DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.4147#0038
AECHirECTUBAL DESCKIPTIOX.
31
covered, and, in the event of rain, water did not pass
through between the roof slabs and discolour the
painting of the ceiling.
I have shown all the terrace roofs similarly treated.
But here again I must confess my sins of inaccuracy to
the reader. It is almost beyond doubt that all paved
surfaces, whether floors or terraced roofs, were covered
with a coat of fine white plaster. Evidences of this
can be found in many places at Deir el Bahari, as well
as in the ruins of most other temples. In order to
indicate differences of materials and surfaces I have
found myself compelled to show a few stone joints.
It is of course possible that the ramps or inclined
causeways were paved, or they may have had courses
of stone laid across them at intervals, forming a kind
of stair. The ramps are not so steep as to require
such artificial assistance in ascending, and as no re-
mains whatever of steps can be seen, or of pavement
in any form, none has been suggested in the drawing.
To return to the eastern doorway and bid adieu to
the visitor, the position of the first only of the avenue
of sphinxes is indicated. I venture to think that is
enough, as the sphinxes are entirely destroyed, bases
and all, and my fanciful restoration of them would be
entirely without value.
The Scale.
All the plans and elevations now published were
measured with and are plotted to metric scale. When
we reflect on the international interests of Egyptology
it seems absurd to use any other system of measure-
ment. Most of the geometrical drawings of the temple
already published by the Egypt Exploration Fund are
to feet and inches. We meet with the illuminating
information that parts of the building are 1407"
in length. What does such a statement convey ? I
and my colleagues have ventured to take the bull by
the horns and adopt a more convenient system of
measurement.
The plans, elevations, and sections are the result of
the co-operation of Mr. C. R. Peers, F.S.A., with
myself, and I must not omit to mention the kind help
I have received from Mr. A. G. Wallace in assisting to
prepare the drawings for the printer.
SOMERS CLARKE.
31
covered, and, in the event of rain, water did not pass
through between the roof slabs and discolour the
painting of the ceiling.
I have shown all the terrace roofs similarly treated.
But here again I must confess my sins of inaccuracy to
the reader. It is almost beyond doubt that all paved
surfaces, whether floors or terraced roofs, were covered
with a coat of fine white plaster. Evidences of this
can be found in many places at Deir el Bahari, as well
as in the ruins of most other temples. In order to
indicate differences of materials and surfaces I have
found myself compelled to show a few stone joints.
It is of course possible that the ramps or inclined
causeways were paved, or they may have had courses
of stone laid across them at intervals, forming a kind
of stair. The ramps are not so steep as to require
such artificial assistance in ascending, and as no re-
mains whatever of steps can be seen, or of pavement
in any form, none has been suggested in the drawing.
To return to the eastern doorway and bid adieu to
the visitor, the position of the first only of the avenue
of sphinxes is indicated. I venture to think that is
enough, as the sphinxes are entirely destroyed, bases
and all, and my fanciful restoration of them would be
entirely without value.
The Scale.
All the plans and elevations now published were
measured with and are plotted to metric scale. When
we reflect on the international interests of Egyptology
it seems absurd to use any other system of measure-
ment. Most of the geometrical drawings of the temple
already published by the Egypt Exploration Fund are
to feet and inches. We meet with the illuminating
information that parts of the building are 1407"
in length. What does such a statement convey ? I
and my colleagues have ventured to take the bull by
the horns and adopt a more convenient system of
measurement.
The plans, elevations, and sections are the result of
the co-operation of Mr. C. R. Peers, F.S.A., with
myself, and I must not omit to mention the kind help
I have received from Mr. A. G. Wallace in assisting to
prepare the drawings for the printer.
SOMERS CLARKE.