Proteus
3 of the 7 encyclopedias on this shelf carry an entry for Proteus. Both are reproduced below, so you can see where they agree and where they differ.
Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)
in the Homeric or oldest Greek mythology, a prophetic "old man of the sea," who tends the sea flocks of Poseidon (Neptune), and has the gift of endless transformation. His favorite residence, according to Homer, is the island of Pharos, off the mouth of the Nile; but according to Vergil, the island of Carpathos (now Skarpanto), between Crete and Rhodes. Proteus was very unwilling to prophesy, and tried to escape by adopting all manner of shapes and disguises. When he found his endeavors hopeless he resumed his proper form, and then spoke out unerringly about the future.
Aiton's Encyclopedia (1910)
in classical mythology, a deity of the sea. Proteus fed Neptune's seals in the Aegean Sea. He had the power of telling fortunes and was much in demand as a soothsayer. He was averse to being consulted and, in order to escape observation, was accustomed to change his form into that of a beast or tree, or even into fire or water.
1000 Classical Characters (1900)
A sea deity, son of Oceanus and Tethys, or, according to some writers, of Neptune and Phenice. He had received the gift of prophecy from Neptune, but when consulted he often refused to give answers, and puzzled those who consulted him by assuming different shapes. 2026 Editor's Note: The mythological figure Proteus is the source of the modern adjective "protean," which describes something that is versatile or capable of assuming many forms. While the text identifies him as a son of Oceanus or Neptune, Homer famously refers to him as the Old Man of the Sea. His reputation for "elusive sea change" stems from his ability to foretell the future while simultaneously shifting his shape to evade those seeking his prophecies. (Ed: BR 2026-06-08)