ABSTRACT
The projected profile f (x) was introduced for the purpose of comparative studies of the global structure of galaxies at various inclination. The projected profile is calculated by projecting the surface brightness distribution s(x, y) onto the major axis of the image of a galaxy. The generalized radial profile is the profile which would be observed if the galaxy were to be optically thin, rotationally symmetric and seen face-on. NGC 4374, an elliptical galaxy, has very smooth profiles which gently curve upward. NGC 4026 is an edge-on lenticular galaxy. Its profiles resemble those of NGC 4267 in spite of different photographic appearance. NGC 4569 is an early-type spiral galaxy with spiral structures of low surface brightness. The profiles suggest that its bulge component is practically nonexistent, while its disk region resembles that of NGC 4100.
