SCIENCE OF COMMON THINGS. 



Principles of architecture. Properties of a good building. 



CHAPTER 



PRINCIPLES OF ARCHITECTURE 

 341 What is architecture ? 



In its general sense it is the art of erecting buildings. 

 In modern use, this name is often restricted to the ex- 

 ternal forms or styles of building. 



343 To what cause do the different varieties of architecture owe their 

 origin ? 



To the rude structures which the climate or materials 

 of any country obliged its early inhabitants to adopt 

 for temporary shelter. 



These structures with all their prominent features have been afterwards 

 kept up by their refined and opulent posterity. Thus the Egyptian style 

 of architecture had its origin in the cavern or mound; the Chinese archi- 

 tecture is modelled from the tent; the Grecian is modelled from the 

 wooden cabin ; and the Gothic from the boiver of trees. 



343 What kind of shape is it most probable that the fa'st human habi- 

 tations assumed ? 



We have every reason to believe that huts of a 

 conical form were first constructed. 



344 Why? 



First, on account of their being easily erected, and 

 as easily^ removed ; secondly, because their declivity 

 on all sides would cause the rain to run off; and, 

 thirdly, owing to their breadth at the base and their 

 gradually growing to a point at the top, they were 

 capable of resisting the ordinary force of the wind. 



345 Are conical huts anywhere in use at the present time f 



Yes ; we find them still used by the uncultivated in- 

 habitants of the South Sea Islands, by the American 

 Indians, by the Hottentots, the Kamskatschans, and 

 other uncivilized tribes. 



346 What are the three chief properties of a good building f 



Usefulness, strength, and beauty. 



347* Ifrw are they to be attained f 



