1236

GLOSSARY.
the design, on the fitness or propriety of the adaptation, and upon the utility fi>r the
end. See
Composition.
Dktails. a term usually applied to the drawings on a large scale for the use of builders,
and generally called working drawings.
Dktermining Line. In the conic sections, a line parallel to the base of the cone; in the
hyperbola this line is within the base
;
in the parabolic sections it forms a tangent to
the base, in the elliptic it falls without it. In the intersecting line of a circle, the
determining line will never meet the plan of the base to which it is parallel.
DiACONicuM. A place contiguous to the ancient churches, wherein were preserved the
sacred vestments, vessels, relics, and ornaments of the altar. In modern language,
tlie
sacrisfy. The sacristy is now also called the vestry.
Diagonal. (Gr.
Aia, through, and Taivia, angle.)
A straight line drawn through a figure
joining two opposite angles. The term in geometry, is used in speaking of four-sided
figures, but it is nevertheless properly applied with reference to all polygons whereof
the number of sides is not less than four. The term diameter is used l)y Euclid in the
same sense ;
but modern geometers use the term diameter only in speaking of curve
lines, and diagonal when speaking of angular figures.
Diagonal Scale. A compound scale formed by vertical and horizontal subdiA'isions with
diagonals drawn across them, whereby very small parts can be measured off by means
of equidistant parallels crossing others of the same kind.
Diagkam. (Gr. Aiaypaixfia, irom Aia, through, and Tpa<\)w, 1 write.) The figure or scheme
for the illustration of a mathematical or other proposition.
Diameter. (Gr. Aia, through, and V\iTpou, a measure.) A straight line passing through
the centre of a geometrical figure, as that of a circle, ellipse, or hyperbola. The term
is architecturally used to express the measure across the lower part of the shaft of a
column, and is usually divided into sixty parts called minutes, which form the scale for
the measurement of all the parts of an order. See Diagonal.
DiAMiCTON. The Roman method of building a wall, with ivaular ashlar work on tho
outsides and filled in with rubble between. It is similar to Emplocton, but without the
clkttoni or binding stones which go through the thickness of the walls, showing on both
sides. See Masonry.
Diamond Pavement. One disposed in squares arranged diagonally.
Diaper Work. 1 he face of
stone worked into squares
or lozenges, with a leaf
therein
;
as over arches and
between bands. It is gene-
rally done only in interior
work for decorating a plain
surface. The illustration
(fig.
13S)8) is from Can-
terbury Cathedral, and of
the Perpendicular period.
DiAsTYLE. (Gr.AiaandSruXor,
a column.) Thatdistance be-
tween columns which con-
sists of three diameters, or,
according to some, of four
diameters. The term is
sometimes used adjectively,
to signify that the building
is arranged with those inter-
vals between the columns.
DiATONi. (Gr. A(o and Tovos,
an extension.) In Greek
architecture, the stones of a
wall wrought on two faces,
which, from ttretching beyond the stones above and below them, tiiat is, going througli
the wall, made a good bond or tie to the work.
DiAzoMA. (Gr. Ata through, and Zwfia, a cincture.) In ancient architecture, the landings
or resting places which, at diflTeront heights, encircled the aniphitheati-e like so many
bands or cinctures, whence the name.
DicASTERiTj.M. (Gr. AiKTj, justice.) In ancient arciiitecture, tho name of a tribunal or hall
of justice.
Dk -lYoTHETON. (Gr. AtKTvoi/, a net, and TidrifMi, I p'ace.) In ancient architecture,
masonry
worked in courses, like tho meshes of a net. Also open lattice-work, for
admitting
ligiit and air.
Diaper work in stone.