GLOSSARY.

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between different
npartments. It is a term also used to denote a canal or pipe for fhe
conveyance of -water, and is also applied to the structure to which it is conveyed for
delivex'y to the
jrablic.
Coxdy's Patent Fluid. Called, from its mode of action and effectiveness, "Nature's Dis-
infectant;"
itpurifies, deodorises, and disinfects, by the agency of nascent or ozonie
oxygen, its active principle. It combines powerful purifying
properties with a wliole-
some nature.
CoxE. (Gr. Kaivos). A solid body, having a circle for its base, and terminating in a
point called its vertex
;
so that a straight line drawn from any point in the circum-
ference of the base to the vertex will coincide with the convex surface. If the axis or
straight line drawn from the centre of the base to the vertex be perpendicular to the
base, it is termed a ri</kt cone
;
if not, it is an oblique cone.
Confessional. (Lat.) In Catholic churches the small cell wherein the priest sits to
hear the confession of, and give absolution to, the penitent. It is usually constructed
of wood and in three divisions, the central one whereof has a seat for the convenience
of the priest.
Configuration. The exterior form or superficies of any body.
C(>NG. (Fr.) The same as Apophyge.
Conic Sections. The figures formed by the intersections of a plane with a cone. They
are five in number: a triangle, a circle, an ellipse, a parabola, and an hyperbola; the
. three last, however, are those to which the term is usually applied.
Conical Roof. One whose exterior surface is shaped like a cone.
CoNiSTERiuM. (Gr. KovioTTipiov.) In ancient architecture a room in the gymnasium
and
palaestra, wherein the wrestlers, having been anointed with oil, were sprinkled over
with dust, that they might lay firmer hold on one another.
Conjugate Diameters. The diameters in an ellipsis or hyperbola parallel to tangents at
each other's extremities.
Conoid. (Gr. KovoeiSris.) Partaking of the figure of a cone. A figure generated by the
revolution of a conic section round one of its axes. There are three kinds of conoids,
the elUptwal, the hiiperholical, and the farahnlical, which are sometimes otherwise
denominated by the terms ellipsoid or spheroid, hyperboloid-, and ixiraholoid.
Conservatory. A building for preserving curious and rare exotic plants. It is made
with beds of the finest composts, into which the trees and plants, on being removed
from the greenhouse, and taken from the tubs and pots, are regularly planted.
With respect to its construction, it is very similar to the greenhouse, but it must be
more spacious, loftier, and finished in a superior style. The sides, ends, and roofs
should be of glass for tlie free admission of light, and for protection of the plants. It
should be, moreover, seated on a dry spot, and so as to receive during the day as much
of the sun's heat as possible. It is to be provided with flues, or hot-water pipes, to
raise tlie temperature when necessary; there must also be contrivances for introducing
fresh air when required. In summer time the glass roofs are tiiken off, and the plants
exposed to the open air
;
but these are restored always, if taken off, on the slightest
indication of frost. The chief point in which conservatories differ from greenhouses is,
that in the latter, the plants and trees stand in pots placed upon stages, whereas, in
the former, they are planted in beds of earth surrounded with borders. See Geeenhouse.
Console. The same as Ancones.
CoNSTRTTCTiON. Literally, the building up from the architect's designs
;
but amongst
-
architects it is more particularly used to denote the art of distributing the different
forces and strains of the parts and materials of a building in so scientific a manner as
to avoid failure and insure durability. The second book of the Encyclopaedia is devoted
to the subjects involved in the science of construction.
Contact. (Lat. Contactus.) In geometry, the touching any figure by a line or piano
which may be produced either way without cutting it.
Content. (Lat. Contentus.) The area or superficial quantity contained in any figure.
Contexture. (Lat. Contextus.) The intor-disposition, with respect to each other, of the
different parts of a body.
Contignatio. In Roman civrpentry, the same as that now called naked flooring.
Continued. A term used to express anything uninterrupted. Thus, an attic is said to be
continued when not broken by pilasters
;
a pedestal is continued when, with its mould-
ings and dado or die, it is not broken imder the columns
;
so of a socle, &c.
Contour. (It. Contorno.) The external lines which bound and terminate a figure.
Contract. An agreement, att<ached to a specification for the performance of certain works
in accordance therewith, and with the drawings accompanying it, if any.
Convent. (Lat.
Conventus.) A building for the reception of a society of religious
persons, but more properly applied to one for the habitation of nuns.
Conventual Cuubcu. Oac attached or belonging to a convent.