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.
Mahatma
Collier's New Encyclopedia: a word meaning "the great-souled one," and applied among the Brahmans to one who has attained the highest possible point of spiritual enlightenment. It is used as a term of respect. MAHÉ (mä-hā'), an island in the Seychelles or Mahé Archipelago, in the Indian Ocean, about 17 miles long and 4 miles broad. Port Victoria is the capital. MAHI KANTHA (mä'hē kän'thä) AGENCY, in the presidency of Bombay, India, a group of 52 native states, bounded by Udaipur on the N. and Baroda and Ahmedabad on the W.; total area, 3,125 square miles (over one half belonging to the state of Edar or Idar); the British government assumed the management of these states in 1820. Pop. about 450,000.
An Encyclopaedia of Occultism: (See Adept.)
Covered by Collier's New Encyclopedia and An Encyclopaedia of Occultism
Maize
Collier's New Encyclopedia: the Zea mays, a cereal grass of the tribe Phalareæ. The leaves are broad, and hang down from the tops of sheaths. The flowers are monecious. The males are in loose, terminal, compound racemes; the females in many rows on a spike, enveloped in bracts. Each grain is surmounted by a thread-like style, giving the spike a silky aspect. The seeds, when ripe, are compactly arranged in rows on a rachis. They are flattened at the apex, and may be pale-yellow, white, variegated, blood-red, or purple. The seeds are very firm, the outer part being horny and the central mass more or less brittle and soft. MAIZE. See CORN, INDIAN.
Aiton's Encyclopedia: . See Corn
Covered by Collier's New Encyclopedia and Aiton's Encyclopedia
Major
Aiton's Encyclopedia: in military affairs, the field officer of a regiment ranking next below the colonel and the lieutenant colonel. In line of battle the major's position is behind the left wing of his regiment. In case of the absence or disability of his two superiors the major assumes command of the regiment. In the United States infantry the major receives a salary of $2,500 to $3,500, according to length of service. See Army
Collier's New Encyclopedia: in the army, a field officer next in rank above a captain and below a lieutenant-colonel. His duties are to superintend the exercises of the regiment or battalion, to carry out the orders of his superior officers, and to command in the of the lieutenant-colonel, and colonel.
Covered by Aiton's Encyclopedia and Collier's New Encyclopedia
Malachite
The Encyclopedia of Founding: A mineral, the green carbonate of copper; also called velvet copper ore. It is much admired as an ornamental stone for inlaying purposes. There are two varieties, the fibrous and the compact. Constituents: copper 58, carbonic acid 18.0, oxygen 12.5, water 11.5. See COPPER; MINERALS; METALS.
Collier's New Encyclopedia: a monoclinic green mineral rarely found in crystals, but mostly as fibrous or compact stalagmitic masses.
Covered by The Encyclopedia of Founding and Collier's New Encyclopedia
Mallow
Collier's New Encyclopedia: a genus of plants of the natural order Malvacea, whose species are herbaceous plants, or more rarely shrubs. The common mallow is plentiful over most of Europe, and in Great Britain on waysides and heaps of rubbish. It is a perennial, with rather large bluishred flowers on erect stalks. The dwarf mallow, also a common native of Great Britain, has smaller whitish or reddishwhite flowers. The marsh mallow belongs to another genus.
Aiton's Encyclopedia: a dooryard plant allied to the hollyhock. There are several mallows. The upright, curled mallow, with crisped leaves, and the common trailing mallow produce flat circles of wrinkled seed known to children as "cheeses." The Marsh mallow is a shrubby seashore plant of another genus. Its gummy roots are used for medicinal purposes and for flavoring. Mallow
Covered by Collier's New Encyclopedia and Aiton's Encyclopedia
Maltese Cross
Collier's New Encyclopedia: a cross formed of the badge of the Knights of Malta. The four arrow-heads meeting at the points; eight points of this cross are said to symbolize the eight beatitudes. This form of cross is the emblem of the order known as "King's Daughters and Sons."
American Watchmaker and Jeweler: A wheel in the shape of a maltese cross, used in stop works.
Covered by Collier's New Encyclopedia and American Watchmaker and Jeweler
Manes
1000 Classical Characters: A name applied by the ancients to the soul when departed from the body. Manilius, C. Tribune of the Plebs, B. C. 66, proposed the law, Manilia Lex, granting to Pompey the command of the war against Mithridates , and which Cicero supported in an extant oration. Manlius, Marcus. A celebrated Roman who, at an early age, distinguished himself for valor. When Rome was taken by the Gauls, he, with a body of his countrymen, fled to the Capitol, which he defended when it was surprised in the night by the enemy. This gained him the surname of Capitolinus, and the geese which had awakened him to action by their clamor were afterward held sacred among the Romans.
Aiton's Encyclopedia: ma'nez, in Roman mythology, the souls of the departed. The good spirits were called lares, and the evil lavae. They were worshiped as gods. The letters, D. M. S., sometimes found in sepulchers, stand for Dis Manibus Sacrum (sacred to the divine manes). Although regarded as infernal deities, the manes were believed to visit the upper air as ghosts occasionally. They were especially likely to do so on the 30th day of August, the 4th of October, and the 7th of November. These days the Romans regarded, therefore, as unlucky. No enterprise of importance was begun on these days. See Ancestor Worship ; Mythology ; Lares
Covered by 1000 Classical Characters and Aiton's Encyclopedia
Mansion House
Aiton's Encyclopedia: the official residence of the Lord Mayor of London during his year of office. It is at the very center of the city, facing the intersection of Cheapside, Lombard, Cornhill, Threadneedle Street, etc. The building dates from 1739. It has a Grecian portico. The most notable room is the Egyptian Hall, in which the aldermen's banquet and the mayor's balls are held. Many notable reform meetings have been held in this hall.
Collier's New Encyclopedia: the official residence of the Lord Mayor of London; built on the site of the Old Stocks Market in 1739, at a cost of $213,190. It is an oblong building, and at its farthest end is the Egyptian Hall; 400 guests can dine in this grand banqueting room. Among its curiosities are a state bed, which cost about $15,000, and a kitchen and culinary utensils extraordinary for their vast size.
Covered by Aiton's Encyclopedia and Collier's New Encyclopedia
Mardi Gras
Aiton's Encyclopedia: mar'de gra', Shrove Tuesday. The term is French, meaning "Fat Tuesday." It is so called from the French custom of leading a fat ox in a procession in celebration of the day. It is the last day of carnival, being the day before Ash Wednesday , the first day of Lent. In New Orleans , Mardi Gras is the occasion of an annual procession, with festivities and revelry lasting till midnight.
Collier's New Encyclopedia: Shrove Tuesday, the last day before Lent. In the United States the day is observed with great ceremonies, especially in New Orleans and Memphis. These include brilliant processions, masquerade balls, and other gay entertainments, which are participated in by thousands of visitors from all parts of the country.
Covered by Aiton's Encyclopedia and Collier's New Encyclopedia