body, and by extension, of the universe as a whole. Lists of names given in Book VII Introduction In the introduction to book seven, Vitruvius goes to great lengths to present why he is qualified to write De Architectura. This is the only location in the work where Vitruvius specifically addresses his personal breadth of knowledge. Similar to a modern reference section, the author's position as one who is knowledgeable and educated is established. The topics range across many fields of expertise reflecting that in Roman times as today construction is a diverse field. Vitruvius is clearly a well-read man. In addition to providing his qualification, Vitruvius summarizes a recurring theme throughout the 10 books, a non-trivial and core contribution of his treatise beyond simply being a construction book. Vitruvius makes the point that the work of some of the most talented is unknown, while many of those of lesser talent but greater political position are famous. This theme runs through Vitruvius's ten books repeatedly – echoing an implicit prediction that he and his works will also be forgotten. Vitruvius illustrates this point by naming what he considers the most talented individuals in history. Implicitly challenging the reader that they have never heard of some of these people, Vitruvius goes on and predicts that some of these individuals will be forgotten and their works lost, while other, less deserving political characters of history will be forever remembered with pageantry. List of physicists: Thales, Democritus, Anaxagoras, Xenophanes List of philosophers: Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Zeno, Epicurus List of kings: Croesus, Alexander the Great, Darius On plagiarism: Aristophanes, Ptolemy I Soter, a person named Attalus On abusing dead authors: Zoilus Homeromastix, Ptolemy II Philadelphus On divergence of the visual rays: Agatharchus, Aeschylus, Democritus, Anaxagoras List of writers on temples: Silenus, Theodorus, Chersiphron and Metagenes, Ictinus and Carpion, Theodorus the Phocian, Hermogenes, Arcesius, Satyrus and a person named Pytheos List of artists: Leochares, Bryaxis, Scopas, Praxiteles, Timotheos List of writers on laws of symmetry: Nexaris, Theocydes, a person named Demophilus, Pollis, a person named Leonidas, Silanion, Melampus, Sarnacus, Euphranor List of writers on machinery: Diades of Pella, Archytas, Archimedes, Ctesibius, Nymphodorus, Philo of Byzantium, Diphilus, Democles, Charias, Polyidus of Thessaly, Pyrrus, Agesistratus List of writers on architecture: Fuficius, Terentius Varro, Publius Septimius (writer) List of architects: Antistates, Callaeschrus, Antimachides, Pormus, Cossutius List of greatest temple architects: Chersiphron of Gnosus, Metagenes, Demetrius, Paeonius the Milesian,