“In walls of masonry the first question must be with regard to the sand, in order that it may be fit to mix into mortar and have no dirt in it.”

—  Vitruvius , book De architectura

Source: De architectura (The Ten Books On Architecture) (~ 15BC), Book II, Chapter IV "Sand" Sec. 1
Context: In walls of masonry the first question must be with regard to the sand, in order that it may be fit to mix into mortar and have no dirt in it. The kinds of pitsand are these: black, gray, red, and carbuncular. Of these the best will be found to be that which crackles when rubbed in the hand, while that which has much dirt in it will not be sharp enough. Again: throw some sand upon a white garment and then shake it out; if the garment is not soiled and no dirt adheres to it, the sand is suitable.

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Vitruvius 203
Roman writer, architect and engineer -80–-15 BC

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