ave achieved the most enduring fame, or those that
exercised the most marked influence upon succeeding styles.

In considering the various styles, we must always bear in mind that, with
the exception of the Egyptian, all show very markedly the influence of the
styles that preceded them, being very often merely an outgrowth or
development of a preceding one. Thus the Greeks borrowed many forms from
the Egyptians. The Romans simply adapted and elaborated the Greek style,
etc. So that while each style is usually known by certain prominent
characteristics, it does not follow that these characteristics are peculiar
to it alone.[1] They may be found in other styles, though not to such a
great extent. While similar features will thus be seen to run through many
styles, each will usually be found to possess an individuality of its own.
Every nation, like every individual, possesses different wants and
capabilities, and will develop itself accordingly. Differences in religion,
climate, manners, customs, etc., will cause differences in their art and
literature, the most lasting monuments of their morals, taste, and
feelings.

[Footnote 1: "Rudiments of Architecture and Building," through courtesy of
H.C. Baird.]

It is rather by the study of the art and literature of a people that we
arrive at a true knowledge of them than from the perusal of mere historic
facts concerning them--when they lived, who conquered them, etc.

THE STYLES.

ANCIENT OR CLASSIC. 1400 B.C.--300 A.D.

_Egyptian._--Characteristics: symbolic, severe,
simple, grand, massive. Conventional forms of lotus,
papyrus, etc. Oblique lines.

_Greek._--Characteristics: aesthetic, simple,
harmonious, beautiful. Conventional forms, anthemion,
acanthus. Ellipse.

_Roman._--Characteristics: elaborate, rich, costly.
Conventional forms, acanthus scroll, monsters. Circle.

MEDIEVAL. 300 A.D.--1300 A.D.

_Byzantine._--Symbolic, rich, elaborate. Conventional
forms, principal architectural feature--dome.

_Saracenic._--Gorgeous coloring, graceful curves.
Forms entirely geometric. Arabesque, geometrical
tracery, interlacing.

_Gothic._--Imposing, grand. Pointed arches, clustered
columns, vaulted roof, spire buttress. Forms both natural
and conventional. Stained glass.

MODERN OR RENAISSANCE. 1300 A.D.--1900 A.D.

_Renaissance._--Mixture of classic and me