More than one of these 7 encyclopedias carries each of the following subjects — but every one of them treats it in a sentence or two and then moves on. They are gathered here so the different accounts can sit side by side.
Earl
Aiton's Encyclopedia: erl, in England, a title of nobility, ranking next below duke and marquis. The oldest son of an earl is a viscount. The coronet of an earl consists of a gold band or circlet, from which rise eight lofty rays of gold, supporting pearls. In shape these rays look something like the elevated eyes of a snail. Between each pair of rays is a gold leaf. The earl's coronet, like that of the duke's may be closed with a velvet cap, if so desired. The wife of an earl is called a countess. She is entitled to wear a coronet much resembling that of her husband, except that the rays are shorter. An earl is entitled to appear in the House of Lords wearing a scarlet robe trimmed with ermine. In writing to an earl, the sovereign addresses him as "True and well beloved cousin." See Duke ; Precedence
Collier's New Encyclopedia: a degree of the British nobility between marquis and viscount, the title of highest antiquity in England. The title was made hereditary by William the Conqueror, and for a time was used interchangeably with that of count, the corresponding title on the Continent. The wife of an earl is still called a countess. An earl's coronet is composed of eight pearls raised upon points, with small leaves between, above the rim.
Covered by Aiton's Encyclopedia and Collier's New Encyclopedia
Echidna
Aiton's Encyclopedia: e-kid'na, a family of quadrupeds found in Australia and New Guinea . The echidna is related to the famous Australian duckbill and, like it, resembles several different animals. Its nose terminates in a narrow, horny beak. Its back and sides to its very toes are set thickly with strong spines. There are two species, one with three toes, one with five. Both are strong diggers and are able to conceal themselves in loose earth in an incredibly short time. Like the duckbill, the echidna lays eggs in a burrow, and keeps them warm, bird fashion, until its young are hatched. It is about the size of a hedgehog, much smaller than a porcupine. It lives chiefly on insects, which it catches with a long, sticky tongue. See Duckbill
1000 Classical Characters: A monster, half woman and half serpent, who became by Typhon the mother of the Chimaera , of the many-headed dog Orthus, of the hundred-headed dragon who guarded the apples of the Hesperides , of the Colchian dragon, of the Sphinx , of Cerberus (hence called Echidneus canis), of Scylla, of Gorgon, of the Lernaean Hydra (Echidna Lernaea), of the eagle which consumed the liver of Prometheus , and of the Nemean lion.
Covered by Aiton's Encyclopedia and 1000 Classical Characters
Elder
Aiton's Encyclopedia: a shrub of the honeysuckle family. The flowers are small, but are borne in large clusters. In England a Christmas wine is made of elder berries. American boys are familiar with elder for popguns. We have two kinds, one with red berries and one with black. A joint of either will do. Cut the wood carefully so as not to crack it, selecting a straight piece an inch in diameter and eight inches long. Push out the large pith and scrape off the outside bark. Polish up the wood inside and out, and make a loose fitting ramrod about two inches longer than the gun. Chew up paper and drive a wad through the gun almost to the farther end. Force a second wad after the first. The air between the wads will be compressed and will expel the first wad with a loud report. The second wad may now be used for a first wad, and so on indefinitely. "Like a popgun" is a proverbial expression for that which makes a noise without producing a corresponding result.
An Encyclopaedia of Occultism: As an Amulet. Blockwick recommends as a charm against erysipelas an "elder on which the sun never shined." "If the piece betwixt the two knots be hung about the patient's neck, it is much commended. Some cut it in little pieces, and sew it in a knot, in a piece of a man's shirt, which seems superstitious." 66 66
Covered by Aiton's Encyclopedia and An Encyclopaedia of Occultism
Eleazar
Collier's New Encyclopedia: the third son of Aaron, and high priest after him (Ex. vi: 23; Num. xx: 25-28). The high priesthood continued in his family through seven generations, till the time of Eli, when we find it transferred to the line of Ithamar. In the reigns of Saul and David it was restored to the line of Eleazar, and so continued till after the captivity.
An Encyclopaedia of Occultism: A Jewish magician who had much success as an exorcist. His method was to fasten to the nose of the possessed a ring in which was set a root used by Solomon , and very efficacious.
Covered by Collier's New Encyclopedia and An Encyclopaedia of Occultism
Elks
Collier's New Encyclopedia: BENEVOLENT AND PRO- TECTIVE ORDER OF, a fraternal society organized in New York, 1868, by members of the Jolly Corks theatrical club. The Grand Lodge was incorporated in 1871, the first members being the past officers of N. Y. Lodge No. 1. Lodges were formed successively in Philadelphia, San Francisco, Chicago, Cincinnati, Sacramento, Baltimore, Louisville, St. Louis and other cities. The number of lodges has now grown to between 1,200 and 1,400, and they are found in places as distant as Honolulu and Alaska. The order, in addition to the help given its members, has liberally contributed to ing been so donated. Citizens over 21 are eligible and lodges are confined to cities with a population of at least 5,000. The property and cash of the order amount to over $11,000,000, its membership is nearly 500,000, and its annual disbursement close to $600,000.
Aiton's Encyclopedia: Benevolent and Protective Order of, a convivial organization formed by members of the theatrical profession in New York City in 1868. Men in other occupations are now admitted to membership. There are over 800 lodges throughout the country, with a membership of over 130,000. The order is not primarily a charitable organization, but has expended $1,500,000 for charitable purposes.
Covered by Collier's New Encyclopedia and Aiton's Encyclopedia
Emu
Aiton's Encyclopedia: e'mu, a large three-toed bird peculiar to the Australian region. It is intermediate in size between the cassowary and the ostrich, to both of which it is related. Its body is draped with an abundance of sooty brown, hair-like feathers of a peculiar structure. The wings are short, and so hidden in the plumage that they are scarcely noticeable. The feathers are worthless for decoration. The flesh is not eaten save by the natives. The emu is a bird of the plains. It lives on grass, fruit, and roots. The nest is scooped in the sand. Eggs, six or seven, green, five inches long. On the score that the emu interfered with sheep-raising, emu hunts were popular. Like many other interesting Australian animals, the emu is approaching extinction. It is found only in the far interior. Fortunately for ornithology the emu does well in captivity. The Duke of Bedford maintains a flock in Woburn Park, England. Good park specimens may be had for about $125. See Ostrich ; Cassowary
Collier's New Encyclopedia: a large bird, native of Australia . Its color is a dull brown, mottled with dingy gray; the young are striped with black. When assailed it strikes glazed.
Covered by Aiton's Encyclopedia and Collier's New Encyclopedia