The Ten Books on Architecture, 8.1.5

Vitruvius  translated by Morris Hicky Morgan

« Vitr. 8.1 | Vitr. 8.1 | Vitr. 8.2 | About This Work »

5Again, if a vessel made of unbaked clay be put in the hole, and covered in the same way, it will be wet when uncovered, and already beginning to go to pieces from dampness, if the place contains water. If a fleece of wool is placed in the excavation, and water can be wrung out of it on the following day, it will show that the place has a supply. Further, if a lamp be trimmed, filled with oil, lighted, and put in that place and covered up, and if on the next day it is not burnt out, but still contains some remains of oil and wick, and is itself found to be damp, it will indicate that the place contains water; for all heat attracts moisture. Again, if a fire is made in that place, and if the ground, when thoroughly warmed and burned, sends up a misty vapour from its surface, the place will contain water.

« Vitr. 8.1 | Vitr. 8.1 | Vitr. 8.2 | About This Work »