Note 2801 — BOOK XXXVI. THE NATURAL HISTORY OF STONES. (continued 2)
John Bostock translation
It seems difficult to understand whether by the word “spiræ” he means astragals, or bases. It would almost appear, by the use of the word “subditæ,” that it is “bases” for the shafts. It is just possible, however, that the meaning may be that the “spiræ” were placed beneath the capitals which were added.