HELIX (Gr. € tE, a

See also:

• SPIRAL

spiral or twist)  , an architectural term for the spiral tendril which is carried up to support the angles of the abacus of the Corinthian capital; from the same stalk springs a second helix rising to the centre of the capital, its junction with one on the opposite side being sometimes marked by a flower . Sometimes the term " volute " is given to the angle helix, which is incorrect, as it is of a different design and rises from the same stalk as the central helices . Its origin is probably metallic, that is to say, it was copied from the conventional treatment in Corinthian bronze of the tendrils of a plant .