M. Vitruvii ... De architectura libri decem, ad Augustum Caesarem accuratiss. conscripti

for then it is a disgrace that those who wish to have not only a place, but also some rank among the learned, cannot distinguish the parts of their own buildings by their own names? But if someone has been occupied with Vitruvius not drowsily, he will return to each part its own proper name. Next, it is impossible that you would not hesitate from time to time when reading ancient writers: unless you have been helped by the assistance of this one. This is the second fruit, which one should not despise. Lazarus Baifius Lazare de Baïf holds no small praise, because by collecting testimonies from everywhere, and comparing them among themselves, he opened the way to the understanding of nautical matters. Why that? Indeed, because by this industry of his, he directed as if by hand those who needed help to understand ancient histories. Therefore, those who read that little book do not think they are wasting their effort. What, therefore, shall we think of Vitruvius? who, having embraced not just one part, but so many things at once: did not dig up the buried monuments of antiquity here and there, but left us antiquity itself, of which he was an eyewitness, described as if on tablets. Do not object to me that the manner of the ancients was completely different from ours: and therefore the names they used neither suit our times nor can be understood by us. For although the tenth book is judged by others to be more abstruse: we see, however, that Budaeus Guillaume Budé, helped by the works of the priest Iocundus Giovanni Giocondo, adapted the names of machines to our age and present use. And yet I do not deny that there are some things which hardly any man will ever attain. But these should not at all be an impediment to investigating the rest. To these also is added a third: that he does not speak as a manual craftsman: but explains the things he deals with, which are drawn and taken from the sources of the liberal arts, with reason. Thus, many will recognize here things taken from the inner treasures of Philosophy. Mathematicians will have things in which to exercise themselves. Musicians will have the principles of their art translated from Aristoxenus an ancient Greek music theorist.

Therefore, in printing Vitruvius, I believe I have not consulted my literary affairs badly: and I trust that this labor of mine will be approved by men of right and sound judgment. But what we have achieved, although it is right to leave it to others to judge...