Rudiments of ancient architecture, containing an historical account of the five orders, with their proportions, and examples of each from antiques also, extracts from Vitruvius, Pliny, &c. relative to the buildings of the ancients (London, 1810 (4. Aufl.))

ANCIENT* ARCHITECTURE. 55

It is a remark worthy notice, that the
ancient architects did not follow in a
servile manner the rules delivered by Vi-
truvius: yet certainly what he wrote, were
the rules by which they planned their
great outline, or design: however they
might vary the smaller or inferior parts of
an edifice. To enumerate a few instances
of variation.

The temple of Minerva at Athens has
eight columns in front; and Vitruvius al-
lows but six to a peripteral, of which order
this building is.

The temple of Minerva Polias has
six columns in front, yet is prostyle ; al-
though Vitruvius allows but four to this
order.

The temple of Jupiter Olympius, at
Athens, has no more than eight columns
in front, yet is hypasthral, to which Vi-
truvius gives ten columns in front. This
is a variation recorded by himself, and
without any particular notice of the vio^-
lation of the rule ; from which it should
appear as not considered of much conse-
quence. Also the temples at Selinunte,
in Sicily, esteemed very ancient Dorics,