PROPORTION, in architecture, denotes the just magnitude of the members of each part of a building, and the relation of the several parts to the whole; e. gr. of the dimensions of a column, &c. with regard to the ordonnance of a whole building.
One of the greatest differences among architects, M. Perrault observes, is in the proportions of the heights of entablatures with respect to the thickness of the columns, to which they are always to be accommodated.
In effect, there is scarce any work, either of the ancients or moderns, wherein this proportion is not different; some entablatures are even near twice as high as others:—yet it is certain, this proportion ought of all others to be most regulated; none being of greater importance, as there is none wherein a defect is sooner spied, nor any wherein it is more shocking.