Union County courier. [volume] (Elk Point, Union County, D.T. [S.D.]) 187?-1913, 1883-07-11
The Leaning Tower Of Pisa.

The city of Pisa ia Tuscany is one "
the most interesting places in Central
Italy. The city is built ON the Arna.
carts. The cathedral is very hand
lome structure, and with its attendant
bHildings the Baptistry, and tina Compe
Lanto, or cemetery, afford examples of
Some of the finest specimens OF early
Gothic architecture. But most rc-
markable of all. perhaps, is the bel4ry
of the cathedral, or a. it is better known.
the leaning Tower of Pisa. 1t is to the
existence OF the structure named that
the city Of Pisa chiefly owes its fame,
and the leaning tower was originally
placed in the category of the Seven
Wonders of the World" and reaches
An elevation Of about 150 feet. This
angular structure stands n An inclosed
square along with the principal cathe-
dral OF Pisa, aud within few feet. Of
that building. as belfry, for which it
Was erected At the period in which
the cathedral was built, The year 1850,
It was customary to erect the. belfries
apart from churches. Ofthis pecularity
Of early ecclesiastical architecture there
are many instances to be found on tho
continent of Europe, especially in Italy.
But the tower to which we call attention.
irrespective Of its being, in connection
with the cathedral, noble specimen OF
medieval architecture, has always
rendered che town Of Pisa famous from
the pecul,arity Of its inclining at an anglo
which. to stranger passing under II.
would seem to threaten lis instant 8all.
indeed, there is con siderable difference
Of opinion amongst scientific observers
a. to whether the structure depends fof
It's stability on the well known law Of
gravity having been complied with its
erection, or upon the greater tenacty
Of It's materials. It is described d
''consisting OF eight circular 81 Hies, Of
white marble, ornamcntcd with rows
of columns and gra lually narrowing Ii
width from top to bottom" But il
opinions are divided as to the cause o.
the stability OF tho structure. still more
aro they divided as 10 the cause Of it,
inclination from the vertical line. Some
attribute this inclination to the subsi
fence of the foundation. or sinking o
he earth upon which it rests; while
others contend that the tower was bull
expressly with its present inclination q
. specimen Of the skill Of the architec
| by whom the structure was designed
Upoa this question we cannot vencur'
| to more than hazard a conjecture; Tor on
part we should be more inclined y
adopt the latter hypothesis were tn
Instances of such designs on the par
Of the medieval architects more nnmer
Gus than they are. But in view Of th
comparative variety Of such con true
tions, it seems to us to be travelling ou
VI ones way to, attempt to account to
20 singularly an apparent violation {
the laws OF physics, as that presente
by the leaning tower OF Pisa, upon tn
assumption OF Eet purpose on the pnl
OF the architect. We inust. however
In candor, admit that the balance Z
opinion is rather against our view tina
otherwise.
| A scientific observer remarks that th
name of this leaning tower doe; nj
convey true notion Of tle forM OF ia
building Il is. he remarks in face
4 sstwisted " tower, there being an irr0gt
lar curvature In the building But B
conjcctures that this 2 twist" was da
to the subsistence Of the foun lsticn du
inc the erection. aad an attempt on u
part OF the ar hitect to :, Fight" Il
| building as the work proceeded.
In conclusion It NAV interest Some /
or readers to l&arn tiat Z. Il WAS frOl
the summit Of this celebratod leanln
t0wer Of Pisa that GAlliloo made. - =
Sovent0euth cent nry, = Series Of obse
vafSnna. frnm Wkich He dedu00d u