Chap. IV.

rUIXCIPLES OF PROrORTION. 1027

house cxliil)its the most perfect proportions as well as apjiropriate droorations
;
the eight
windows, divided into four days, have their heads filled in with circles set out upon
equilateral triangles
;
the vaulted stone roof rests parti)' upon the octangular central pillars,
.3 feet in diameter, surrounded hy sixteen small columns, one at each angle and another
between ; the height of the pillar is 22 feet 8 inches.
Thoroughly to comprehend the expression, as well as use of the various members found
in the architecture of the middle ages, we must trace the progress made in vaulting, and
observe the changes it underwent, from the simple cylindrical to the more complex and
difficult display of fan tracery or conoidal arches. The ridge ribs, or Uernes, as they are
termed, in the crypt of the Chapter-house at Wells, pass from the centre of the building to
tlu' middle of each buttress
;
the diagonals, or croisa-c-es, mitre into them as well as into tiie
formcrets or ribs against the outer walls.
Ill the vaulting of the Chapter-room, we have evidence of greater refinement, and an
improvement in the decoration, by the addition of a number of intermediate ribs
terininaling against the octangular one in the middle.
At a later period we find transverse ribs ma<le ii.sc of, then others between; but
although the design may seem complicated, yet when laid down the plan will as-
sume the greatest simplicity, as shown in the division representing the groining of the
crypt.
When this system had been carried out to a considerable extent, the fan tracery was
introduced, and although apparently more difficult of execution, it is far more scientific iu
Its application and arrai-gement, evincing a higher knowledge of mathematical principles
and geometry, and is another evidence of the gradual progress of the mind toward*
perfcctioji in tliis stjle of architectorc.
3 U 2