Gabb, Thomas: Finis pyramidis or Disquisitions concerning the antiquity and scientific end of the great pyramid of Giza, or ancient Memphis, in Egypt, and of the first standard of linear measure (Retford, 1806)

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8 general rule, a precept to reduce the soffit, or under
part of the epistylium, to a breadth exactly equal to the
diameter of the top part of the shaft ; to which also the
under part of all kinds of capitals correspond, at their
bedding joint, which joint is concealed from sight by the
projecture of the astragal, a round moulding appearing
to bind the upper part of the shaft.

Now what St. Jerome states, by the term capitella,
in this 20 v. in the 6 v. of the next chapter, he calls epis-
tylia. And that he means by this latter term the same
as Virtuvius taught, is evident from his assumption of
it. And that he intended the term capitella, in the 20 v.
to be understood in the same sense also, I now proceed
to prove, to the satisfaction of those who are sufficient-
ly acquainted with the principles of architecture, to,
perceive the import of the above documents of Vitru-
vius. It is evident, then, the net-work, mentioned in
the sacred text, was situated at the joint between the
under part of the capital and upper part of the shaft,
and the pomegranates were in the place of a carved
astragal : therefore it is said, the capitella on high, over
the summit of the column, were to be confined to the
size of the column at the net-work, "juxta mensuram
columna? contra retiacula;" and by this precept the
alia capitella, are proved to be the epistylia. In reality,
epistyles, in marble work, are as distinct things as
capitals themselves : for each epistyle stands over each
of the intercolumns, and they meet in joints on the
centres of the capitals.

But, contend the commentators, the capitellum oa
on the shaft of the column is expressly said to be 5
cubits high; and a capitellum of lily work of 4 cubits,
is described in the 19 ν : therefore 3 capitals, one upon
the other.

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