The Impost and the Abacus in Architecture

The Impost and the Abacus in Architecture An impost is that part of an arch from which the arc swings upward. If a capital is the top part of a column, an impost is the bottom part of an arch. An impost is NOT a capital but is often on top of a capital that has no entablature. An impost needs an arch. An abacus is a projecting block atop a columns capital that does not hold up an arch. The next time youre in Washington, D.C., look up at the columns of the Lincoln Memorial to see an abacus or two. The Impost Block Builders of what is now known as Byzantine architecture created decorative stone blocks to transition between columns and arches. Columns were smaller than the thick arches, so impost blocks were tapered, the small end fitting on the column capital and the larger end fitting onto the arch. Other names for impost blocks include dosseret, pulvino, supercapital, chaptrel, and sometimes abacus. The Look of Imposts The architectural term impost may date back to Medieval times. The interior of the Byzantine-era Basilica of SantApollinare Nuovo in Ravenna, Italy is often cited to illustrate the use of imposts. Built in the early 6th century (c. 500 AD) by the Ostrogoth King Theodoric the Great, this UNESCO Heritage site is a fine example of both mosaics and arches in Early Christian architecture. Note the impost blocks above the capitals of the columns. The arches spring upward from those blocks, which are traditionally highly decorated. Todays American homes reminiscent of Mediterranean or Spanish architecture will exhibit architectural features of the past. As was typical of imposts hundreds of years ago, the imposts often are painted a decorative color that contrasts with the color of the house itself. Taken together, these images show the transition of the column (3) to the arch (1) by way of the impost (2). Origin of the Word Impost has several meanings, many of which may be more familiar than the architectural definition. In horse racing, impost is the weight assigned to a horse in a handicap race. In the world of taxation, an impost is a duty imposed on imported goods   -    the word is even in the U.S. Constitution as a power given to Congress (see Article I, Section 8). In all of these senses, the word comes from a Latin word  impositus meaning to impose a burden onto something. In architecture, the burden is on a part of the arch that holds it up, denying gravitys attempt to bring the weight of the arch to earth. Additional Definitions of Impost The springing point or block of an arch. - G. E. Kidder Smith A masonry unit or course, often distinctively profiled, which receives and distributes the thrust of each end of an arch. - Dictionary of Architecture and Construction, The Impost and Arch in Architectural History Nobody knows where arches began. They arent really needed, because the Primitive Hut post and lintel construction works just fine. But theres something beautiful about an arch. Perhaps its mans imitation of creating a horizon, creating a sun and a moon. Professor Talbot Hamlin, FAIA, writes that brick arches date back to 4th millennium BC (4000 to 3000 BC) in the region known today as the Middle East. The ancient land called Mesopotamia was partially enveloped by the Eastern Roman Empire during the long period we sometimes call the Byzantine civilization of the Middle Ages. It was a time when traditional building techniques and designs already developed in the Middle East combined with the Classical (Greek and Roman) ideas of the West. Byzantine architects experimented with creating higher and higher domes using pendentives, and they also invented impost blocks to build arches grand enough for the great cathedrals of Early Christian architecture. Ravenna, south of Venice on the Adriatic Sea, was the center of Byzantine architecture in 6th century Italy.   Later still, it came gradually to replace the capital, and instead of being square at the bottom was made circular, so that the new capital had a continuously changing surface, from the circular bottom on top of the shaft up to a square of much larger size above, which supported the arches directly. This shape could then be carved with surface ornament of leaves or interlacing of any desired intricacy; and, to give this carving greater brilliance, often the stone beneath the surface was deeply cut away, so that sometimes the entire outside face of the capital was quite separate from the solid block behind, and the result had a sparkle and a vividness which was extraordinary. - Talbot Hamlin In our own homes today we continue the tradition begun thousands of years ago. We often decorate the impost area of an arch if and when it protrudes or is pronounced. The impost and impost block, like many architectural details found on todays homes, are less functional and more ornamental, reminding homeowners of past architectural beauty. Sources G. E. Kidder Smith, Source Book of American Architecture, Princeton Architectural Press, 1996, p. 645Dictionary of Architecture and Construction, Cyril M. Harris, ed., McGraw-Hill, 1975, p. 261Talbot Hamlin, Architecture through the Ages, Putnam, Revised 1953, pp. 13-14, 230-231Photo of Lincoln Memorial by Hisham Ibrahim/Getty Images (cropped); Photo of Spanish-style home by David Kozlowski/Moment Mobile Collection/Getty Images (cropped); Photo of colonnade and arches inside the Basilica of SantApollinare Nuovo by CM Dixon Print Collector/Getty Images (cropped); Illustration of an impost by Pearson Scott Foresman [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Calcium Facts - Ca or Atomic Number 20

