Surveying and pile-driving instruments for levelling ground
Pile-driver, pointed piles, water-levels and a plumb-square for measuring ground heights, plus boots for water-work.
The sheet assembles tools for surveying land and preparing foundations. A pile-driver two braccia high, handled by four men, drives a pointed alder pile half a braccio thick (its hole started with an iron bar and called 'breco' in Lombard). A plumb-square level named 'Arcopondero' and a water-level for gauging how much lower point A lies than b are drawn with directions to place two equal irons and to wet the level's cord so it holds firmer. Marginal notes add thick boots for standing in winter water and a tool for boring holes; the ink is faint throughout.
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Pointed alder pile driven into the ground
A pointed stake half a braccio thick and two-and-a-half braccia long, of green burnt alder, is driven into the ground. Its hole is begun with an iron bar; the pile is called 'breco' in Lombard.
Pile-driver worked by four men
A pile-driver two braccia high, half a braccio thick in the solid, is operated by four men. It is drawn beside the pile it drives.
Water-level for ground between A and b
An instrument levels the ground A–b using water: the edge of the water spilling from the banks is dried with the fingers, two irons of equal thickness (two braccia long) are set in place, and the level's cord is wetted so it holds firmer, in order to see how much lower A is than b.
Plumb-square level 'Arcopondero'
A triangular set-square with a plumb-line is drawn in the central column and named 'Arcopondero'. It serves to check level and vertical.
Rod measuring height from b to A
A double rod is lettered F and g, with the note that F–g is the height from b to A. It records a vertical difference between the surveyed points.
Thick boots for winter water-work
Two thick boots are drawn for standing in the water in winter, part of the equipment for foundation and levelling work on wet ground.