350 



PROCEEDINGS OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY 



Lave, for convenience in comparing different forms, reckoned this zone 

 of stems when it occurs as part of the shaft. 



Capital. — This clears the way for the description of the capital, 

 which is by far the most interesting feature of this order. In the va- 

 riety of its forms and decorations it is unique among the forms that 

 come within the scope of this essay. In it the Egyptians displayed a 

 fertility of invention which, though very late in their history, is 

 national enough to afford considerable insight into their latent genius for 

 artistic production which might have put forth its energies before and 

 to better ends had not a tyranny of conventionality rigorously repressed 

 and fettered it. 



Fix. 9, 



The fundamental form at the basis of this capital is precisely that of 

 a very perfectly developed head of the true papyrus, and by common 

 consent this coincidence is considered conclusive of its origin. 



The simple bell is undoubtedly the primitive form, but compound 



Fig. 9. Papyrus, or Bell Column, from the Hypostrle Hall, Karnak. (After 



Lepsius.) 



