ABSTRACT
William Mullingar Higgins, who designated himself as an architect, was formerly a professor of mechanical and experimental philosophy at Guy’s Hospital London. He was the author of books on a range of topics, including Restoration of the Herne Bay Pier, The Harbours on the British Coast and The Drainage of the Country. It is true, that the habit of observation, and an eye naturally sensitive to the impression of harmonious colouring, may so far instruct the painter, that in the majority of cases he may be tolerably correct in his judgment, though he can never, with propriety, feel a sufficient confidence in his opinions; but will always be left in doubt, if he possesses the modesty which is the common attendant of talent, and too frequently fail in his best works in maintaining the complete harmony of his colours. A disregard of uses may be considered one of the most glaring faults committed by the house-decorator.
