The Doric base is extremely simple. It consists of the square plinth on which rests a torus moulding surmounted by a smaller moulding of the same section and a fillet above.
The width of the plinth is one and a third the diameter of the column, and its height a quarter diameter or half the total height of the base. The other half is made up of the large torus, the small torus and fillet. The torus moulding should be bold in projection, practically semi-circular and at the fullest part of its curvature in vertical alignment with the centres of the horizontal faces of the plinth block. The small torus and fillet are about equal in height.
Ionic Base
No. 166. Ionic Base.
The Ionic base differs from the Doric in the introduction of a hollow or scotia moulding between the two torus mouldings. Æsthetically it may be considered more satisfactory in that the strong shadow obtained by the use of the scotia produces an effect of binding which adds to the impression of strength. The type is technically known as the Attic base.
The total width is one and a third diameter.
The height of half a diameter may be divided into three. One of these divisions will give the height of the plinth, one the large torus and the fillet above it, and the other the scotia and small torus with the fillets above and below. The fillets either side of the upper torus may be in the same vertical alignment.