P R E F A C E

...name to the work. There is another distinction in Fortification, when one says that it is Geometric or Mechanical. Geometric fortification is that which demonstrates the science of the foundation—namely, by employing mathematical certainty and performing everything with exact calculation to be as certain of one’s work as possible, while paying close regard to Trigonometry. But Mechanical fortification retains only the more general principles of the former, leaving aside the tedious exercise of proportions in order to finish the fortification more quickly and gain time. Furthermore, there will be no need to treat the causes of the art, seeing as they are already all too well known. Likewise, there is no simpleton among people of quality who does not know that he who makes Fortifications is called an Engineer, inasmuch as with his elevated spirit, he accomplishes more in time of war than soldiers do with their swords. To such a man one could justly give the definition of an honorable man original: "honneste homme" — a 17th-century ideal of a well-rounded, virtuous, and cultivated gentleman. well-experienced in the art of fortifying. Yet this title shall not belong to all those who meddle in it; because laborers and artisans have no need for a spirit elevated above that of the common people.

It seems that, above all, Geometry is necessary to a man who strives to do well in this art; without it, he will never be able to give any certain or assured reason for his Designs. After this, he will find Arithmetic necessary, as well as Trigonometry, which in this century has found the name of a science unto itself, from which an excellent master must take his measurements. He should not be ignorant of painting, nor even of Perspective; for it would be a great shame for a master of high esteem to lack the skill or capacity to draw the portrait of a work he has undertaken to build, should his General ask for it. Architecture must also be joined to it, for the reason that gates and other buildings, drawbridges, and their counterweights, are learned through this science and by that which constantly accompanies it, namely Mechanics. Physiology In this historical context, "Physiology" refers to "natural philosophy" or the study of the physical properties of the environment—such as soil quality and climate—rather than human biology. will no less be useful, seeing as from it one takes the prognosis of the diversity of the earth, the air, and the waters.

The reading of histories and of the most signal sieges, but much more the first-hand observation of a camp where such things are seen, will serve extremely well; for in doing so, he will learn much at the expense of his enemy, and will guard himself against past faults, especially since in war it is not permitted to make the same mistake twice—the first already having given a great advantage to the enemy and having allowed them to carry the positions. The Lovers of Wisdom original: "amateurs de la Sagesse" — a literal translation of the Greek "philosophers." will further instruct him in their virtues, and turn him away from avarice and morosity, so as not to let himself be carried away by such monsters, nor to wish to put himself in the service of a Tyrant, to make himself his slave and help him ruin poor subjects and take away their liberty.

But the principal thing is to know how to give good Reasons for one's Design by showing it clearly, and thus winning one’s cause against everyone; for he would be very ill-advised who would believe anything without having a Demonstration. He must also practice both in the camp to understand various things; for the ears do not do everything, but one must also put one's hand to the work and look at all things with an attentive eye. But the end at which all Fortification aims is the safety original: "incolumité" — from the Latin "incolumitas," meaning safety, soundness, or preservation from harm. and conservation of one's Citizens and Subjects. This is why the most excellent spirits have always greatly preferred the Defensive to the Offensive, and one will find that the first part is ordinarily more cultivated by all. In connection with which one might consider the nets that Vulcan prepared for Mars, when he was so rash as to...