Book XXVII. Of the Cone and Cylinder. p. [290]
VIA REGIA AD GEOMETRIAM.
THE FIRST BOOKE OF Peter Ramus's Geometry, Which is of a Magnitude.
1. Geometry is the Art of measuring well.
The end or scope of Geometry is to measure well: Therefore it is defined of the end, as generally all other Arts are. To measure well therefore is to consider the nature and affections of every thing that is to be measured: To compare such like things one with another: And to understand their reason and proportion and similitude. For all that is to measure well, whether it bee that by Congruency and application of some assigned measure: Or by Multiplication of the termes or bounds: Or by Division of the product made by multiplication: Or by any other way whatsoever the affection of the thing to be measured be considered.
But this end of Geometry will appeare much more beautifull and glorious in the use and geometricall workes and