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All these soft kinds [of stone] have the advantage that…

“All these soft kinds [of stone] have the advantage that they can be easily worked as soon as they have been taken from the quarries. Under cover, they play their part well; but in open and exposed situations the frost and rime make them crumble, and they go to pieces. On the seacoast, too, the…” quote by Marcus Vitruvius Pollio
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“All these soft kinds [of stone] have the advantage that they can be easily worked as soon as they have been taken from the quarries. Under cover, they play their part well; but in open and exposed situations the frost and rime make them crumble, and they go to pieces. On the seacoast, too, the salt eats away and dissolves them, nor can they stand great heat either.”

Marcus Vitruvius Pollio

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Soft stones are easy to shape but crumble under exposure to frost, salt, or heat, limiting their structural use.

In simple terms: Soft stone works well indoors but fails outdoors.

Key Takeaway

Use appropriate materials for environmental conditions.

Themes

architecture material science engineering durability

Mood

practical analytical

Type

technical educational

When to use this quote

  • building foundations
  • outdoor sculptures
  • historical restoration
  • landscape design

Key Concepts

stone properties environmental exposure structural integrity

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you select materials for durability?
  • What alternatives exist for harsh climates?
A Different Perspective

Modern materials may offer better resilience.

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