p x g v n – K q – let it be very swift – r – S t – n f m – h L. With the crane K q the lid S r t is removed from its place and, with a lateral motion, drawn partly aside, swiftly uncovering the concavity of its floor; over which floor the template v x passes quickly. But see that the bottom is first struck with the clearest element, without moisture, and make the test to see whether it is fired, as is done at the kilns for their jugs. Then you shall move the template this way and that so much that the element loses its power; and know that the floor which supports the shaped piece should be of the figure of that shaped piece, that is on its reverse side, and so it will have a good result, etc. See that the template v is at t and that it sweeps the space t S of the base of the furnace as soon as the lid S r t is uncovered; and then, with reflected and incident motion, let it return many times over the same place, with the incidental help of the hands of its operator. Let the concavity first be shaped many times this way and that before it is varnished; and then let the varnish be given upon the wetted surface, applied with the sieve, and let it be shaped 2 or 3 times, and then let heat be given; and when it takes a luster, immediately let it be shaped while it is hot. The centre of the revolving mount that carries the template with its platform must be firm, and must be able to be raised and lowered and moved this way and that, so that its middle falls upon the middle of the shaped piece.

Let the bottom of the furnace be the same in shape as that of the thing set into the furnace; and it is well made of tufa in one piece, so that, like an anvil, it can resist the transverse blows of the heavy template that strikes it.

O speculator of things, do not praise yourself for knowing the things that nature ordinarily brings about of herself; but rejoice in knowing the purpose of those things that are designed by your own mind.