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                                                                      	to be thrown in the lines w. w. while by the introduc-
                                                                      tion of the upper stone, such pressures are equalised
                                                                      over the upper surface of the bevelled one beneath.
                                                                       While therefore the forms d2 d6 and a2 a5 are both
                                                                      alike unsafe, the unison if the two headstones as in a3
                                                                      is, as for as is possible secure;  and this is the best
                                                                      possible general profile of a shaft head:  (first idea)
                                                                      better than gen p.) being however susceptible of an in-
                                                                      finite variety of relation between the thickness of the
                                                                      upper and lower stones, and of degrees in the angle of
                                                                      the sl[o]ope of the latter;  presently to be condiered.
                                                                      considered.
                                                                      Evidently the strength and convenience of the general
                                                                      four remains the same whether it be composed of two stones,
                                                                      or cut out of one block;  But the two members are always
                                                                      to be considered as distinct;  the upper one is called
                                                                      the Abacus:  The lower the Bell:  and the two together
                                                                      form what is called the Capital of the pier or pillar;
                                                                      When either exist separately as in some imperfect archi-
                                                                       tecture. the trie Capital will of course attach to
                                                                      either of them;  but in a perfect capital there must be
                                                                      both.
                                                                      	     Next, as regards the base of the shaft:  Whatever
                                                                      the foundation of the building, it will e vidently be right
                                                                      that each pier or pillar should be, allowed to rest, if
                                                                      possible upon a single stone;  in order that its weight

[Version 0.05: May 2008]