Publisher's Synopsis
From the PREFACE.
In geometrical, or mechanical drawing, exclusive reliance for accuracy may, in theory, be placed on good drawing instruments.
Practically, these instruments are not absolutely perfect as means to the ends to be accomplished by them, and from this, and momentary negligences of the draftsman, they are not infallible in accuracy of operation.
But, viewing the eye and hand simply as instruments for executing conceptions of form, they are incomparably more perfect and varied in their capacities in this respect than drafting instruments; and well directed practice should, and will, bring out this capacity.
Hence, other things being the same, he will be the most expert and elegant draftsman, whose eye is most reliable in its estimates of form and size, and whose free hand is most skilled in expressing these elements of figure.
Accordingly, in harmony with the law of easy gradations and connecting links which pervades nature, we find a special branch of free drawing which is peculiarly well adapted for a preliminary training of the eye and hand of the geometrical draftsman. This training consists simply in drawing various single and combined geometrical lines and figures, of various forms and sizes, by the unassisted hand; and constitutes a connecting link between ornamental free drawing and instrumental drawing.
These brief reflections have resulted from a recent inspection of a few simple pencil plates of such drawings forgotten for a long time, having been made by the writer several years since, in connection with the conduct of a short course of exercises of the kind above described.
As a further, and I hope not useless fruit of the foregoing views, the following little course is presented to all who, as draftsmen, may promise themselves benefit from the use of it, and for exercises of mingled interrogation and practice in schools.
By means of a love of skill and accuracy in the use of eye and hand, exercises like those of this volume may be made a pastime for the improving (especially if social) enlivenment of numerous odd moments, those times when many subordinate excellencies can be acquired or perpetuated without interference with one's larger industries.
My work may be thought deficient in the number and style of its illustrations; but it is meant to be supplemented by a free use of large plain lithographic, or other copies of ornamental devices; and of the blackboard....
