Abridgments of Vitruvius have been formerly printed, but none of them have followed the design which Philebert de l'Orme has given in his Third Book: He desires that in abridging Vitruvius the matters which this Author treats of confusedly should be put into order, and that the things belonging to the same Subject, which are found dispersed in divers places, should be collected together into one Chapter. This Method, which the most part of the eminent Writers have neglected, has been carefully observed in this Treatise, it serving very much to the better apprehending and retaining the things treated of. We have been exact to put in nothing that is not taken out of Vitruvius, to which end the Book and Chapter of his Works are all along quoted in the Margin; nothing being added, but some few lines here and there, to continue the Discourse, and render it more clear: Notwithstanding which precautions, some things may possibly still remain obscure, in which case the Reader must have Recourse to the whole Works of Vitruvius, where he will find all necessary Explanation.

This little Treatise is not only necessary for those who begin the study of Architecture, but will be also of great use to even Masters themselves; for it is not to be doubted, that Vitruvius being so great a Master in this Art, his Authority, together with that of all the Ancients, which is included in his Works, must be capable of instructing the Apprentices, and confirming the Masters, and thereby establish the good Maxims and certain Rules of Architecture.

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This Abridgment having been very well received in French, we have ventured to put it in English, and doubt not but it will be as acceptable to our Nation, who are allowed to be as competent Judges of this Art as any. The Translation is very exact; the Cutts altogether as well, if not better, than in the French; and in the Table of the Explication of the Terms used in Architecture, we have added the Etymology and Derivation of them, which is not in the French.