in Geometry, the lowest side of the perimeter of a figure: Thus, the base of the triangle may be said of any of its sides, but more properly of the lowest, or that which is parallel to the horizon. In rectang- BASALTES. PLATE LXXXVI.

Fig. 2.

Fig. 1. BASALTES

Fig. 1.

Fig. 2. led triangles, the base is properly that side opposite to the right angle.

Base of a Solid Figure, the lowest side, or that on which it stands.

Base of a Conic Section, a right line in the hyperbola and parabola, arising from the common intersection of the secant plane and the base of the cone.

Base, in Architecture, is used for any body which bears another, but particularly for the lower part of a column and pedestal.—The ancients, in the early times of architecture, used no bases. The Doric columns in the temple of Minerva at Athens have none, but stand immediately upon the floor of the porch. Columns came afterwards to be supported on square pieces called plinths, and after that on pedestals. When we see a column, of whatsoever order, on a pedestal, the base is that part which comes between the top of the pedestal, and the bottom of the shaft of the column; when there is no pedestal, it is the part between the bottom of the column and the plinth: some have included the plinth as a part of the base; but it is properly the piece on which the base stands, as the column stands upon that.—The pedestal also has its base, as well as the column, and the pilaster. The base of columns is differently formed in the different orders; but in general it is composed of certain spires or circles, and was thence in early times called the spire of a column. These circles were in this case supposed to represent the folds of a snake as it lies rolled up; but they are properly the representations of several larger and smaller rings or circles of iron, with which the trunks of trees, which were the ancient columns, were surrounded to prevent their bursting: these were rude and irregular, but the sculptor who imitated them in stone found the way to make them elegant.

Base, in Fortification, the exterior side of the polygon, or that imaginary line which is drawn from the flanked angle of a bastion to the angle opposite to it.

Base, in Gunnery, the least fort of ordnance, the diameter of whose bore is 1 1/2 inch, weight 200 pounds, length 4 feet, load 5 pounds, shot 1 1/2 pound weight, and diameter 1 3/8 inch.

Base, in Chemistry. See Basis.

Base, in Law. Base estate, such as base tenants have in their hands. Base tenure, the holding by villenage, or other customary services; as distinguished from the higher tenures in capite, or by military service. Base fee, is to hold in fee at the will of the lord, as distinguished from soccage tenure. Base court, any court not of record.

Basella, Climbing Nightshade. See Botany Index.