Helix, Arch. (ἕλιξ, anything spiral). A small volute like the tendril of a vine placed under the Corinthian abacus. They are arranged in couples springing from one base, and unite at the summit.
Hellebore. A famous purgative medicine among the ancient Greeks and Romans. Philosophers prepared for work by drinking an infusion of the black hellebore, like tea. The best grew in the island of Anticyra in the Ægean Sea, and the gathering of it was accompanied by superstitious rites.
Fig. 383. Helm of a Gentleman or Esquire.
Helm, Helmet, Her. Now placed as an accessory above a shield of arms. Modern usage distinguishes helms according to the rank of the wearer. The term helm was applied by both Saxons and Normans, in the 11th century, to the conical steel cap with a nose-guard, which was the common head-piece of the day, and is depicted in contemporary illuminations, sculptures, and tapestries. Afterwards it was restricted to the casque, which covered the whole head, and had an aventaile or vizor for the face. The use of the helm finally ceased in the reign of Henry VIII.
Fig. 384. Helmet or Burgonet of the 16th century.
Helmet. The diminutive of Helm, first applied to the smaller head-piece which superseded it in the 15th century. (See Galea, Armet, Bascinet, Burgonet, Casque, Chapelle le Fer, &c.)
Hemi- (Gr. ἡμι-). Half; used in composition of words like the Latin semi or demi.
Hemichorion (ἡμιχόριον). (See Dichorea.)