Page:A history of architecture on the comparative method for the student, craftsman, and amateur.djvu/745

 GLOSSARY OF ARCHITECTURAL TERMS, WITH REFERENCES TO THE ILLUSTRATIONS. Abacus (Gk. ahax = a board). — A square or rectangular table forming the crowning member of a capital. In Grecian Doric, square without chamfer or moulding (No. 38 a). In Grecian Ionic, thinner with ovolo moulding only (No. 38 c). In the Roman Ionic and the Corinthian, the sides are followed on plan and have their angles cut oft" (Nos. 38 D and 67 c). In the Romanesque period, the abacus is deeper but projects less and is moulded with rounds and hollows, or merely chamfered on the lower edge (Nos. 98 J, K, L, M, 103 A, D, 107 C, D, F, K and 146). In Gothic architecture the circular or octagonal abacus was mostly favoured in England (No. 148), while the square or octagonal abacus is a French feature (No. 165). Abutment. — The solid masonry which resists the lateral pressure of an arch (Nos. 54, 79, 80, 153, 199, 223, 253 E and 256). Acanthus. — A plant, whose leaves, conventionally treated, form the lower portions of the Corinthian capital (Nos. 33. 44 J, 67 A, 78 A, c, 88 and 256 c). Acropolis (Gk. = upper city). — Most ancient Greek cities were built upon hills, the citadel on the summit of the hill being known as ihe Acropolis, and containing the principal temples and treasure houses (Nos. i and 17). Acroteria (Gk. the summit or vertex, the extremity of anything). — Bases or blocks of stone resting on the vertex and lower extremities of the pediment and intended for the support of statuary or ornaments (No. 16 A). Adytum (Gk. = a recess). — A secret chamber in certain temples from which the public were excluded, and from which oracles were delivered. Agora. — The Greek Forum, a place of open air assembly or market. Aisle (Lat. ala = a wing). — The lateral divisions which run parallel with the nave in mediseval and other build- ings (Nos. 75, 105, 117, 155, 203 and 253)- Ambo. — A raised pulpit from which the Epistle and Gospel were read (Nos. 72, 73 B and 82). Amphi-prostyle (Gk. columns at both ends). — A Temple having a portico at both extremities (No 18 e) (see page 58). Ancones (Gk. elbow or hollow). — A small console on each side of a door supporting an ornamental cornice (Nos. 37 D, E, F, and 206 j). Annulet (Lat. annuhis = a ring). — A small flat fillet encircling a column. It is used several times repeated under the ovolo or echinus of the Doric Capital (Nos. 19, 27 N, 38 A, 40 D and 262 a). Anta (plural a)it(T). — Pilasters terminating the side wall of a temple, and having base and capital dift"ering from those of adjacent columns (see Pilaster) (Nos. 18, 21 B, 38 F, 41 P and 44 F). Antefixae (Lat. ante, before, figo, I fix). — Ornamental blocks, fixed verti- cally at regular intervals along the lower portion of a roof, to cover the joints of the tiles (Nos. 16 D, 20 j and 44 N). Anthemion (Gk. = flower). — A