In order to make the Corinthian order without pedestals, the total height should be divided into 25 parts, one of which should be taken as the module. The module itself is divided into 18 parts, as in the Ionic order. Further principal divisions are indicated in the drawing. The distance between the columns should be 4 2/3, so that the architraves do not bear too much weight and also to ensure that the modillions in the cornice coincide with the axes of the columns and are placed at an equal distance from each other.
All the dimensions of the Corinthian capital can be understood from the plan and section. To determine the widths from the ground plan one should draw a square whose diagonal is 4 modules. Over the side of this square a triangle should be constructed as shown and, using a compass, one should draw the curve of the abacus from the point marked +. The height of the leaves, the cauliculi and the abacus are to be taken from the section. The projections of the leaves and the cauliculi are to be determined using the line that connects the abacus with the astragal at the bottom of the capital as shown in the section. The rest can be understood easily, with little effort.
A and B are together called the abacus of the capital; A is also called the cymatium of the abacus.
C Cauliculus
D Minor leaves
E Central leaves
F Lower leaves
G Flower
This Corinthian cornice has been taken from different sites in Rome, but in the first place from the Pantheon, and the three columns in the Forum Romanum. Having compared the principal elements I have formulated the rule without departing from ancient works; and I have reduced proportions so that a modillion always comes in the axis of the column and that its ovoli, dentils, egg-and-dart and bead-and-reel are carefully adjusted to each other, as can be seen in the drawing. The numbers that express modules and their parts are sufficient to understand the measures, the module being divided into 18 parts, as noted earlier.