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Table of Contents: Case of the Ingenious A

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The Case of the "Ingenious A" Or Why William Thornton Didn't Design the Octagon House and Isn't the "First Architect of the Capitol"  By Bob Arnebeck Figure 1: Described as Thornton's first take on the Octagon design, based on an entry in Mrs. Thornton's diary, it is most likely his design for his own house to rival the Octagon. (Library of Congress)   Introduction:  How Glenn Brown, an architect of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, helped his own career by making William Thornton the most famous American architect of the 18th century.  Chapter One:   A Tale of Two Properties (1755 to 1786) Lancaster, Tortola and a Scientific Education - The roots of Thornton's wealth, his Quaker education, medical degree and mentors  Chapter Two:   Going to Africa Via Boston (1786-1790) - His reaction to his Tortola slave plantation and his secret plan to take America's blacks to Africa; a philosophical career in Philadelphia with Fitch'
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Chapter Thirteen: On the heights of Mount Chimborazo

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  The Doctor Examined, or Why William Thornton Did Not Design the Octagon House or the Capitol by Bob Arnebeck Table of Contents Chapter Thirteen: On the heights of Mount Chimborazo Capitol in 1800 In late April 1800, Thornton got a pleasant surprise. Vice President Jefferson wrote sharing ideas about the Senate chamber, especially the position of the seat for the presiding officer, i.e. the vice president. He wanted the presiding officer's chair to be placed so people could walk behind it and not be forced to walk between the chair and where senators sat. He also suggested having two balustrades crossed "to form a bar at the door in a kind of pew by itself." He noted that the House of Commons has a Speaker's chamber "which is a great convenience. Even a closet will do as a substitute." Then he discussed where that could be placed to advantage. In closing, he conceded all power in the matter to Thornton: "I pray you to consider these hints as written pr
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