Intercolumn and Intercolumniation.—The subject of Intercolumniation is treated of at [page 77], &c. These two terms are generally confounded together; or rather, the second is very improperly substituted for the other, contrary to all analogy of language and distinctness of meaning. Having only a general collective import, Intercolumniation can, like Columniation, be used only in the singular. We may say of a portico, &c., that its intercolumniation is good or poor, close or straggling, but not that it consists of so many intercolumniations (according as the number may be), since such mode of expression is no better than a solecistical vulgarism. We might just as well describe a tetrastyle portico as having four columniations, as say that it has three intercolumniations.
‘Lysicrates’ Capital, [55].
Metope.—The spaces between the triglyphs of the Doric frieze, which in the Parthenon, for instance, were filled in with sculpture; but in modern porticoes that pique themselves upon being after the Parthenon, they are mere blanks.
Minute.—The sixtieth part of the diameter of the column as a proportional measure. Minutes are written thus, 10′, i. e. ten minutes.
Modillion.—The small bracket-shaped members or ornaments in the Corinthian cornice are termed modillions. [See page 61].
Module.—The semi-diameter of the column, or 30 minutes. See Diameter.
Mouldings.—The principal mouldings and the difference of their profiles in the Grecian and Roman styles are here exhibited.
| Greek. | Roman. | |
|---|---|---|
| Echinus or Ovolo. | ||
| Cyma Recta. | ||
| Cyma Reversa. | ||
| Scotia. | ||
| Torus. |
Monotriglyphic.—That mode of intercolumniation in the Doric Order according to which there is only a single triglyph over each intercolumn, [20].
Mutules.—The small blocks or plates attached to the soffit of the corona in the Doric cornice.