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NOTICES OF AKCHAEOLOGICAL PUBLICATIOXS. 309 it, in fact, to a merely elementary branch of that of Architecture), we humbly opine, that were the position exactly reversed it would be the more correct one, inasmuch as it is impossible to obtain even the most superficial knowledge of the latter without being previously largely indebted to the researches of the antiquarian. We feel, however, that this question — if question it be at all — can be safely left to the discernment of our readers, merely observing that Mr. Freeman, having subsequently confessed his obligations to Archaeology (see page 17, chap, iii.) in the chronological arrangement of his various styles, should at least deal a, little more leniently in his animadvei'sions upon us in any of his future publications. Again, whatever view our author may take of the tendency of the writings of Dr. Whewell and Professor Willis, " ivhich treat ((s much of bidlding as of Architecture," and u'liose aim is to exhibit the mechanical rather than the artistic view" we may safely venture to say, that without a knowledge of the mechanical, or (as Mr. Freeman would probably style it) the ignoble science of constructive Architecture ; the very fanes which furnish him with the material for his history would never have been raised, — nay, more, we venture to affirm that any work professing to treat of the glorious remains of ancient Architecture, Classic or Gothic, is manifestly incomplete and useless as a book of general reference, unless considered with due regard to those very mathematical principles to which he appears to attach such small relative importance. Whilst, however, we thus consider we have fair grounds for calling in question some of Mr. Freeman's first principles, we are not disposed on that account to withhold our candid opinion on his really creditable work ; nor should we permit our remarks to exceed the boundaries of fair criticism, because the author, on the very threshold of his history, has thought proper to betray a little jealousy" or " uneasiness," or even a " hostile tone " towards us. Passing over, therefore, the three first introductory chapters, which treat of Architecture merely in an Archaeological point of view, that is, according to Mr. Freeman, " where antiquitij is rreri/thiufj and art nothinft," we arrive at Book I., divided into two parts, of which the first contains five chapters, devoted to the embodiment of all the generally received opinions regarding the most ancient structures, which indeed may be said to be involved in almost impenetrable mystery ; and respecting which, Mr. Freeman, perhaps justly observes, "That the historians and 2)hilomphers of the age of Pericles knew no more of these gifjantic fragments than ourselves." The second part, containing four chapters, opens with the dawn of Grecian art ; and though we can scarcely coincide in the opinion, that, dissimilar as are the colonnades and horizontal entablatures of the Parthenon to the clustered shafts and soaring arches of Westminster, the steps between them may be distinctly traced," still we are not much disposed to question the conclusion at which the author arrives, viz. that, however beautiful the purely Grecian style may be, it is nevertheless scarcely applicable for edifices of any desci'iption in this climate, and is certainly wholly unfit for purposes of Church Architecture. Book II. is also divitlcd into two parts, of which the first contains sixteen chapters, and though we would willingly dwell on this part of the work in VOL. VI. T T