46 MR. W. FAIRBAIEN ON THE 



since the weakness of the long columns arises from their 

 flexure. 



" Another mode of increasing the strength would be that 

 of preventing flexure, by increasing the dimensions of the 

 middle. 



" From the experiments it would appear that the Grecian 

 columns, which seldom had their length more than about ten 

 times the diameter, were nearly of the form capable of bearing 

 the greatest weight when their shafts were uniform, and that 

 columns tapering from the bottom to the top were only 

 capable of bearing weights due to the smallest part of their 

 section, though the larger end might serve to prevent lateral 

 thrusts. This latter remark applies, too, to the Egyptian 

 columns, the strength of the column being only that of the 

 smallest part of the section. 



" From the two series of experiments, it appeared that the 

 strength of a short column was nearly in proportion to the 

 area of the section, though the strength of a larger one is 

 somewhat less than in that proportion." 



I give these extracts from Mr. Hodgkinson's paper, to show 

 the advantages to be derived from proper attention to the 

 construction of columns, not only as regards their resistance 

 to a crushing force, but as to the propriety of enlarging the 

 ends to increase their powers of resistance. 



Experimental data cannot always be applied in architec- 

 tural constructions ; but it is, nevertheless, essential that the 

 architect and builder should be cognizant of the facts, in 

 order that they may prepare their plans, as far as possible, 

 in accordance with them, and effect the greatest amount of 

 work with the least waste of material. 



The accompanying plate exhibits the appearance of some of 

 the fractured specimens ; in all, it will be observed, that there 

 is a tendency to give way by one or more wedges forcing out 

 from the sides in all directions. 



