used in Greece. Ancient doors turned on pivots, not on 

 hinges, and this construction still obtains in the East. 

 These pivots were sometimes of metal, but more gen- 

 erally of wood, like the door, and they worked in 

 sockets. In Egypt doors turned on valves, which 

 revolved round metal pins, many of which have been 

 found in the ruins of Thebes. They were fastened 

 to the door with bronze nails, whose heads were orna- 

 mented. The upper valve had an arm at the back 

 to prevent the bruising of the wall. The effect of these 

 is not unlike the Tudor strap-hinges, which were nailed, 

 bolted, and riveted against the door, and ornamented. 

 The present Egyptian lock is probably the one used in 

 antiquity. It is sometimes of wood, sometimes of 

 iron, and is opened by a key made of several fixed 

 pins which correspond to an equal number of pins 

 depending into the tongue of the lock. The first key 

 of which we hear was made 1336 B.C. and was used 

 in the summer palace of Eglon, King of Moab. 



Most Egyptian and Greek doors opened inward, 

 whereas Roman doors opened outward. They were 

 all equipped with bolts and iron handles as well as 

 locks. Secret doors were constructed with marvelous 

 nicety during the feudal period. It is a curious fact 

 that the hall of the Teutonic chieftain never had more 

 than one door. To this architectural peculiarity the 

 romantic novelist owes a large debt of gratitude. 

 Caught in his cul-de-sac by an enemy, the chieftain 

 had no means of escape. His ingenuity would seem 

 to have been inferior to that of the rodent, who always 

 contrives a hole of exit; but the argument probably 



