The Meta-Encyclopedia

Briefly noted: M (10)

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.

Myrtle

Aiton's Encyclopedia: a family of aromatic plants. There are about one hundred species, mostly shrubs. The common myrtle, the myrtle of the ancients, is a handsome evergreen shrub native to the Mediterranean Sea . It grows from three to ten feet high. The leaves are aromatic. The flowers are white; the berry black. It was sacred to Venus, and was used largely for decorations in the festivals given in her honor. The myrtle is the symbol of youth and beauty. The berry and leaves were used formerly in medicine. The bark was used also in tanning. It has been introduced as a lawn and garden plant in the warmer parts of the world. It makes an excellent hedge in Florida. In southern California it blooms the year around.

Collier's New Encyclopedia: Myrtus communis, a native of Persia. By distillation it yields an essential oil, used in perfumery. About 100 pounds of the leaves yield only five ounces of the perfume called in France eau d'ange (angel water).

Covered by Aiton's Encyclopedia and Collier's New Encyclopedia

Mystery

Collier's New Encyclopedia: a kind of mediæval drama, or dramatic composition, the characters and events of which were drawn from sacred history. They were totally devoid of invention or plot, following the sacred narrative of the legends tamely and literally. They were also called MIRACLE PLAYS. Mysteries were succeeded in the 16th century by moralities, in which we find the first attempts at dramatic art, as they contain some rudiments of a plot, and even attempted to delineate character and to paint manners.

Aiton's Encyclopedia: . See Miracle Play

Covered by Collier's New Encyclopedia and Aiton's Encyclopedia