Observations on Architecture. 99 



the choice of his column. At Athens, for instance, the 

 columns of the Parthenon, of Minerva, and of Theseus, all 

 differ, though the attributes of the several classes remain : 

 and the same may be observed of other remains. At the 

 restoration of the art, Italy abounded in splendid relics, 

 which furnished the restorers with models ; hence arose the 

 notions of seven, eight, and nine diameters to express the 

 proportions of the several orders, Doric, Ionic, and Co- 

 rinthian; which, having been published, spread soon through 

 the other nations of Christendom. Now, as it fell^to the 

 lot of more persons to see the copies than the originals, that 

 proportion was received for certain, which had been adapted 

 for convenience only. From such copies have all the arbitrary 

 notions concerning architecture been derived. Books after 

 books*, with various high-sounding titles, had issued from 

 the pre?s, all setting forth the boasted proportions : hence 

 the principles of the art became degraded to a mere under- 

 standing of the division of the parts ; and in this state it re- 

 mained till travel and study developed the source from 

 which autient architecture emanated. And let it ever be 

 recorded to the honour of the society called Dilettanto, and 

 to their travellers Stuart and Reveley, that to them England, 

 nay Europe^ is indebted for the genuine representation 

 of Grecian architecture. However glorious for the art the 

 disclosure of the Grecian remains might have been, some, 

 bigoted to the Roman manner, vented their zeal bv denying; 

 their accuracy : but as truth and beauty are superior to error 

 and deformity, so have they risen above the prejudice of 

 their opponents. 



In England, every thing is said to be a speculation ; and 

 with respect to the arts, in general, it has in truth been too 

 much so : by the prevalence of this spirit they have suf- 

 fered even more than by caprice. Speculation has made 

 many of their professors intent more upon riches than emi- 

 nence. The glory of their art has been thus perverted, and 

 its legitimate purpose prostituted j nor has architecture stif- 



* « Were a modern architect," says Hogarth, " to build a palace in Lap- 

 land, or the West Indies, Palladio must be his guide; nor would be dare to 

 ?tir a step without his book." 



G 2 fered 



