THE SOUTH DEVON 



MONTHLY MUSEUM. 



PLYMOUTH, FEBRUARY 1, 1833. 



No. 2.] PRICE SIXPENCE. [ VOL. I. 



SOME PARTICULARS OF THE CONSTRUC- 

 TION OF THE EDDYSTONE LIGHTHOUSE, 



EXTRACTED FROM SMEATON^S DESCRIPTION, 

 BY A MEMBER OF THE PLYMOUTH INSTITUTION. 



WHILST many visiters resort to this Town for the pur- 

 pose of seeing the Breakwater ; the Eddystone Light- 

 house, an erection incomparably more curious, display- 

 ing the most extraordinary combination of enterprise and 

 caution perhaps any where to be found, and imposing to 

 the view from its solitary position in the open sea, almost 

 escapes notice. This arises partly, no doubt, from its less 

 ready accessibility, but probably more, from the pecu- 

 liarities of its structure, and the numerous contrivances 

 adapted for its situation and purposes being not 

 generally known. 



The only books, so far as the writer has learned, 

 describing the structure of this Lighthouse are, a Folio 

 of Six Guineas price, published by Mr. Smeaton, and 

 a Quarto of about two Guineas, without the plates to 

 render it intelligible; both of which are filled princi- 

 pally with narrative ; very interesting it is true, but 

 not essential to understanding the construction of the 

 building : and some dictionaries of art of higher price 

 and of which the description of this Lighthouse occu- 

 pies a still smaller portion. 



This sketch is intended, by giving a readier means of 

 knowing its admirable composition, and appreciating in 

 some degree the forethought and sagacity of its distin- 

 VOL. i. 1833. F 



