of Vitruve or Vignole, and the use of proportions by the ”great architects”.
- The second part speaks about proportions: geometrical, arithmetic, harmonic.
- The third part deals with proportions in nature and how proportions can produce a pleasant feeling.
- The fourth part is about personal taste, the origin of that taste and how to join these principles to a ‘’happy natural disposition’’.
- The fifth part treats on the different paths to achieve the ‘’essential beauty’’, also gives some construction examples and also trials from the author.
- The second volume is separated into three main parts
- The first part is an abbreviated history of architecture which contains 5 chapters. Writing about the use of proportions from different architects, also on columns, their diminution and also a chapter about the space between columns.
- The second part is about the five orders, as interpreted by Vignole, Palladio, and Scamozzi. Each order has a page of text and 2 illustrations per architect, showing the different ways the architects build using a specific order.
- The third part has 6 chapters, assembling what different architects have said about the change of the situation or height of a building and how it impacts the whole of the orders.
Size of the books:
f° – height – 345mm, width – 255mm
Total number of pages and illustrations:
- The first volume has 108 pages with 40 illustrated boards, (which are not counted as pages). Among the illustrated boards there are 3 ground plans and a foldable illustration of a building facade.
- The second volume has 194 pages of which 98 are illustrated boards, in addition, there is one table and an appendix with 24 additional illustrations.
