K-

The whole idea of historical boondogling is intriguing. Several years ago we
were performing an energy conservation study at the Tweed Courthouse, the
construction of which was largely responsible for the ultimate demise of the
beast (Boss Tweed). The substitution of materials there was astounding. Of
particular interest to me were some interior columns which were stated in the
records as being Italian marble, but were in fact very well executed
scagliola. The irony of course is that today the scagliola would likely be
more expensive to produce than the stone.

Twybil