In regard to the Parthenon, and some other Greek
buildings, Mr. Watkiss Lloyd has worked out a very probable theory,
which will be found stated in a paper in the "Transactions of the
Institute of Architects."
Vitruvius gives elaborate directions for the proportioning of the size
of all the details in the various orders; and though we may doubt
whether his system is really a correct representation of the Greek one,
we can have no doubt that some such system was employed by them. Various
theorists have endeavored to show that the system has prevailed of
proportioning the principal heights and widths of buildings in
accordance with geometrical figures, triangles of various angles
especially; and very probably this system has from time to time been
applied, in Gothic as well as in classical buildings. This idea is open
to two criticisms, however. First, the facts and measurements which have
been adduced in support of it, especially in regard to Gothic buildings,
are commonly found on investigation to be only approximately true. The
diagram of the section of the building has nearly always, according to
my experience, to be "coaxed" a little in order to fit the theory; or it
is found that though the geometrical figure suggested corresponds
exactly with some points on the plan or section, these are really of no
more importance than other points which might just as well have been
taken.
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