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.
Inoculation
Collier's New Encyclopedia: the act, art or operation of commun communicating a disease to the bodily frame by introducing, by punctures in the skin, or otherwise, the specific poison by which it is produced; also the introduction in such a manner of variolous matter into the system. It is to Constantinople that the world is indebted for the discovery. In 1713 Dr. Emanuel Timoni, a Greek physician there, wrote a letter to Dr. Woodward in favor of inoculation, which was published in the "Philosophical Transactions." The actual introduction of the practice into England was brought about by a letter written in a lively style from Turkey in 1717, by Lady Mary Wortley Montague. Gradually it made way, and was firmly established by 1798 in which year Dr. Jenner announced the discovery of vaccination. Before this, the improved methods introduced by Daniel and Robert Sutton had reduced the mortality, which, in 1797, 1798, and 1799, in the smallpox hospitals was only 1 in 662. Inoculation for smallpox is performed by applying the variolous matter to a few scratches made upon the skin. It communicates actual variola, which, however, ale of a mild type, but acts as an excellent prophylactic against a malady of more virulent character.
Aiton's Encyclopedia: . See Smallpox ; Hahnemann
Covered by Collier's New Encyclopedia and Aiton's Encyclopedia
Intaglio
Collier's New Encyclopedia: (-täl'yō), a term in art, the opposite of relief, meaning the representation of a subject by hollowing it out in a gem or other substance, so that an impression taken from the engraving presents the appearance of a bas-relief. See GEM.
The Encyclopedia of Founding: A kind of engraving distinguished from cameo by having the engraved figures sunk into the substance instead of being raised in relief. Seals and other similar articles are engraved thus. See RILIEVO.
Covered by Collier's New Encyclopedia and The Encyclopedia of Founding
Iphicrates
1000 Classical Characters: A celebrated general of Athens , who, though son of a shoemaker, rose to the highest offices in the state. He made war against the Thracians, and assisted the Persian king against Egypt. 2026 Editor's Note: While noted here for his rise from humble origins, Iphicrates is primarily recognized by historians for introducing revolutionary infantry reforms that regularized light-armed peltasts. His tactical expertise was so highly regarded that ancient biographer Cornelius Nepos ranked him above even the most esteemed older generals. Later in his career, he served alongside Timotheus during the Social War , a conflict involving the Second Athenian League and its rebellious allies. (Ed: BR 2026-07-06)
Collier's New Encyclopedia: a Greek soldier; born in Athens, 416 b. c. He won renown by his victories and his eloquence. He died in Thrace in 353 B. C.
Covered by 1000 Classical Characters and Collier's New Encyclopedia
Irish Moss
Aiton's Encyclopedia: a seaweed found most abundantly on the rocky coast of Ireland near Waterford. The stem, called a frond, is thick and branching in the shape of a fan. In color it varies from purple to green. It is gathered, dried in the sun, and sold to the grocers. When placed in hot water it swells up and dissolves; on cooling it congeals and makes a nutritious, inexpensive substitute for jelly and starch in the preparation of various soups and table delicacies.
Collier's New Encyclopedia: a seaweed very common on rocky coasts, and especially abundant on the W. side of Ireland. It is used as a substitute for arrow root.
Covered by Aiton's Encyclopedia and Collier's New Encyclopedia
Iroquois
Collier's New Encyclopedia: a confederation of Indians formerly occupying the W. and central portion of New York State, consisting at first of five tribes, the Oneidas, Mohawks, Cayugas, Senecas, and Onondagas. In 1712 the Tuscaroras were admitted to the league, which adopted the title of the "Six Nations," and is so known to history. The Iroquois were at once the most powerful and the most enlightened; they lived in villages and pursued agriculture. In the Revolu< tionary War they were allies of the Eng lish, but in 1779 they were attacked by General Sullivan, and greatly injured. The Iroquois present the curious anomamong Indian peoples of steadily aly of fire brick, iron and increasing in numbers since 1812. Most have been removed to various reservations farther W.
Aiton's Encyclopedia: . See Indians; Six Nations
Covered by Collier's New Encyclopedia and Aiton's Encyclopedia
Islam
Collier's New Encyclopedia: the proper name of the Mohammedan religion; designating complete and entire submission of body and soul to God, His will and His service, as well as to all those articles of faith, commands, and ordinances revealed to and ordained by Mohammed the prophet.
Aiton's Encyclopedia: the religious system of Mohammed. The term is from the Arabic, meaning obedience to God, submission; hence the true faith. The word is general in its application, corresponding to Christianity, Buddhism, etc. See Mohammedanism 2026 Editor's Note: This entry's Muslim world was largely under European rule or the fading Ottoman caliphate — abolished 1924, an event whose aftershocks the next century never stopped feeling. See the caliphate's end . (Ed: BR 2026-06-13)
Covered by Collier's New Encyclopedia and Aiton's Encyclopedia
Isocrates
1000 Classical Characters: A celebrated orator, son of a musical instrument maker at Athens . He opened a school of eloquence at Athens, where he was distinguished for the number, character, and fame of his pupils. He was intimate with Philip of Macedon, but the aspiring ambition of Philip displeased Isocrates, and the defeat of the Athenians at Chaeronea had such an effect on him that he did not long survive it. He died, after being four days without taking any aliment, in his ninety-ninth year, about 338 years before Christ. He was honored after death by the erection of a brazen statue to his memory by Timotheus , one of his pupils, and Aphareus, his adopted son. Milton, in one of his sonnets, speaks of him as that old man eloquent when alluding to his death as being caused by the news of the battle of Chaeronea.
Collier's New Encyclopedia: a Greek orator and rhetorician; born in Athens in 436 B. c. He was carefully educated, Socrates having been of the number of his preceptors; and at an early age was weakness of his voice precluded any hope he may once have entertained of distinction in public life. He therefore opened a school of oratory, the fame of which soon filled all Greece, in consequence of the exceptional attainments of its graduates. The ages have spared to us 21 of his compositions, rhetorical and espistolary. He is best represented by the discourses known as the "Areopagiticus" and the "Panegyricus."
Covered by 1000 Classical Characters and Collier's New Encyclopedia