Concept: GEOMETRY
In the book “A Complete Body of Architecture” the theme of geometry takes an important place but also in general architecture it is a dominant part. Geometry is ubiquitous. At the time when Isaac Ware, the author of the book, lived, geometry was not yet precisely defined. Therefore, the topic is addressed rather with caution. However, Isaac Ware devotes a chapter only to geometry on the basis of his knowledge and a few conjectures. As already mentioned, geometry is present in many aspects of the book maybe in a hidden way. The author describes various elements such as: private and public buildings and their components like chimneypieces, covings, paving, courses, steps, walls, orders of columns all these contain geometry.
Thus, it can be assumed that very much was already present, however one did not consciously perceive or realize this. In the chapter where Isaac Ware writes precisely about the geometry, it is defined as a composition of several parts who form the whole. He also says that geometry is a science which exactly shows the magnitude or largeness of things, with their measure, and first of superficies, and secondly of solids. Geometry is considered under two heads with the respect to the preparatory studies and to the science itself. It refers to the relationships of individual points and how they form shapes. In addition, he explains the characters, such as parallel, equal, more/ to be added/plus or even multiplication and their signs. He goes into the arithmetic and shows this. Among other things, he talks about the individual forms and their properties. For example, what is the meaning of a circle and what distinguishes it. He explains in detail what a radius or a diameter is. Furthermore, he says how individual bodies come into being and which components of shapes they contain. In addition, the chapter, as well as the whole rest of the book is provided with precise sketches drawn by hand. These are all labeled and also contain the initials for the distances. Increased numbers occur rather than single numbers with units of length of surface.
Isaac Ware covers the subject very clearly and understandably. He refers to general things but also goes into detail. The theoretical aspect is definitely present in some passages. But especially components like sketches and calculations help the reader to get an exact overview. These bring the book to life and arouse a certain excitement and inspiration.
mesuration – perspective – reckoned arithmetic