From The Transactions of the Institute of British Architects.

摘要

To say that no portion of construction offers more claims to the consideration of the Architect, nay, more loudly demands it, than the foundation on which he is about to raise his structure, is but to echo an often repeated and always admitted truth; the many failures, however which have occurred and are constantly occurring through inattention in this particular - evidences at the same time, were they needed, in favour of our first position - clearly prove not only that it may be useful again to urge it, but that it cannot be too often, or too strongly impressed upon the understanding of the young architect. Every endeavour should be made, in the first place, thoroughly to ascertain the nature of the soil, for no difficulty can well be overcome until it be properly understood. It is therefore with judgement advised by some of the old writers upon the subject, that, before preparing the foundation, the wells and cesspools necessary for the purposed edifice should be dug; the description of soil to some considerable depth is thus discovered, and, with this before him, the architect may almost safely determine upon the precautions necessary to be adopted. Whatever the measures resolved on may be, they should always be carried into execution well and thoroughly, sparing neither pains nor cost, as it is self evident, that at no other period than at the commencement, can the all-involving desideratum, a good foundation, be attained in any moderate degree without an amazing increase of outlay, nor even can any partial reinstatement be made but at considerable inconvenience and expense.