In this case a bracket is shown above the capital,
projecting longitudinally only (in the direction of the lintel bearing),
a method of giving a larger bearing surface for the ends of the lintels,
shortening their actual bearing[4] (in other words, widening the space
which can be bridged between column and column) and giving a workmanlike
appearance of stability to the construction at this point. The idea of
the division of the column into two sections, suggested in Fig. 8, is
kept up in Fig. 9 by treating the lower portion up to the same height
with incised decorative carving. The dotted lines on each side in Fig. 9
give the outline of the original square column as shown in Fig. 4. The
finished column was within that block; it is the business of the
architectural designer to get it out.[5]
[Footnote 3: This is the feature called "abacus" (i.e., "tile")
in Greek architecture, but I am here considering it apart from
any special style or nomenclature.]
[Footnote 4: "Bearing," in building language, is used in a double
sense, for the distance between the points of support, and the
extent to which the beam rests on the walls. Thus a beam which
extends 20 feet between the points of support is a beam of 20
feet bearing. If the beam is 22 feet long, so that 1 foot rests
on the walls at each end, it has "1 foot bearing on the wall.
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