The builder's golden rule, or, The youth's sure guide : containing the greatest variety of ornamental and useful designs in architecture and carpentry, with the most ready practical methods of executing the same, from the plan to the ornamental finish, in the most prevailing modern taste : the whole correctly engraved, on 106 copper-plates, with a full explanation in letter-press : to which is added, An estimate of prices for materials and labour, and labour only, with references to the respective designs
A 1782 London builders' manual by William Pain, revised by Henry Draper Steel for working carpenters and young architects, with copper-plate designs and letter-press explanations. The four plates show classical mouldings and cornice profiles drawn in elevation with dimensioned scales, a stair and arch centring layout, and a circular plan with cut lines for the stonecutter, offering a designer clear geometric detailing of period architectural ornament.
