Practical masonry

PREFACE.Tms work has been compiled, not with the view of superseding any of the works already published dealing with the architectural or geometrical side of the stone-cutter's art,, but as a means of introducing the student of Masonry to the practical work of everyday life in the workshop and on the building. It has no pretensions to instruct skilled workmen, but is intended to initiate young beginners in the craft into the rules and principles of good masonry. It is the result of many years' attentive observation and practical experience, acquired by the Author first as an operative stone-mason, and afterwards as a foreman mason, on some of our largest public buildings.All the cases commonly met with are worked out, and, when the general principles applying to these are understood, their extension to any unusual question which may occur should not be difficult. The student is assumed, however, to have some knowledge of geometrical drawiDg and projection, which indeed is indispensable. Most of the examples given are from actual work.In further explanation of his aim in compiling the volume, the Author may be allowed to cite the subjoined extract from an address delivered a couple of years ago by Mr. J. H. Morton, F.K.I.B.A., President of the Northern Architectural Association/" Mr. Morton said that "it must be allowed that "no trade could be properly learned out of the workshop; •'although the men would certainly understand better the "instruction given in the workshop, if they had had the benefit " of a theoretical foundation before proceeding to practice. It* Address at opening of winter session of the Association at Newcastle-on-Tyne, reported in the "Builder " of December 9, 1893." was useless to expect the technical school to entirely replace " the apprenticeship system ; but having laid the foundation " before entering the workshop, the technical education of the " artisan might go on contemporaneously with the workshop " employment. Many workmen, of excellent practical skill, "worked entirely by rule of thumb, and their efforts would " assuredly prove more successful if guided by the enlightenment " and precision of scientific knowledge. Thus technical educa-" tion might be the means of exalting labour, and of enabling " capable workmen to raise themselves to a higher standard by " the acquisition of a more perfect knowledge of the art of " building."Any suggestion with which the Author may be favoured, with a view to the improvement of the work in future editions, will be duly acknowledged, and carefully considered as opportunity occurs.W. R P.HOVE. October, 1895.NOTE TO THE FIFTH EDITION.The reception accorded to the previous editions of this work has been very gratifying, no adverse criticism having come to the Author's knowledge. On the contrary, besides very favourable notices in the Press, he has received numerous letters conveying the assurance that the work has been found of the greatest value. At the request of correspondents, two additional Plates, illustrative of Grecian and Roman mouldings respectively, and also a GLOSSARY OF TERMS, were added when the second edition was issued; and the usefulness of the work has now been further extended by the addition of new sections relating to MASONRY ESTIMATING AND QUANTITY SURVEYING, and to BUILDING STONES, MARBLES AND GRANITES, including carefully compiled Lists of Stones actually in the market. TABLES OF DIAMETERS, CIRCUMFERENCES, AND AREAS OF CIRCLES are also appended.W. R. P.HOVE. June, 1904.