PREFACE.

...to be so, when they are treated clearly and in an engaging manner; there is no subject that does not contain truths that the Reader always takes pleasure in learning, when they are presented with dignity. The mind is naturally filled with a number of confused ideas, which prevent it from seeing the truth of the things it has the greatest interest in knowing well; and nothing touches it so agreeably as to offer it luminous ones, because the speed with which it grasps them gives it the same pleasure as if it had drawn them from its own depths. How many books containing excellent principles lose much through the harshness of their style! We have tried to avoid this defect, which is certainly the most unbearable, since it spreads obscurity. A work cannot be too well-crafted, and it will be all the better the less it appears to have been so. Bélidor is invoking a classic Enlightenment ideal: that true art and science should appear effortless and clear, rather than bogged down in jargon or difficult prose.

It would be a lack of gratitude if we did not make it known that we are indebted to Mr. de Ségent, formerly Chief Engineer original: "Ingénieur en chef." A high-ranking military official responsible for fortifications and public works. at Dunkirk, for the finest designs original: "desseins." Refers here to the technical drawings and architectural plans. we report from that Place, which he had studied thoroughly before its demolition Under the Treaty of Utrecht (1713), France was forced to demolish the fortifications and harbor of Dunkirk to appease the British., as well as the works carried out at Mardyck in 1714. From then on, he deigned to grant us some share in his esteem, and has contributed not a little, through the help he gave us, to the advancement of this work. We also owe much to Mr. de Caux, Chief Engineer at Cherbourg, who likewise assisted us with his insights, as may be judged in the places where he is mentioned.

Although we have neglected nothing that could make this work complete, we are very far from believing that we have been fortunate enough for the success to match the zeal with which it was undertaken; and one would be