476 ARCHITECTURE OF DIFFERENT AGES. 



the Italians for a lon^ time retained the superiority as architects, 

 over the other European nations, yet as men of genius from all 

 quarters constantly visited Italy for the purpose of improvement 

 in architecture, as well as the other arts, since that period they 

 have been equalled, if not surpassed, by architects of other nati. 

 ons, and even of our own country." 



The orders, as now executed by architects, are five, viz. the 

 Tuscan, the Doric, the Ionic, the Corinthian, and the Composite ; 

 which are distinguished from each other by the column with its 

 base and capital, and by the entablature. The Tuscan order is 

 characterised by its plain and robust appearance, and is therefore 

 used only in works where strength and plainness are wanted; it 

 has been used with great effect and elegance in that durable monu- 

 ment of ancient grandeur, the Trajan column at Home; indeed 

 general consent has established its proportions for such purposes 

 beyond all others. The Doric possesses nearly the same character 

 for strength as the Tuscan, but is enlivened by its peculiar orna- 

 ments ; the triglyph, mutule, and guttae or drops under the trig, 

 lyph ; these decorations characterise the Doric order, and in part 

 are inseparable from it. Its proportions recommended it where 

 united strength and grandeur are wanted. The Ionic partakes of 

 more delicacy than either of the former, and therefore as well as on 

 account of its origin, is called Feminine, and not improperly 

 supposed to have a matronic appearance. It is a medium between 

 the masculine Tuscan and Doric, and the virginal sleoderness of the 

 Corinthian : the boldness of the capital, with the beauty of the 

 shaft, makes it eligible for porticoes, frontispieces, entrances to 

 houses, &c. Denteles were first added to the cornice of this 

 order. The Corinthian possesses more delicacy and ornament than 

 any other order ; the beauty and richness of the capital, and the 

 delicacy of the pillar, render it the most suitable in those edifices 

 where magnificence and elegance are required. On this account it 

 is frequently used for the internal decoration of large state rooms ; 

 in which it has a chaste appearance, though at the same time su. 

 perb. The Composite order is the same as the Corinthian in its 

 proportions, and nearly alike in ornamental properties. The ad. 

 dition of the modern Ionic volute to the capital, gives a bolder 

 projection. It is aplicable in the same manner and in the same 

 cases as the Corinthian. 



The first complete system of architecture we meet with is that 



