OF 
GRECIAN CONSTRUCTION. 
According to the law of gravitation, all matter at rest keeps its place 
by its own weight, and is only to be removed by superior force acting 
in a different direction. A perpendicular rock, or a solid upright wall, 
will preserve the same position so long as their substance endures: On 
this principle of perpendicular pressure, all Grecian Architecture is 
founded. Hence have arisen the relative proportions and intercolumni- 
ations in the different orders, from the heaviest Doric, to the most 
graceful Corinthian, the distances being regulated by the strength of 
the parts supporting and supported. 
Although it is probable that the first buildings were of wood, and 
that rude trees suggested the proportions of the Doric Order, yet the 
origin of Grecian Architecture was doubtless derived from one stone 
laid flat upon another, and the aperture or void between two upright 
stones, was covered by a third placed across them ; thus the width of 
the opening was limited by the length of the cross stone; consequently 
