GEORGE, EARL OF ABERDEEN, K.T.

F.R.S. P.S.A.

VISCOUNT FOMARTINE,

LORD HADDO, METHLIC, TARVAS AND KELLIE,

&c. &c. &c.

MY LORD,

The science of Architecture has not been deemedunworthy of cultivation by the greatest statesmenin the most civilized nations of antiquity.

Athens, in her progress towards the most exaltedstage of her brilliant career, produced, under thedirection of Pericles, monuments which, as theyhave never been equalled, may be justly consideredas affording to the followers of the science unerringprinciples for their guidance.

A desire to tread in the footsteps of him, whoseexertions succeeded in obtaining for the artsof his country a pre-eminence acknowledged bysurrounding nations, has been an inducement withyour Lordship to devote that attention to the study