Calcium Facts - Ca or Atomic Number 20 Calcium is silver to gray solid metal that develops a pale yellow tint. It is element atomic number 20 on the periodic table with the symbol Ca. Unlike most transition metals, calcium and its compounds exhibit a low toxicity. The element is essential for human nutrition. Take a look at calcium periodic table facts and learn about the elements history, uses, properties, and sources. Calcium Basic Facts Symbol: CaAtomic Number: 20Atomic Weight: 40.078Classification: Alkaline EarthCAS Number: 7440-701-2 Calcium Periodic Table Location Group: 2Period: 4Block: s Calcium Electron Configuration Short Form: [Ar]4s2Long Form: 1s22s22p63s23p64s2Shell Structure: 2 8 8 2 Calcium Discovery Discovery Date: 1808Discoverer: Sir Humphrey Davy [England]Name: Calcium derives its name from the Latin calcis which was the word for lime (calcium oxide, CaO) and limestone (calcium carbonate, CaCO3)History: The Romans prepared lime in the first century, but the metal was not discovered until 1808. Swedish chemist Berzelius and Swedish court physician Pontin created an amalgam of calcium and mercury by electrolyzing lime and mercury oxide. Davy managed to isolate pure calcium metal from their amalgam. Calcium Physical Data State at room temperature (300 K): SolidAppearance: fairly hard, silvery white metalDensity: 1.55 g/ccSpecific Gravity: 1.55 (20  °C)Melting Point: 1115 KBoiling Point: 1757 KCritical Point: 2880 KHeat of Fusion: 8.54 kJ/molHeat of Vaporization: 154.7 kJ/molMolar Heat Capacity: 25.929 J/mol ·KSpecific Heat: 0.647 J/g ·K (at 20  °C) Calcium Atomic Data Oxidation States: 2 (most common), 1Electronegativity: 1.00Electron Affinity: 2.368 kJ/molAtomic Radius: 197 pmAtomic Volume: 29.9 cc/molIonic Radius: 99 (2e)Covalent Radius: 174 pmVan der Waals Radius: 231 pmFirst Ionization Energy: 589.830 kJ/molSecond Ionization Energy: 1145.446 kJ/molThird Ionization Energy: 4912.364 kJ/mol Calcium Nuclear Data Number of Naturally Occurring Isotopes: 6Isotopes and % Abundance: 40Ca (96.941), 42Ca (0.647), 43Ca (0.135), 44Ca (2.086), 46Ca (0.004) and 48Ca (0.187) Calcium Crystal Data Lattice Structure: Face-Centered CubicLattice Constant: 5.580 Ã…Debye Temperature: 230.00 K Calcium Uses Calcium is essential for human nutrition. Animals skeletons get their rigidity primarily from calcium phosphate. The eggs of birds and shells of mollusks are comprised of calcium carbonate. Calcium is also necessary for plant growth. Calcium is used as a reducing agent when preparing metals from their halogen and oxygen compounds; as a reagent in purification of inert gases; to fix atmospheric nitrogen; as a scavenger and decarbonizer in metallurgy; and for making alloys. Calcium compounds are used in making lime, bricks, cement, glass, paint, paper, sugar, glazes, as well as for many other uses. Miscellaneous Calcium Facts Calcium is the 5th most abundant element in the Earths crust, making up 3.22% of the earth, air, and oceans.Calcium is not found free in nature, but calcium compounds are common. Some of the most common compounds found on Earth are limestone (calcium carbonate - CaCO3), gypsum (calcium sulfate - CaSO4 ·2H2O), fluorite (calcium fluoride - CaF2) and apatite (calcium fluorophosphate - CaFO3P or calcium chlorophosphate - CaClO3P)The top three countries that produce calcium are China, United States and India.Calcium is the main component of teeth and bones. However, too much calcium can lead to kidney stones or artery calcification.Calcium is the fifth most abundant element in the human body. Approximately one third of the mass of the human body is calcium after all water is removed.Calcium burns with a dark red color in a flame test.Calcium is used in fireworks to deepen the color. Calcium salts are used to produce orange in fireworks.Calcium metal is soft enough to cut with a knife, a lthough somewhat harder than the metal lead. People and other animals can often taste the calcium ion. People report is as contributing a mineral, sour, or salty flavor.Calcium metal reacts exothermically with water or acid. Skin contact with calcium metal can cause irritation, corrosion, and chemical burns. Ingesting or inhaling calcium metal can be fatal due to the burns it can produce. Sources Hluchan, Stephen E.; Pomerantz, Kenneth (2006)  Calcium and Calcium Alloys. Ullmanns Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry.  Weinheim: Wiley-VCH, doi:10.1002/14356007.a04_515.pub2Greenwood, Norman N.; Earnshaw, Alan (1997). Chemistry of the Elements (2nd ed.). Butterworth-Heinemann. ISBN 0-08-037941-9.

