This section is from the book "The English And American Mechanic", by B. Frank Van Cleve. Also available from Amazon: The English And American Mechanic.
We will now introduce a few remarks upon the method of drawing curved lines, and also give some rules for finding the forms of mouldings when they are to mitre together, that is to say, of raking mouldings, and of bevel work in general. It will also be necessary to make a few remarks upon the form of ribs for domes and groins, a knowledge of which is so necessary to the builder that without it the workman cannot correctly execute his task. It is hardly necessary to state, that all these mechanical operations are founded upon geometrical principles; and, unless he is acquainted with these, the workman cannot hope to succeed in his attempt to excel in his art - one which is necessary for the comfort and convenience of all communities.
 
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