Page:Reflections upon ancient and modern learning (IA b3032449x).pdf/106

 the Columns or Pilasters. That the Modillons of the Cornice are not exactly over the Middle of the Chapiters of the Pillars. That in the Fronts of the Piazza's, the Number of the Modillons in Sides of equal length is not alike: With several Instances of Negligence, which would now be thought unpardonable. That, generally speaking, in other Buildings, their Floors were twice as thick as their Walls; which loaded them exceedingly, to no purpose. That their Way of Laying Stones in Lozenges was inconvenient as well as troublesome, since every Stone so placed was a Wedge to force those asunder on which it leaned. That they did not understand the nicest Thing in Architecture, which is, the Art of Cutting Stones in such a manner, as that several Pieces might be jointed one into another; for want of which, they made their Vaults of Brick plaster'd over; and their Architraves of Wood, or of one single Stone; which obliged them to set their Pillars closer to one another than otherwise had been necessary: Whereas, by this Art of Cutting Stone, Arches have been made almost flat; Stair-Cases of a vast heighth have been raised, where the Spectator is at a loss to tell what supports them;