In the 12th century, architecture again revived, and experienced very great improvements, in consequence of the religious zeal of the clergy; and, in the 15th and 16th centuries, the chaste style of the Greeks and Romans was again displayed in Britain. For, though the Italians for a long time maintained their superiority, in this as well as in other arts, over all the European nations, yet as men of genius from distant parts constantly resorted to Italy for the purpose of improvement, since that period architects have arisen in our own country, equal to any that ever appeared on the classical ground of Italy.
The latest and most splendid publication on this subject, which is intended as a Supplement to that magnificent work, 'Vitruvius Britannicus,' and which contains the studies of the most celebrated artists of the present day, is the following: "A Collection of Plans and Elevations of modern Buildings, public and private, erected in Great Britain, &c." It is engraved in aquatinta, from original drawings bv G. R. Richardson, architect. Seven numbers, at 10s. 6d. each, are already published, and the whole is to be completed in ten such numbers.
Another very useful work has lately appeared, under the title, "Hints for Dwellings, &c." By D. Laing, architect and surveyor, 4to. 34 plates, 1l. 5s. Taylor, 1800. It consists of original designs for cottages, farm-houses, villas, &c. plain and ornamental: with plans to each, uniting convenience and elegance with economy. The Monthly Reviewers say: "We recommend the present work, as one of the best of that kind, to the attention of these who wish to amuse themselves with brick and mortar."
Beside these, wc shall mention the following architectural works, which reflect credit on the artists of this country: "The Rudiments of Ancient Architecture, &c." royal 8vo. edit. 2d. price 6s. boards, published for Taylor, in 1794.—"Sketches in Architecture;" by J. Soane, architect, &c. 54 folio plates, 2l. 12s. 6d. half bound, 1793.—"A Treatise on the decorative part of Civil Architecture;" by Sir Wm. Chambers, &c. edit. 3d. Imperial folio, price 3l. 3s. Cadell, 1791.
Architecture, being an useful and elegant art, is carried on in three different ways: first, for utility: secondly, for ornament; and, thirdly, for the construction of such buildings as require the combined effect of both.
Edifices intended solely for utility, should in every part correspond with the design: hence any material deviation from that principle, for the sake of ornament, ought to be strictly avoided.
Works erected with this intention, are to be considered as a mean conducive to some end; and the nearer they approach to the object in view, the more will such structures gain the approbation of competent judges, though every graceful decoration may have been neglected.
Buildings of such a nature only, are compatible with our plan, and of these we shall give a more particular account under the article Building.
Arctium. See Burdock.
Areca. See Faselnut, Catechu, and Cabbage-Palm.
Arenaria. See Sandwort.
Argemone. See Prickly Poppy.
ARGUMENT, when applied to
