1852.] OF THE ROYAL INSTITUTION. 125 
highest degree of beauty, neither quality at all interfering with the 
other. We further learn that humble buildings should be simple 
and subordinate to, but not irrespective of, the more noble; that 
these should exhibit order and symmetry, but should differ among 
themselves in Character ; efficiency rather than beauty to be looked 
for in absolutely concealed construction, but ugliness scarcely to be 
tolerated under any circumstances in features exposed to the eye. 
The mere rule “ Decorate the useful,” although good as far as it 
goes, is inadequate, for the beauty should be a function of the use, 
and the use of the beauty. 
The Lecturer proceeded to inquire in what Styles of Architecture 
are found the best illustrations of the application of Scientific prin- 
ciples to zsthetic ends, —i. e. for the elaboration of beautiful form : 
observing with reference to the conventional rules which form the 
grammar (as it were) of each particular style, that these rules were 
subordinate to principles founded on science and common sense ;— 
that their object was to prevent confusion and ignorant caprice, and _ 
were made for the use of the architect and not for his embarrass- 
ment. 
The Architecture of Greece alone exhibits satisfactory evidences 
of the application of Science to Fine Art. The Romans actually 
gloried in the abnegation of the highest aims of art, and no peculiar 
refinements were to be found in their Architecture, even after the 
most diligent examination. The Architecture of the thirteenth 
century, with all its beauties, is so overrun with curious fancies, 
whether arising from carelessness or symbolism, that the abnormal 
varieties, which in Greek Architecture point out a principle, are in 
this style, in the majority of instances, mere caprice, as far at least 
as art is concerned. 
Alberti and Brunelleschi, and the great masters who revived 
classical art, who so wonderfully succeeded in adapting an ancient 
Architecture to the uses of their day, and who formed out of it a 
living style unshackled by timid retrospection, do not seem to have 
used any peculiar refinements; neither do their chief followers in this 
country, Inigo Jones and Sir Christopher Wren. Palladian Archi- 
tecture having fallen into feeble hands was, in this country, ejected 
by an ill-digested importation of Greek Architecture, to which it did 
not do justice, either in respect of artistic or of scientific treatment ; 
but it chiefly failed from overlooking the proper use to which the 
Architecture of the Greek temple should be applied by us. 
** It should be proposed as a standard of excellence, as an abstract 
model for our guidance, and not as one suitable for direct imi- 
tation.” 
The Architecture now in fashion is treated in a manner scarcely 
less retrospective than the last mentioned, and great as are its in- 
trinsic excellencies, is peculiarly unplastic and opposes itself to the 
exhibition of mechanical power or scientific refinement. 
The late attempts to revive Greek Architecture were much ham- 
pered by a feeling of the necessity of carrying symmetry to an 
extreme which is not found in the original, 
