Accounts Quote by Marcus Vitruvius Pollio
“Oak... lasts for an unlimited period when buried in underground structures... when exposed to moisture... it cannot take in liquid on account of its compactness, but, withdrawing from the moisture, it resists it and warps, thus making cracks.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: De Architectura, Vitruvius, 1st century BC
Wood resists moisture when compact, but when it absorbs water it warps and cracks, showing the importance of material properties and environmental exposure.
In simple terms: Wood swells and cracks when wet.
Key Takeaway
Design with material limits and environmental conditions in mind.
Themes
architecture
material science
durability
Mood
analytical
cautious
Type
technical
educational
When to use this quote
- building foundations
- furniture making
- preservation of historic structures
Key Concepts
hydroexpansion
structural integrity
environmental adaptation
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you protect materials from moisture?
- What design choices mitigate swelling?
A Different Perspective
Ignoring moisture effects can lead to failure; maintenance is essential.
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