1310 GLOSSARY.

Plane. In geometry, <i surface that coincides in every direction -with a straight line.
Plane, geometiucal. Iu perspective, a plane parallel to the horizon, whereon the ohjVct
to be delineated is supposed to be placed. It is usually at right angles with the per-
spective plane.
Plane, horizontal. In perspective, a plane passing through the spectator's eye. parallel to
the horizon, and cutting the peri-peetiveplane in a straight line, called the horizontal line.
Plane, inclined. One that makes an oblique angle with a horizontal plane.
Plane, objective. Any plane, face, or side of an original object to be delineated on the
ptrspective plane.
Plane, peespective. That interposed between the original objects and the eye of the
spectator, and whereon tlie objects are to be delineated.
Plane Teigonomethy. That branch of mathematics whose object is the investigation
and calculation of the sides and angles of plane triangles. It is of the greatest impor-
tance to the architect.
Planimetry, That branch of geometry which treats of lines and surfaces only, without
reference to their height or depth.
Plank. (Fr.) A name given generally to all timber, except fir, which is less than four
inches thick and thicker than one inch and a half. See Board.
Plank Egof. A roof, the trusses of which are formed principally of planks cut to a
curved shape, as in de Lorme's system; or bent to the shape required, as in Kmy a
system.
Planted. When a moulding is wrought on a separate piece of stuff, and is fastened in
its place, as around a panel, it is said to be planted (on the stuff).
Plaster. Lime properly prepared for the plasterer,
Plastkrers' AVork. The laying of ceilings; the finishing to walls to give a fair face
;
the making and fixing of ornimental work
;
and cementing to walls.
Plaster of JParis. A preparation of gypsum, originally procured in the vicinity of Mont
Martre, near Paris. The plaster stone, or alabaster, is, however, found in many parts of
England, as at Clielaston near Derby, and Beacon Hill near Newark. The former pits
yield about 800 tons a year. It is ground aud frequently used for manure, or ratlier as
a stimulant for grass. It is calcined intc the plaster used by tlio modeller, plasterer,
&c. When diluted with water into a thin paste, plaster of Paris sots rapidly, and at
the instant of setting, its bulk is increased. Mr. Boyle found by experiment that a
glass vessel filled with tliis paste, and close stopped, bursts while tlio mixture sets, a
quantity of water sometimes issuing through tlie cracks
;
hence this material becomes
valuable for filling cavities, &c., when other earths would shrink. The gypsum is y)re-
paijd either by burning or boiling, and loses from four to six cwt. in a ton. After
burning, it is ground into
p
jwder in a mill.
Plat or Plot. A late mediaeval term for a design or drawing.
Platband. Any flat and square moulding whose projection is much less than its hcii^^ht,
such are the fasciae of an architrave, the list between flutings, &c. The platband of
a door or window is the lintel, when it is made square and not much arched.
Plate. A general term applied to those horizontal pieces of timber lying mostly on Avails
for tlie reception of another asseml)lage of timbers. Thus, a wall plate, is laid round the
walls of a building to receive the timbering of a floor and roof
;
a gutter plate under the
gutter of a building, &c.
Plate Glass. Glass cast in sheets or plates, and polished,
quality and colour to both "crown" and "sheet" glass.
The best kind may be tested by its perfect freedcmi from
colour, blemishes, specks, and striae of every sort. It is
not subject to dampness or
'
sweating." That which is
tinged is of inferior quality, aud cannot be used where it
is intended to exhibit coloured articles behind it. The
usual thickness is one quarter of an inch. Tho better
sort of plate glass is used for looking-glasses, and is
charged a higher price than for glazing purposes. There
is also an inferior sort of plate glass, called "patent
plate," which consists of blown glass of an extra thickness,
which is then opened aud polished. Por largo sizes tho
price is about the same as plate glass.
Plate Rack. A fixture over tho sink in a scullery for the
reception of dinner plates and dishes after washing.
Plate Tracery. The earliest form of tracery, used at the
commencement of tho Early English period of mediaeval
architecture, as Fig. 1431 ; it consists of tho openings
being formed or cut in tho stonework, and showing no
projecting mouldings.
PLArrouii. An assemblage of timbers for carrying a flat covering of a liuuse, or tho
Plato glass is superior in