Page:Archaeological Journal, Volume 2.djvu/115



is an exceedingly interesting volume, which embraces in a comprehensive manner the subjects mentioned in its title, and exhibits in a new light the intimate connection existing between them; the antiquary and the professional architect will find in it a valuable contribution to scientific literature, and a familiar and instructive account of the ancient architecture of our sister island. It proceeds from the pen of a gentleman who possesses a practical and professional acquaintance with the subject, and appears to have had extensive opportunities of obtaining information on the matters of which he treats; the result of his researches he has submitted to the public in a systematically arranged volume, accompanied by well-executed illustrations on wood, stone, and steel.

The first division of the work comprises Geology, and exhibits a concise and familiar exposition of the science, describing the characters of the various rocks suitable for building operations; the able and comprehensive manner in which the subject is handled cannot fail to diffuse valuable information, and shew the necessity there is for an acquaintance with geological phenomena, and the character of the different rocks which have supplied materials for our varied structures. The author clearly sets forth the advantages to be derived by the public, the architect, and the antiquary from the pursuit of this science, and how indispensable is the study of it in order to pursue architectural design on right principles, and to arrive at that excellence which ancient edifices display. He observes that,

"The importance of practical geology will, doubtless, be hereafter better appreciated than at the present time, and the rocks which possess so great a variety in their composition will be profitably studied, their differences of character become better known, and those which are of easy conversion and durable composition be employed more to the permanent advantage as well as ornament of the country; and when people become sensible of the different qualities of the stones of the locality in which they have to operate, designs will be made to some extent subservient thereto, proper constructive arrangements will be adopted, and the simplicity of application, and originality of conception, belonging to ancient structures will be again equalled. At the present time so little is the geology of a district understood or studied, that designs are almost invariably prepared without the least reference to this important consideration: inquiries are rarely made as to the cost of obtaining the kind of materials suited to the execution of the design; the distance of the place of supply, or their suitability to the circumstances of the