Archimedes Texts

D. BENEDETTO CASTELLI,
Abbot of S. Benedetto Aloysio, Mathematician to
Pope VR BAN VIII. and Professor in
ROME.

Though the principal cause be but one
onely, that in my judgment threatneth
irreparable ruine to the Lake of
Venice, in the present state in which it
now stands; Yet neverthelesse, I think
that two Heads may be considered.
And this Consideration may peradven
ture serve us for to facilitate and explain
the opportune remedies, though not to
render the state of things absolutely unchangeable and eternal:
an enterprize impossible, and especially in that which having had
some beginning, ought likewise necessarily to have its end; or
at least to prevent the danger for many hundreds of years; and
possibly it may, in the mean time, by the mutation it self be
brought into a better condition.

I say therefore, that the present disorder may be considered
under two Heads; One is the very notable discovery of Land
that is observed at the time of low Water, the which, besides
the obstructing of Navigation in the Lake and also in the
Chanels, doth likewise threaten another mischief and disorder