Second issue of the first edition (1728) of "the most accurate and complete work on the subject of stone-cutting for building" (BAL). An abundantly and clearly illustrated manual on cutting stone for architectural construction, with meticulously detailed instructions. The main text is divided into five parts covering doorways and entry vaults, other vaults, pendentives (sections of domes), rampant (asymmetrical) arches and spiral stairs. All five parts are extensively illustrated, mostly with one or two plates for every chapter, in total 120 full-page plates and 1 large folding plate (plate size 47.5 x 61 cm) showing plans, cross-sections and views of gates, doorways, halls, tunnels, vaults, domes, corridors, niches, windows, staircases, etc. along with some measuring tools. The present copy is said to be on large-paper: it is in any case about the same size as the BAL copy, giving it generous margins.
With an 18th-century manuscript bookplate, partly torn away. The large folding plate is somewhat browned and tattered, with small tears around the edges (1 running into the image and 2 crudely repaired with tape, mostly in the margins), a couple text leaves are also browned, an occasional further plate or text leaf shows minor, mostly marginal browning or spots and the last few leaves have a marginal restoration in the upper outside corner, but the book is otherwise in good condition. The binding has been rebacked and the flaking leather stabilized, but most of the gold-tooled spine is clear and the book is now structurally sound. An essential source for the history of stone masonry, beautifully and extensively illustrated. BAL 1765; not in Berlin Kat.; Fowler; Millard; Vagnetti.