Pennethorne, John; Robinson, John [Ill.]: The geometry and optics of ancient architecture: illustrated by examples from Thebes, Athens, and Rome (London [u.a.], 1878)

vi PREFACE.

I see no reason why they should not be restored and laid down as they
were originally conceived and designed, or why the scientific thought and
intellect that was once brought to bear upon them, and which still exists in
their ruins, should not be recovered and preserved to us.

The Greek ancient mind has influenced us in Geometry, in Litera-
ture, and in Philosophy, without retarding our advance in knowledge, and
there is no just reason why it should be totally excluded from all influence
upon the Architecture and the Arts of Europe, when we know that Art
allied with the Geometry was carried by the Greeks to the highest state
of perfection.

I am fully aware of the many literary imperfections that will be

found in the following pages, for I have felt it to be far easier to recover

a few simple laws and principles than to embody them in the form of a

connected work; but if these principles are in any degree true, as I believe

them to be, other minds more trained in classical and scientific acquirements,

will ultimately give a fuller development to what I have only imperfectly

traced out.

JOHN PENNETHORNE.

Hamstead, near Yarmouth,

Isle oe Wight, 1878.

I cannot close these few remarks without expressing my obligation
to Mr. John Eobinson (who obtained the Gold Medal from the Royal
Academy of Arts in 1851, and who was afterwards awarded the Travelling
Studentship for three years) for the time and consideration he has given
to the drawing and arrangement of the Plates, to the colouring of the