Liber II, Pars III — Qualia debent esse aedificia, quantum ad salubritatem aquarum, et quantum ad ordinem universi. Cap. IV.

Liber II, Pars III — Qualia debent esse aedificia, quantum ad salubritatem aquarum, et quantum ad ordinem universi. Cap. IV.

Besides the two points mentioned, namely the nature of the work and the quality of the air, there are two other factors to consider in building. These are the health of the water and the proper arrangement of the universe. Water, according to the philosopher, is very common and serves many necessary purposes in life. Therefore, it is very important to consider how the building is situated so that it has a supply of healthy water, so that the inhabitants do not suffer from illness due to contaminated water. Palladius mentions in his book On Agriculture six factors that should be considered regarding the quality of water. The first is that the water should not be derived from marshes or pools. Marshes and pools often contain stagnant water, which usually has unhealthy qualities. Secondly, it is important to ensure that the water does not originate from metals or pass through metal veins. For metals have their subterranean veins, and water is generated in underground places, and it passes through these subterranean veins. Therefore, if the place where the waters are generated, or the channels through which the waters pass, contain the principles of the veins of metals, the water becomes contaminated, and it is not wholesome. For it is moist and soft, and thus easily becomes contaminated: therefore, because it is of this kind, it is easily infected by metals, especially from the veins of metals, where there are no pure metals, but along with the metals there are also some putrid substances mixed in. The third consideration regarding waters is that they should be of clear color. For the very infection of color demonstrates the infection of the water. The fourth consideration is that the waters should not be tainted by any odor or taste, for a foul odor or taste of the waters often indicates that those waters are generated or pass through some infected places, from which they have contracted such an odor or taste. The fifth consideration is that no mud should settle in those waters. For the muddy and swampy earth, because it is infected, cannot be healthy. These five things must be considered for the health of the waters. However, since it sometimes happens that we fall into these signs, Palladius also mentions a sixth thing that should be considered. Namely, that the condition and arrangement of the bodies using those waters should be considered. Therefore, it must be examined whether the teeth and gums of those using those waters are clean, so that users have healthy and untroubled heads; whether the stomach, or the viscera, or the sides, or the kidneys are not afflicted by any pain or swelling; for from the malice of the waters, all these evils, or some of them, are accustomed to occur. Thus, the building must be constructed in such a way that it has a supply of healthy water with those conditions we have mentioned. But if the necessity of building urges, and there is no supply of healthy water there, then, according to Palladius, a cistern should be built there, in which rainwater can be collected. For, according to him, heavenly and rainwater is brought for drinking as if it were for everyone; however, in that cistern, there should be river fish added, so that the water flowing from the natation of these fish imitates the agility of the current. Now, let's see how a building should be constructed with regard to the healthiness of water: it remains to consider how it should be built in relation to the order of the universe. In the order of the universe, however, there are three things to consider regarding the construction of a building. These are, namely, the condition of the heavens, the diversity of winds, and the arrangement of the lands. Regarding the heavenly condition, there are two things to consider. First, that it be illuminated with the proper brightness in winter. Second, that it not be oppressed by excessive heat in summer. This can happen if the building faces the eastern sky in its broader aspect; for then, since it is opposite the sun in winter, it will be illuminated with the proper brightness. In summer, however, because it is angled obliquely to the sun, it will maintain a temperate heat. For an oblique angle generates less heat than a direct one. Secondly, in constructing a building, the diversity of winds must be considered, particularly regarding the arrangement of rooms. For the north wind, because it brings purer air, seems to be healthier. Therefore, because of the summer season, in which people are more easily weakened, some rooms should be built opposite the north wind, so that a healthier life can be preserved in them. Thirdly, regarding the order of the universe, the arrangement of the lands must be considered, so that a building can be constructed in such a place that gardens and orchards can be connected to it; for the view from such places and the walk through them contributes to health and well-being. Moreover, there are certain other specific conditions to be mentioned in constructing buildings; for example, what the wine cellar should be like, because it must be cold, dark, and situated far from water sources, such as cisterns and rivers, and far from stables, manure, and refuse. Other specific conditions for buildings could also be distinguished. But because such details are too particular, they should be left to the skill of the builders.