COLUMN

, in Architecture, a round pillar, made to support or adorn a building.

The column is the principal part of an architectonical order, and is composed of three parts, the base, the shaft, and the capital; each of which is subdivided into a number of lesser parts, called members, or mouldings.

Columns are different according to the different orders they are used in; and also according to their matter, construction, form, disposition, and use. The proportion of the length of each to its diameter, and the diminution of the diameter upwards, are diversly stated by different authors. The medium of them is nearly as follows:

The Tuscan is the simplest and shortest of all; its height 3 1/2 diameters, or 7 modules; and it diminishes 1/4 part of its diameter.

The Doric is more delicate, and adorned with flutings; its height 7 1/2 or 8 diameters.

The Ionic is more delicate still, being 9 diameters long. It is distinguished from the rest by the volutes, or curled serolls in its capital, and by its base which is peculiar to it.

The Corinthian is the richest and most delicate of all the columns, being 10 diameters in length, and adorned with two rows of leaves, and stalks or stems, from whence spring out small volutes.

The Composite Column is also 10 diameters long, its capital adorned with rows of leaves like the Corinthian, and with angular volutes like the Ionic.