Situation problem and solution and evaluation Essay

Situation problem and solution and evaluation - Essay Example Burning of fossil fuels results in green house gas emission (Adger, 2005, p.23). It pollutes the atmosphere. On the other hand, deforestation results in lesser rain. Limited reserve of rain water is increasing the temperature of earth’s surface. Global warming can negatively impact on the survival of earth’s life. Just a difference of few degrees in the earth’s average temperature can result major climate change (Arnold, 2011, p.121). Whole world is experiencing this climate change since 19th century. Global warming has become one of the most important global phenomenons. Greenhouse Gas emission is the major consequence of global climate change or global warming. All countries are co-operating with each other and collaboratively trying to minimize the impact of global warming on the society. Increasing green house gas emission due to unethical business practices of several organizations is posing real threat for future generation. It is assumed that if the greenh ouse gas emission increases at continuous rate, then several animal species can get wiped out from earth within next 100 years (Jamieson, 1992, pp.139-153). It is important to control the greenhouse gas emission in order to control the effect of global warming. Problem Both greenhouse gas emission and global worming have critical intergenerational effects. Carbon dioxide is considered as the most deadly and prominent greenhouse gas. The temporal diffusion of climate change can develop various collective ethical problems. Environmental damage and global climate change become most critical global threats (Maslin, 2007, p.43). Heating up of earth’s surface due to carbon dioxide and methane gas emission is prominently affecting modern civilization. Several unethical human activities are responsible for this rapid global climate change. People are trying to implement the potential opportunities that are developed due through globalization and modern technology (Postel and Richter, 2003, pp.34-35). Number of consumption of vehicles rapidly increased over last few decades. Every single individual are trying to satisfy their comfort level by application of advanced technological instruments. Refrigerators and washing machines are important daily-life consumer durable goods. Global warming is the consequence of increasing Ozone layer in atmosphere (Rijseberman, 2006, p.12). Deadly CFC released into the atmosphere by the havoc usage of refrigerators and washing machines. Moreover, consumption of fossil fuels largely increased over past few decades. Burning of fossil fuels increases the emission of methane and carbon dioxide. The number of serious human diseases, such as cancer, TB, mental disorder and respiratory problem are increasing due to atmospheric pollution and increasing GHG emission (Vanderheiden, 2008, p.34). Deforestation is highly responsible for loss of rainfall. Water is the source of life. People are cutting down rain forest in order to develop ind ustries and complexes. Day-by-day, several species of birds are wiping out from earth due to deforestation. It is affecting ecological balance as each and every animal has effective contribution in effective ecological balance. Solution It is clear from the above discussion that government of all the countries, leading global organizations and present human generation has the responsibility to control and reduce the effect of global warming. Following

BTN3-3 homework Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

BTN3-3 homework - Coursework Example As years progress, the value of the equipment will decline till the accumulated depreciation is equivalent to the cost of purchase if the asset does not have a salvage value. This being the accredited way of recording depreciation expenses and accumulated depreciation, I hereby support the method used by Boland. Smith’s method has its strength, but the weaknesses are severe. It can be noted from the statement that the depreciation was the first one because the accumulated depreciation was equals to depreciation expense. For the first year, the method proposed by Smith is logical since it is easy to credit the amount directly in the balance sheet with regards to the asset depreciating. The weakness arises when the equipment has depreciated for several years, it will be difficult to have a plot on the accumulated depreciation, and thus, the value of the equipment will be overvalued or undervalued. The situation Boland is facing an ethical one, because the method Smith is suggesting and what she is used to are both applicable to the situation. As an accountant, there are guidelines such as General Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) that spells out how such transactions should be recorded. Therefore, if Boland violates those principles, the financial reporting of the firm’s status will not be accurate. It is unethical to violate those

Film Analysis on Product Development (of the film Kinky Boots) Essay

Film Analysis on Product Development (of the film Kinky Boots) - Essay Example Showing him wearing rubber shoes on his way to London signifies his lack of enthusiasm for the shoe production business. His relocation, together with his fiancà ©e, was to his liking as he wants to get away from his family’s business as soon as possible. But the unexpected death of his father forces him to move back to Northamptom and lay off his workers when he figured out there is no way for him to save the company. There was just not enough market for the shoes they are producing. The four generations that proudly carried on the tradition of Price & Sons over the years was on it last days when he entered the picture. Even his father was already set on selling the factory before his death. On an accidental meeting with drag queen Lola, Charlie was hit with an inspiration to create as he described it, â€Å"proper, good, decent, built-to-last boots† (Joel). As it was that men of their persuasion are forced to buy women’s shoes that are not sturdy enough to withstand the weight of a full size man. Drag queens have very specific needs and wants that women’s shoes do not have. The heels break and their feet would hurt as their weight is carried on their feet that are not supported with proper footwear. The brilliant idea of changing the product of Price & Sons hit Charlie and propelled him to do something to save his family’s company. â€Å"You exploit divergence to create a new category, and the expansion of that new category allows your brand to flourish† (Ries and Ries). This revolutionary marketing idea is one that was apparent in the movie ‘Kinky Boots.’ They were more than the first to take advantage of the marketing niche. They were able to create a new category that was distinguishably new in the shoe making industry. There was no other shoe company that specializes in selling shoes that are made for drag queens who prefer women’s design but are also be fabricated accordingly. With the concept, Charlie

