<s id="A18-3.08.01">8 For the same purpose one also applies another procedure that is easier and safer than this one.</s>
<s id="A18-3.08.02">Let the surface of the stone be designated <abgd> and let us carve into it a figure similar to a rectangle, namely <ezhq>, of even depth.</s>
<s id="A18-3.08.03">Let this hollow have sharp sides, i.e., let it have on two sides a considerable bulge.</s>
<s id="A18-3.08.04">Above this bulge let it be very strong so it can carry the stone that is suspended from it.</s>
<s id="A18-3.08.05">We now use two iron pegs, let their sides be inclined, similar to the letter Gamma.</s>
<s id="A18-3.08.06">Let there be a ring or a hole at their top; then we put each of the two pegs into one side of the hollow and bring their inclined part into the inclined bulge, make a third peg of iron that we insert between the first two so it keeps them from shifting.</s>
<s id="A18-3.08.07">Let the third peg also be drilled through at its upper end with a hole corresponding to the hole of the first two pegs.</s>
<s id="A18-3.08.08">Then we insert into the three holes an axle, one of whose ends is thicker.</s>
<s id="A18-3.08.09">Now the three pegs fill the hollow <ezhq> and the inclined (parts) of two pegs are in the bulge that is on both sides of the bed of the hollow, while the third fills the space between the first two; thus the three pegs look like a single body.</s>
<s id="A18-3.08.10">Hereupon we fasten the ropes leading to a block and tackle to the axle that goes through the three pegs.</s>
<s id="A18-3.08.11">Let there be on the upper part of the machine, by means of which we lift the load, a block and tackle parallel to the one attached to the stone; if we lead the ropes through it and tighten [them], the stone rises, because the middle peg does not let go of the two other ones whose inclined parts are stuck in the stone.</s>
<s id="A18-3.08.12">Then one lifts it until it is opposite the place where we want to insert it, and lets it settle in this place.</s>
<s id="A18-3.08.13">When the stone rests in its place the axle is taken out and the middle peg and then the two pegs with inclined sides are removed; hereupon we prepare another stone and proceed with it as before.</s>
<s id="A18-3.08.14">In this procedure one has to take care not to use too hard iron, so it does not break; but one also has to beware of too soft [iron], so it does not curve and bend because of the weight of the stone, but one uses medium [iron], not too hard and not too soft.</s>
<s id="A18-3.08.15">One should also watch for a bend or fold in the iron, or a crack that could befall it during the work, for a fault in it is very dangerous, not only because the stone might fall, but also because it hits the workers when it falls.</s>
