312 
to the subject in 1835, whilst engaged in preparing for pub- 
lication the History of the Round Church at Little Maple- 
stead, Essex. This building has a circular west end and a 
semicircular apsis. The total length is 60 feet, the width of 
the circular part at the west end 30 feet, the diameter of 
the circular peristyle of pillars internally is fifteen feet, the 
height and width of the chancel fifteen feet. Here w^e have 
an example of symmetrical arrangement depending upon geo- 
metrical proportion. It will be seen that this arrangement 
involves the theory I have mentioned, and I may add, that it 
is equally applicable to the Temple Church, London, (another 
of the round churches.) It has been said, that " Nature, 
" after she has symmetrically formed and sketched out her 
" general figures, fills up the work with variety, grace, and 
" elegance;" and the attractive charms of the "tout ensem- 
ble" of a Gothic edifice, will be found to arise from the 
appropriate application of the ornamental accessories to a 
frame-work or outline, harmonious and symmetrical in its 
general proportions. I have endeavoured briefly (but too 
imperfectly) to adduce examples in the pointed style, in 
which certain defined principles are discoverable ; and al- 
though the systems or principles may dififer, (since the attri- 
butes of classic and pointed architecture are directly opposed 
to each other,) it is my firm belief, that the architects of the 
middle ages acted as strictly upon a scientific basis as those 
of antiquity; and I would beg to direct particular attention 
to what has already been observed upon this point, and a 
comparison of the theory mentioned, with that referred to by 
Mr. Gwilt as applying to classic architecture. " The art of 
designing edifices (says he) consists in a proper arrange- 
ment of the horizontal and vertical masses or voids whereof 
they are composed, so that the two together may mutually 
suit each other. The first arrangement is made on the 
*^ plan ; the next is formed by a transference of the horizontal 
