Division
The book “Elementos de toda la architactura civil” by Miguel Benavemte is a Spanish translation with additions of the Latin work by Christiano Rieger. The book with the unique discoveries of modern architecture is divided into four parts, which are then divided into chapters. The first part refers to the principles on which the theories of architecture are based, respectively it deals with the theory of architecture on the historical and aesthetic level, and it has six chapters. The second part is about the laws of architecture, and this part is divided into two subparts. The first is about the composition of buildings and has five chapters. In the other subpart it is about teaching to draw plans correctly and has four chapters. The third part has even eleven chapters, and discusses the general theory of classical orders “and columns in the form of scrolls or torches”. The fourth and therefore the last part writes about the practice of the profession, with internal details on the procedures for construction and the use of materials. It examines the rules for the practice of building, also taking into account the framework of the cities. This last part also has six chapters. So we can say that the book deals with the art, the practice, the designs and the execution of the works. Basically, the general architectural theory on which the book is built is the same that we have already learned in the older writings of Vitruvius. The work accompanies from the laying of the foundation to the completion of the building. It also trains the eye to examine ornaments thoroughly. The book contains for better understanding, notes in the margins and pictures in the last 21 pages that follow the index. The pictures represent architectural elements with exact measurements. However, these are not the only illustrations in the book, as one can find mathematical tables throughout the pages that show the theories. In addition, beautiful pictures decorate the beginnings and the conclusions of the four parts. However, the entire work is black and white, and thus the pictures are not in color. In general, it can be said that this book provides a great deal of knowledge in the architectural field and is a good read even for beginners, as it takes up architecture from the ground up. The wide margins of the pages make it possible to write down your own keywords. The footers sometimes include notes and further explanations. What is particularly noteworthy is the clear division of topics and how they are explained to the reader one by one. The beautiful illustrations and tables help us to better comprehend the thoughts and theories.
Structuring / Clarity / Sequence