1262

GLOSSARY.
Compartment
Tiles. An
arrangement
of
varnished red and white tiles on a roof.
^
Compasses (Fr Compas.)
A
mathematical
instrument for drawing circles and m-^urmg
distances between two
points.
Common
compasses have two legs, moveable on a joint
Trimwular compasses
hare two legs similar to
common compasses, and a third leg fixed
to the bulb by a
proji ction,
wii h a joint so as to be moveable in every direction. Beam
compasses are used for
describing
large
circles.
Proportional compasses have two pair
of points
moveable oa a shi;ting
centre, which slides m a groove and thereby regulates
the proportion
that the opening at one end bears to that of the other. They are useful
in enlarging or
diminishing
drawings.
^ _ ,
,
Compass Saw. One for dividing
boards into curved pieces
;
it is very narrow and with-
out a back.
^
. . . , ,.

i i
Compass
Window.
An old English term for a projecting window of a circular plan.
Complement.
The
number of degrees
which any angle wants of a rightangle. Tlie
complement of a
parallelogram is two lesser parallelograms, made by drawing two right
lines parallel to the
sides of the greater through a given point in the diagonal.
CoMPLUviuM. (Lat.) An area in the centre of the ancient Roman houses, so constructed
that it might receive the waters from the roofs. It is also used to denote the gutter or
eave of a roof.
.
CoMPO. A name often given to Parker's cement, or the
so-called Roman cement, it is
also the name of the material used for making imitation carved-work for frames, &c.,
and made of glue and whiting : it is the short for
"
composition."
Composite Arch. The same as the pointed or lancet arch, but better appropriated to an
arch of four centres.
Composite Numbers. Such as can be divided by some other number greater than unity
,
whereas prime numbers admit of no such divisor.
Cdmposite Order. The fifth order used in Roman and Italian architecture, and being
of a more decorative character than the Corinthian order. The capital is somewhat
similar to the Corinthian
;
the volutes are larger, but not so largo as those in the Ionic
capital. The base is shown in
fg.
1368.
Composition in Architecture. The student will find that in most cases a good distri-
bution of plan will lead to good sections and elevations. Upon the adiiptation of the
dilferent fronts of the building to sort with the internal convenience, the greatest care
should be bestowed ; and then the decoration of such an edifice becomes a secondary
and comparatively easy work, though requiring, of course, the early cultivation of the
taste of the architect, and an intimate acquaintance with the parts of the design. For
the thorough comprehension of a projected edifice, a plan, section, and elevation are
required
;
these comprise tlie whole elementary part of the mechanical process necessa ry
for making a design or composition. To carry out such a design, working drawings
may be required showing the parts at large. See Design.
CoiiPosiTioN OF Forces. The combination or union of several forces for determining the
result of the whole.
Compound Pier. A term sometimes given to a clustered column.
Compressibility.
The quality of bodies which permits of their being reduced to smaller
dimensions.
All bodies, in consequence of the porosity of matter, are compressible,
but liquids resist compression with immense force.
CoNCAMERATA SuDATio. An apartment in the ancient gymnasium, between the laconicmn
or stove, and the warm bath. To this room the racers and wrestlers retired to wipe off
the sweat from their bodies. See Caldaeium.
CoNCAMERATE. (Lat.) To arch over.
Concavity. (Lat. Concavus, hollow.) Of a curve line is the side between the two points
of the curve next its chord or diameter. The concavity of a solid is such a curved sur-
face, that if any two points in it be taken, the straight line between them is in a void
space, or will coincide in only one direction with the surface.
Concentric. (Lat.) Having a common centre, as are the radii of a circle.
Conchoid of Nicomedes. A name given to a curve invented by that mathematician for
solving the two famous problems of antiquitythe duplication of the cube, and the tri-
section of an angle. It continually approaches a straight line without meeting it,
though eA'er so far produced.
Concrete. (Lat. Concrescere.) To coalesce in one mass. A mass composed of stons
chippings, or ballast, cemented together through the medium of sand and lime, or of
cement, and usually employed in making foundations where the soil is of itself too
light
or boggy, or otherwise insuificient for the reception of the walls. It is likewise
used
to cover the ground under a building to keep damp from rising. Also to form a backing
to a wharf wall, or one at the side of a railway cutting, for extra strength. Of late
years it has been used in lieu of bricks or .'^tone whcroAvith to build houses; for incom-
bustible flooring ; and a church has been built of it near Paris. Large concrete
blocks
are used for the interior work of piers to harbours, and similar extensive
erections.
Conduit. (Fr.) A long narrow walkd passage underground, for secret
communication