590 TRANSACTIONS OF THE 



every ancient nation. The earliest edifices of Asia, were 

 constructed of bricks, dried in the sun, and cemented with 

 bitumen. Of this material, was built the ancient city of Nine- 

 veh, the walls of Babylon, some of the ancient structures of 

 Egypt and Persia, the walls of Athens, the Rotunda of the 

 Pantheon, Temple of Peace, and the Thermse, at Rome, were all 

 of brick. 



The earliest bricks were never exposed to great heat, as appears 

 from the fact, that they contain seeds and straw, upon which no 

 sign of burning is visible, and they owe their preservation to the 

 extreme dryness of the climate, since they crumble to pieces 

 when immersed in water, after having kept their shape for more 

 than two thousand years. 



Walls may be built of hollow brick, and possess many advan- 

 tages over those in common use. Mr. Chadwick, of England, says 

 they are superior to common brick and stone. 



1st. They prevent the passage of humidity, being drier. 



2d. They prevent the passage of heat, and ai'e warmer in win- 

 ter and cooler in summer. 



3d. They are a security against fire, 



4th. They prevent the passage of sound. 



5th. They have less unnecessary material, and are lighter. 



6th. They are better dried, and burnt harder and stronger. 



7th. They are more cleanly and capable of ventilation. 



8th. They are cheaper, and applicable to inner partitions. 



9th. They are impervious to heat and moisture. A dry house 

 will always be a healthy one in any climate. 



The Chairman read the following : 



Of all the qualities essential to a place of human habitation, 

 the first and most indispensable is protection against the severi- 

 ties of climate. In the matters of architectural design and deco- 

 ration, magnitude and durability, or the number and completeness 

 of the appliances for comfort and household convenience, there 

 may be great diversity; but in one respect the smallest and 

 meanest cottage, and the most magnificent mansion are upon a 

 perfect equality. Unless they guard their occupants against the 

 intrusion of stornft, the scorcliing or the sweltering heats of 

 summer, and the rigors of winter, they are alike wanting in that 

 which should give them their chief value. A property so uni- 

 versally requisite, must depend on principles alike universal in 

 their application. The materials of which buildings are com- 



