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.
Pollux
Collier's New Encyclopedia: a celebrated hero of the Grecian mythology, and twin brother of Castor, after whose death he implored Jupiter to render him immortal. His prayer could not be entirely granted, but Jupiter divided immortality between the brothers, each living and dying alternately. In astronomy, one of the twins forming the constellation Gemini. Also the name of a star of the second magnitude in the same constellation. In mineralogy, a hydrated silicate of alumina, potash, and soda, remarkable for containing 34 per cent. of cesium. It is a rare mineral.
Aiton's Encyclopedia: . See Castor And Pollux
Covered by Collier's New Encyclopedia and Aiton's Encyclopedia
Polygamy
Aiton's Encyclopedia: . See Mormons ; Turkey Polyphymnia, poli-him'ni-a, in Greek mythology, the muse of sacred poetry, and of learning and remembering. Among the Romans she came to be regarded as the patroness of pantomimes. She is represented in art as heavily draped, crowned with flowers, and standing in a meditative attitude with her finger at her lip, or holding a scroll. See Muses
Collier's New Encyclopedia: the practice or condition of having a plurality of wives or husbands at the same time. It is commonly applied to polygyny, but, strictly speaking, it should include polyandry as well. It is forbidden by law in all Christian countries, but existed among the Mor- See MORMONS. mons.
Covered by Aiton's Encyclopedia and Collier's New Encyclopedia
Polynices
1000 Classical Characters: A son of Oedipus , king of Thebes , and Jocasta. He inherited his father's throne with his brother Eteocles , and it was agreed that they should reign a year alternately. Eteocles first ascended the throne, but refused to resign the crown. Polynices upon this fled to Argos, where he married Argia, the daughter of Adrastus , the king of the country, and levied an army with which he marched on Thebes. The battle was decided by a combat between the brothers, who killed each other. 2026 Editor's Note: The conflict between Polynices and his brother Eteocles is a central element of the Theban Cycle, serving as the primary catalyst for the events in Sophocles' tragedy Antigone. This war, known as the Seven against Thebes , was considered by Hesiod to be one of the two defining events of the mythological Age of Heroes alongside the Trojan War. While the brothers perished by each other's hands, their sons, the Epigoni, successfully captured Thebes ten years later. (Ed: BR 2026-07-19)
Aiton's Encyclopedia: . See Seven Against Thebes
Covered by 1000 Classical Characters and Aiton's Encyclopedia
Pomegranate
Aiton's Encyclopedia: pum'gran-at, a small, thorny tree, ten to twenty feet in height. It is native to southern Asia and is cultivated in subtropical countries for its glossy green foliage and fruit. A pomegranate looks much like an orange. It is yellow and has a leathery rind full of seeds. Each seed is surrounded by pulp and is wrapped in a skin of its own, each being crowded by its neighbors so closely as to produce a granular interior. Northern Africa and Portugal, Italy, and Spain are celebrated for pomegranates. They are cultivated in the Gulf States, California, and Utah. Pomegranates are a cooling, grateful fruit in hot climates and, when pressed into water and sugar, are a prime substitute for lemons. The pomegranate stands well in literature and history, the "Golden pomegranates of Eden" suggesting rest and comfort.
Collier's New Encyclopedia: the fruit of Punica granatum. The seeds have a pellucid pulpy covering, and are eaten.
Covered by Aiton's Encyclopedia and Collier's New Encyclopedia
Pontoon
Collier's New Encyclopedia: a floating vessel support- ONTOON, ing the roadway timbers of a floating military bridge. They may be boats, water-tight cylinders of tin, or wooden frames covered with canvas, india-rub- Also, a barge or lighter of ber, etc. large capacity, used in careening ships, produce, and its industries include the raising weights, drawing piles, etc., or And a barge or flat-bottomed vessel furcapable, pairs, of as camels. nished with cranes, capstans, and hoisting tackle, used in wrecking, in connection with a diving bell, or in raising submerged vessels. In hydraulic engistructure which is neering, a water-tight sunk by filling with water, and raised by pumping it out, used to close a sluiceway or entrance to a dock. It works in grooves in the dock walls, and acts as a lock gate.
Aiton's Encyclopedia: . See Bridge
Covered by Collier's New Encyclopedia and Aiton's Encyclopedia
Pony
Aiton's Encyclopedia: a small horse. The Shetland pony is the type of animals of this class. It is a shaggy little fellow, very kind with children, and as easily cared for as a dog. Among horsemen, a pony does not exceed thirteen hands, that is to say, fifty-two inches, in height, measured from the ground to the top of the withers. For Indian pony, see BRONCHO. See also SHETLAND.
Collier's New Encyclopedia: a term applied to several subvarieties or races of horses, generally of smaller size than the ordinary horses, and which are bred in large flocks and herds in various parts of the world, chiefly for purposes of riding and of lighter draught work. Among wellknown breeds are the Welsh, Shetland, Iceland, Exmoor, New Forest, and Scotch Highland.
Covered by Aiton's Encyclopedia and Collier's New Encyclopedia
Pool
Collier's New Encyclopedia: a game played on a pool table. The pool table is constructed exactly the same as a billiard table, excepting the fact that it has four or six apertures in the rails, through one of which it is necessary to drive a ball to make a count, the ball so driven being propelled from the force imparted by being struck by the cue ball. A pyramid of 15 balls is placed at a given spot on the table and the game is ended, if there are but two players, when eight balls are pocketed, as that is a majority of the 15 object balls. Variations in this game have been introduced. Also, an arrangement between several competing lines of railway, by which the total receipts of each company are pooled, and distributed pro rata according to agreement. A combination of persons contributing money to be used, for the purpose of increasing or depress ing the market price of stocks, with a view to the settlement of differences, Also the stock or money contributed by a clique to carry through a corner. Also, a gambling enterprise participated in by several persons; the joint stake or fund contributed by such persons. In rifle shooting, firing for prizes on the arrangement that each competitor pays a certain sum for each shot, and all the proceeds of the day, after deduction of the necessary expenses, are divided among the winners.
Aiton's Encyclopedia: . See Billiards
Covered by Collier's New Encyclopedia and Aiton's Encyclopedia