S4 MEMOIR OF CAMPER. 



the parts in youth, and their decay in advanced age; 

 and also to the manner in which this discrepancy in 

 years might be most accurately delineated. Hence 

 arose the ^first-story of my edifice. The second was 

 formed by a critical examination of the line which 

 the ancient masters preferred. Finally, I discovered 

 a new and more simple manner of portraying any 

 form of head I pleased, whether of man or anima' , 

 with much greater precision. 



" These pursuits, however, were nearly totally n e- 

 glected until the year 1767, when examining in the 

 house of the Count de Bentinck a number of beautiful 

 intaglios and cameos, I was able immediately to dis- 

 tinguish the originals from counterfeits, and the 

 Grecian from the Roman. This led to inquiry into 

 the principles of my knowledge, and a request to ar- 

 range and more fully explain my views. 



" Upon retiring into the country for relaxation, I 

 began the task ; when the work swelling under my 

 hands, not only became more extensive, but pro- 

 mised to be more generally useful. T flattered my- 

 self it would prove acceptable not only to those who 

 admire the masterly performances of the ancient 

 masters, but also to those who are engaged in the 

 study of natural history, and drawing and sculpture 

 The first sketch ot the work was finished in 1768. 



" Delighted with my discoveries, as is generally 

 the case, I communicated them to several admirers 

 of the fine arts, who imagined that service might be 

 rendered to the science of painting, and more parti- 



