[M2.22backL]                                                          [M2.22back]									22
                                                                      
[diagrams]                                                            		is free and unconnected with other parts of the architecture,
                                                                      		it is well to give it some degree of curvature:
                                                                      		allowing in its angle and in the depth of the abacus for
                                                                      		any diminution of strength caused by the curvature.  Taking
                                                                      		therefore the typical square capital 1 and curving
                                                                      		its slope in the directions of the dotted lines, we have
                                                                      		2. and 3. and these will, entirely differ in expressions
                                                                      		according to the placing of the point of greatest curvature.
                                                                      		Thus taking the single line 2 which is a line of
                                                                      		delicate curvature departing {at first} as little as possible
                                                                      		from the right line.  and increasing its rate of
                                                                      		curvature to its other extremity and placing this line
                                                                      		between the points a b in four different directions:  we
                                                                      		have the capitals 2a & b, 3a & b.  Now the choice
                                                                      		among these forms is almost purely aesthetic and depends
                                                                      		upon an imagined relation between the lines a b and
                                                                      		the uprights of the shaft:  Now the natural lines which
                                                                      		are most frequently seen in this relation are the boughs
                                                                      		and stems of trees, and it is a general fact that
                                                                      		in trees whose boughs are concave to their stems t1
                                                                      		the greatest curvature is next the stem but in trees
                                                                      		whose boughs are convex to stems, t2 the greatest
                                                                      		curvature is furthest from the stem.  Hence these two
                                                                      		forms are commonly best where the shaft is slender and
                                                                      		capital wide: but when

[Version 0.05: May 2008]