72 ARCHITECTURE. BOOK Ti 



the whole, or any part of them, can be introduced in buildings, 

 consistently with use. The first there mentioned is that of 

 truth, or the resemblance of one object to those of its kind ; 

 but as buildings are artificial objects, they cannot be any guide 

 to real beauty, unless we are sure that other buildings are truly 

 beautiful ; but as they are the productions of men, it is proper, 

 in an inquiry like the present, to doubt this. 



Utility. — Every building is capable of this beauty, accord- 

 ing to the purpose for which it is intended ; as we have seen in 

 the last chapter. 



Fitness. — This is one of the chief beauties of which build- 

 ings are capable. Fitness may be either real or apparent ; real 

 fitness appeals to the understanding, and is perfect when all 

 the parts suit their respective uses ; when the walls and other 

 supports are of proper thickness and solidity to bear up the in- 

 cumbent parts ; and when the rooms, doors, &c. are sufficiently 

 high for use, and the admission and passage of air. Apparent fit- 

 ness requires such proportions in all these things as will please 

 - the eye. But there are no general proportions in nature which 

 can be applied to architecture, nor any proportions discovered 

 by architects which are applicable in every case. Thus every 

 mason knows that the proportions which please best in a small 

 room are totally inapplicable to one of double the size. In 



