I am giving this book to the Public with great reluctance. Though I have had it in mind for many years and have put no end of thought and work into it, it seems to me inadequate and unsatisfactory. It will hardly be published before I shall discover in it errors both of omission and commission. The book presents a new definition of principles, a new association of ideas. It is inconceivable that this, my first published statement, should be either consistent or complete. It will be a long time, I am sure, before it can be brought to a satisfactory shape. It is simply the best statement that I can make at this time. One reason, perhaps my best reason, for publishing this Theory, before it is completely worked out, is to bring other students into the investigation. I need their coöperation, their suggestions, and their criticisms. Without assistance from others the book would not be as good as it is. I am indebted to a number of persons for helpful suggestions. I am particularly indebted to three men, who have been associated with me in my teaching: William Luther Mowll, Henry Hunt Clark, and Edgar Oscar Parker. Each of them has had a share in the work. I am indebted to Professor Mowll for very important contributions to the doctrine of Rhythm, as it is presented in this book, and he has kindly helped me in the revision of the work for the press. My friend Dean Briggs has kindly read my proof sheets, and I am indebted to him for many suggestions.
Denman W. Ross.
Harvard University,
February 16, 1907.
CONTENTS
| Introduction | [ 1] |
| Positions in Harmony, Balance, and Rhythm | [ 9] |
| Lines in Harmony, Balance, and Rhythm | [37] |
| Outlines in Harmony, Balance, and Rhythm | [96] |
| Tones and Tone-Relations | [131] |
| Sequences of Values and Colors | [143] |
| Tone-Harmony | [158] |
| Tone-Balance | [172] |
| Tone-Rhythm | [182] |
| Composition, General Rules | [186] |
| The Study of Order in Nature and in Works of Art | [190] |
| Conclusion | [192] |
| Paragraph Index | [195] |
INTRODUCTION
THE MEANING OF DESIGN
1. By Design I mean Order in human feeling and thought and in the many and varied activities by which that feeling or that thought is expressed. By Order I mean, particularly, three things,—Harmony, Balance, and Rhythm. These are the principal modes in which Order is revealed in Nature and, through Design, in Works of Art.