316

THEORY OF ARCHITECTURE. Book II.

/
CoroU. '.i. The tangent of the vertex AH is a mean proportional between AF and A P.
For since FHT is a right angle, therefore AH is a mean proportional between AF and AT;
and since AT=AP, AH is a mean proportional between AF and AP. Also FH is a
mean proportional between FA and FT. or between FA and FM.
Coroll. 4. The tangent makes ecjual angles with FM and the axis AP, as well as with
FC and CI.
1102. Theoueji VII. Aline parallel to the axis, intercepted hi/ a double ordinate aiid a
tangent at the vertex
of
that ordinate, will be divided by the curve in the same ratio us the linf
itself divides the double ordinate.
.p
Let QM
{fig.45\.)
be the double ordinate, MT the tangent, AP
the axis, GK the intercepted line divided by the curve in the point I
;
then will GI : IK::MK : KQ.
For by similar triangles MKG, MPT; MK : KG :; PM : PT,
or 2AP;
By the definition of parameter, P : PM
:
: PM : SAP;
Therefore, by equality, P
: MK
: : PM
: KG
;
And again, by equality, PM : MK::2AP : KG
;
And by division, MK : KQ: : GI ; IK.
1 lO.^. Problem I. To describe a parabola.
If a thread, equal in length to the leg BC
(Jig.452.')
of a .
|
right angle or square, be fixed to the end C, and the other end
of the thread be fixed to a point F in a plane, then if the
square be moved in that plane so that the leg AB may slide
along the straight line GH, and the point D be always kept
close to the edge BC of the square, and the two parts FD and
DC of the string kept stretched, the point D will describe a
curve on the plane, which will be a parabola.
Fig. 4.v2.
1104. Pkob. II. Given the dmible ordinate DE and the abscissa BC iri position auA
tmgnitude, to describe a parabola.
Through B
(Jigs.
453, 454.)
draw FG parallel to DE,and DF and EGparallel to CD
Divide DC and
DF each into
the same num-
ber of equal
parts. From
the points of
'^'
division in DF draw lines to B. Through the points of divi-
sion in DC draw lines parallel to BC, and through the
points of intersection of the corresponding lines draw a curve,
and complete the other half in the same manner ; then will
DBE be the complete curve of the parabola. The less BC
is ill proportion to CD, the nearer the curve will approach to
the arc of a circle, as in fig. 422. ; and hence we may describe
the curve for diminishing the shaft of a column, or draw a flat segment of a circle.
1 1 05. Prob. III. The same parts being given, to describe the parabola by the intersection
of
straight lines.
Produce CB to F
{fig.
455.),
and make BF equal to BC. Join FD and FE.
DF and FE in the .same proportion, or
i.
into the same number of equal parts. Let
the divisions be numbered from D to F,
and from F to E, and join every two
corresponding points by a straight line
;
then tlie intersection of all the straight
lines will form the parabola required.
Kig.455.
1 i06. Prob. IV. To draw a straight line
from
a given point in the curve
of
a parabola,
u-hich shall be a tangent to the curve at that
point.
Let DC
{fig.
456.) be the double or-
dinate,
cB the abscissa to the parabolic
curve DBC, and let it be required to
draw a tangent from the point e in the
curve. Draw e/" parallel to DC, cutting
Fi;;.456.
BC in
/:
produce cB to
g,
and make 'Rg equal to B/, and join ge, then will ge l)e tlie
tangent required. In the same manner DII will be found to be a tangent at D. If cK
be drawn perpendicular to the tangent
<?, then will eK be also perpendicular to the curve,
and in the proper direction for a joint in the masonry of a parabolic arch.
Divide