Public law (check assingment criteria for details of question) Essay

Public law (check assingment criteria for details of question) - Essay Example the limits of protecting the interests of public at large on the one hand the individual liberties of a certain number of persons who are seen as threats to those interests? Since antiquity, law has been applied to the state itself, as symbolized by the King. The public good is supposed to be the best law. Laws apply to state in order to restrain it. This form of government is called Constitutional government. In an ideal constitutional government, laws are made by the legislature elected by the people, the administration is looked after by the government (the King in historic times) and the judiciary applies law to determine the issues between parties. Laws are public instruments - they are written in statute books. They are made so as to regulate the powers exercised by the state over individuals. However, there are inevitably areas of law in which the public good is considered to be more important than the individual liberty. Such may be the case where the activities of an individual are harmful to the society at large. In such circumstances, the state may be justified in depriving the individual of his liberties. An example of this may be a psychiatrically disturbed person roaming the streets armed with a deadly weapon. He may not see reason, which may necessitate his arrest and detention. If this person is doing this for a political reason, then of course a different yardstick would be applied. Where the government of a state declares an emergency and civil rights of its citizens are suspended, there is bound to be a huge outcry – what was the necessity of adopting such a drastic measure? There are bound to be challenges to the government’s authority to do so, there will be The object of this essay is to examine the conflict between the individual and the state with regard to human rights. The essay will limit itself to the prevalent situation in the United Kingdom. The scenario regarding public security, law and order has changed dramatically after

Cultural context on mobility, networks, consumer urbanism Essay

Cultural context on mobility, networks, consumer urbanism - Essay Example The fundamental concepts and ideas will be used to explain how the consumption systems of space relates to tourism. Literature Review Consumption relates to the use of natural resources and this is seen in relation to renewable and non-renewable resources (Armstrong, 2012 p328). This means that consumption relates to benefiting from a given resource either in the notional or tangible manner. In this case, 'space' can be seen as a 'consumable' resource that can be put to various uses which can bring varying degrees of satisfaction. De Carteau (1984) attempted to define the concept of 'space' in relation to the concept of 'place' in the quest to describe this abstract concept. In the bid, he stated that: â€Å"a place (lieu) is the order (of whatever kind) in accordance with which the elements are distributed in relationships of coexistence† (p117). This means that a place is defined in relation to the positions and other related things that are located close to a given area. On the other hand, he states that â€Å"a space exists when one takes into consideration the vectors of direction, velocity and time variables... in short space is a practical place† (De Carteau 1984 p117). This means that a space is a defined premises or unit within a given area that has certain laid down features that defines it (Williams, 2009). â€Å"Consumption of space relates to the relationship between the built environment and the organisation of space† (Kent, 1993 p1). The relationship between the built environment in a given area defines the consumption of space in the field of architecture. This is because the work of the architect is chiefly in relation to how the environment is ordered and how a given space is utilised to enhance human interaction and the interaction of the various members of the national environment. The legendary architect, Thackara defined 'space' from three main facades (1997): architectural space, operating environment and telematic sp ace. Architectural space relates to the familiar concepts of dimensions, divisions and the design of structures to that are built on a given piece of land. Operating environment involves a given area where the core activities of the builder is carried out. In the case of Thackara's journal, the main area under discussion was an airport. Thus, the operating environment was the area where aviation activities were carried out. The third component, which is telematic space relates to the area of a given space where electronic communication systems and structures were situated. This gave room for the users of the 'space' to undertake communication through modern gadgets and telecommunication systems like Internet, radars and other things. In Robinson's descriptions, put forward by Kieller (1999), space consumption was seen to be varied in relation to its economics. In his descriptions, Robinson indicated that the dynamics of the use of space relates to changes in economic conditions and demand influenced by the economic gains which are attached to the satisfaction attained. Using the Port Statistics as a yardstick, the fictional Robinson indicated that port traffic in one of Britain's major ports had changed steadly since 1965. This was accelerated rapidly in the 1970s when the North Sea oil was first exploited and imports fluctuated. Due to this, the space of the part had to be varied over and over again to ensure that the changes in the land