LITHOLOGT. 
49 
MEMOIR S. 
Ijithology — or Observations on Stone used for Building — ^^C. H. 
Smith, Esq. 
Whoever has travelled extensively in Great Britain for the 
purpose of examining Architectural Works of the present and 
past ages, cannot be otherwise than surprized at the remarkable 
difference in the condition and durability of stone. Many 
beautiful buildings of recent date are in a worse state of external 
decay, than some which have borne vicissitudes of summer and 
mnter during six and seven centuries. To discover the causes 
of such decay, and the means of avoiding the evil in future, may 
appear to be an investigation of some difficulty, especially if we 
consider the immense variety of stones used for building in this 
country, each composed of various elementary substances, and 
in very different proportional quantities ; yet although we may 
not arrive at a perfect knowledge of the facts, some advantages 
may be derived from the attempt, such as suggesting enquiries, 
and giving interest to an important and heretofore unexplored 
subject, or generalizing and arranging sound practical observa- 
tions so as to induce others to take it up. Thus, by a series of 
well directed experiments forwarded upon extensive research 
amidst old buildings, certain conclusions may probably be in- 
ferred, which may ultimately be established on what approaches 
scientific evidence. 
In a long period the most refined taste m elegant architec- 
ture was extensively practised throughout this country upon 
scientific principles, which, if ever equalled, have assuredly 
never been surpassed ; yet the quality of the stone employed 
seems rarely to have been considered further than for the faci- 
lity with which it might be wrought by workmen. 
Relics of long departed grandeur abound in most parts of the 
kingdom ; nearly all the beautiful works of our ancestors are 
