The Surveyor in Foure Bookes

...learner) their several demonstrations, using only explanation and construction, I therefore express in the margin against those theorems and problems where, how, and in what place of Euclid, Ramus Pierre de la Ramée (1515–1572), a French humanist and mathematician., and other authors to find their several demonstrations at large; and likewise, at the end of each construction, I have inserted the same numbers and notes of reference from the theorems in the first book to the problems in the second, and the contrary; whereby most plainly and readily is found and had, as well the reason and ground of any problem proposed as the effect and operation of any theorem delivered.

In the third book I begin with the description of the several instruments fit and usual for survey and their several uses: wherein I have spoken somewhat (though too sparingly) concerning their abuse, which has now grown shamefully general by the multitude of simple and ignorant persons (using, or rather abusing, that good plain instrument called the "plain table") who, having but once observed a surveyor, by looking over his shoulder, how and in what manner he directs his sights and draws his lines thereon, they presently apprehend the business, provide themselves with some cast-off plain table, and within a small time after, you shall hear them tell you wonders, and what rare feats they can perform; yes, and will undertake (or I will for them) that for ten groats a day and their charges defrayed, they shall be able to undo any man they deal with, or at leastwise to do him such wrong and prejudice as perhaps he might, with more ease and less loss, have given ten pounds a day to one who would have spoken less and performed more. But what should I say more of them than thus: Monoculi inter caecos oculissimi sunt Original Latin: "The one-eyed are the most sighted among the blind.", and so will I leave the blind, with tumbling the blind into the mire.

I further describe in this third book the composition and use of an instrument of my own, which I call the Peractor, and of a chain, which I call the Decimal Chain, with the divisions and parts thereof: which, rightly understood and practiced (I dare boldly say without ostentation), is far more useful and absolute for speed and exactness than any yet ever used. And I will maintain by sufficient demonstration that no man (not using the same or the like) shall attain to the same or the like perfection for precise exactness in any dimension as I will thereby perform.

And I further show therein the best, speediest, and exactest means for the survey and instrumental mensuration of a manor, or any other superficial content whatsoever, by diverse and several means; with...