SYMMETRY

, the relation of parity, both in respect of length, breadth, and height, of the parts necessary to compose a beautiful whole.

Symmetry arises from that proportion which the Greeks call analogy, which is the relation of conformity of all the parts of a building, and of the whole, to some certain measure; upon which depends the nature of Symmetry.

According to Vitruvius, Symmetry consists in the union and conformity of the several members of a work to their whole, and of the beauty of each of the separate parts to that of the intire work; regard being had to some certain measure: so the body, for instance, is framed with Symmetry, by the due relation which the arm, elbow, hand, singers, &c, have to each other, and to their whole.