s would be to human beings.

Sec. XIX. So far of bases of detached shafts. As we do not yet know in
what manner shafts are likely to be grouped, we can say nothing of those
of grouped shafts until we know more of what they are to support.

Lastly; we have throughout our reasoning upon the base supposed the pier
to be circular. But circumstances may occur to prevent its being
reduced to this form, and it may remain square or rectangular; its base
will then be simply the wall base following its contour, and we have no
spurs at the angles. Thus much may serve respecting pier bases; we have
next to examine the concentration of the Wall Veil, or the Shaft.

FOOTNOTES:

[35] The experiment is not quite fair in this rude fashion; for the
small rolls owe their increase of strength much more to their
tubular form than their aggregation of material; but if the paper be
cut up into small strips, and tied together firmly in three or four
compact bundles, it will exhibit increase of strength enough to show
the principle. Vide, however, Appendix 16, "Strength of Shafts."

[36] Appendix 17, "Answer to Mr. Garbett."

[37] Yet more so than any other figure enclosed by a curved line:
for the circle, in its relations to its own centre, is the curve of
greatest stability. Compare Sec. XX. of Chap. XX.

CHAPTER VIII.

THE SHAFT.

Sec. I. We have seen in the last Chapter how, in converting the wall
into the square or cylindrical shaft, we parted at every change of form
with some quantity of material. In proportion to the quantity thus
surrendered, is the necessity that what we retain should be good of its
kind, and well set together, since everything now depends on it.

It is clear also that the best material, and the closest concentration,
is that of the natural crystalline rocks; and that, by having reduced
our wall into the shape of shafts, we may be enabled to avail ourselves
of this better material, and to exchange cemented bricks for
crystallised blocks of stone. Therefore, the general idea of a perfect
shaft is that of a single stone hewn into a form more or less elongated
and cylindrical. Under this form, or at least under the ruder one of a
long stone set upright, the conception of true shafts appears first to
have occurred to the human mind; for the reader must note this
carefully, once for all, it does not in the least follow that the order
of architectural features which is