TO The Lovers of Perspective.

The Art of PERSPECTIVE does, with wonderful Pleasure, deceive the Eye, the most subtle of all our outward Senses; and is very necessary to be known of all, who in Painting would give a due Place and Proportion to their Figures, and more or less Strength requisite to the Lights and Shades of the Picture. This might be insensibly attain’d, if Persons, not content with the Study of Drawing only, would accustom themselves exactly to delineate the several Orders of Architecture. Nevertheless, among many who have hitherto vigorously undertaken this Work, there have been but very few, who have not been in a manner quite discourag’d, through want of Masters and Books to teach them clearly and methodically the Rules of Perspective-Projections, from the first Principles of the Art, to the entire Perfection thereof. Wherefore, apprehending that by long and constant Practice in Works of this kind, I had acquir’d a Method to facilitate the same; I judg’d it might be for the Satisfaction and Advantage of the Studious, to publish the shortest way for designing in Perspective the several Orders of Architecture, by a common and easy Rule, free from the Incumbrances of occult Lines. But if it please God to give me Life and Health to compose another Book, I shall therein shew the Method of putting Works into Perspective by the Rule I make use of at present, which is more easy and general than the common way, though this be the Foundation of the other. Therefore, Reader, my Advice is, that you chearfully begin your Work, with a Resolution to draw all the Lines thereof to that true point, the Glory of GOD; and I durst predict, and promise you good Success in so honourable an Undertaking.