Full text: Vitruvius: The architecture of Marcus Vitruvius Pollio, in ten books

149 
are not to be guided by the rules delivered for those 
of sacred buildings. For the style used in the temples 
of the gods should be dignified; whereas, in porticos 
and similar works, it may be of a lighter character. 
If, therefore, the columns be of the Doric order, their 
height, including the capitals, is to be divided into fifteen 
parts, of which one is taken as a module. By this all the 
work is set out, making the thickness of the lower part of 
the column equal to two modules. The intercolumniation 
is of five modules and a half. The height of a column, ex¬ 
clusive of the capital, fourteen modules; the height of the 
capital one module, the width of it two modules and a 
sixth. The proportions of the rest of the work are to be the 
same as those described for sacred buildings in the fourth 
book. If lonic columns be used, the shaft, exclusive of 
the base and capital, is to be divided into eight parts and 
a half, of which one is assigned to the thickness of the 
column. The base, with its plinth, is half a module 
high; and the formation of the capital is to be as shewn 
in the third book. If Corinthian, the shaft and base are 
to be the same as the lonic ; but the capital is to be pro¬ 
portioned as directed in the fourth book ; and the addition 
on the pedestal is made by means of the scamilli impares, 
mentioned in the third book. The architraves, coronæe, 
and all the other parts, are set out in proportion to the 
columns as explained in the foregoing books. The cen¬ 
tral space between the porticos should be ornamented 
with verdure, inasmuch as hypæthral walks are very 
healthy ; first, in respect of the eyes, because the air from 
green plants being light and volatile, insinuates itself 
into the body when in motion, clears the sight, and, 
removing the gross humours from the eyes, leaves the vi¬
	        
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