The Artist's Repository, Or, Encyclopedia of the Fine Arts (Band 2): Perspective, Architecture (London, 1808)

40 architecture. [lect. *i,

The volute, which forms a very important part of
the capital of the Ionic column, bears some re-
semblance to a ram's horn, supposed to be hung on
a pillar (we know such ornaments were placed
around altars); as the trygliphs of the Doric order
are considered as having originated from the sacred
lyre ; and the heads of sheep, or of oxen, which
adorn the Metopes, from those parts of animals
flain for sacrifice. It is, indeed, likely that most
ornamental appendages of the orders, originated
from some accidental occurrence, or from some ce-
remonial custom: thus, the torus ot the base is
thought to have been suggested by the passage of
cords, or bands, with which the pillar was bound to
ensure its stability; or, of those cords which,
having drawn up a canopy, were wound around a
pillar to secure them. If, indeed, the priests (who
were usually poets also) hung their lyres on the
wails of their temples, they might suggest the idea
of the trygliph; and, when once such an ornament
is adopted, what prevents other implements from
being esteemed ornamental, and appropriate also;
as shields, &c. to the God of War, and foliages
of the various sacred trees, to their respective di-
vinities, around whose temples thev grew.

Those persons who have doubted, whether
architecture was capable of expression, seem never
thoroughly to have considered the distinction of the
various orders, or their natural progress. I think
it evident, that, in early times, sacred edifices were
decorated with the Doric order; and, thereby, it
seems not unlikely, that an idea of sanctity be-
came connected with it. It might be thought*

perhaps