The Surveyor in Foure Bookes

The Preface.

I am not ignorant (friendly reader) that until now, in writing, never has any man pleased everyone; nor will I expect to be the first. To persuade the courteous would be needless, for they are naturally kind; and to dissuade the captious would be bootless useless, for they will not be diverted. Let the first make true use of these my labors, and they shall find much pleasure and profit therein; let the last (if they like not) leave it, and it shall not offend them. To make an apology or embellishment in defense or commendation of the subject I treat of would be needless, as it is already, in the world’s opinion, of sufficient ability and reputation both to defend and commend itself. Only of my manner and order in handling the same will I say something, as briefly as I may, for your better instruction and understanding.

In general, I have disposed and digested the same into four books; of which the two former tend specially to the principles and rules of geometry, with the performance of many useful and necessary conclusions thereby; and the two later, to matters of survey, with many instrumental conclusions tending to that as well as diverse other purposes.

More particularly, in my first book, I begin with the matters, grounds, and elements of geometry, as the definitions and terms of art belonging thereunto; most fitting first for the practitioner to be learned and well understood. Then next, I have placed therein diverse geometrical theorems, as the foundations, grounds, and reasons on which the practical part depends.

In the second (having formerly laid the foundation), I show the means and practical operation of many necessary conclusions and geometrical problems, as the distinction, application, and division of lines and angles; and the description, reduction, addition, inscription, transmutation, division, and separation of all forms and kinds of superficial figures, with their several dimensions. And considering that as well in the theorems of the first book as the problems in the second, I wholly omit (for brevity’s sake, and to avoid confusion to the...