Each of these 10 subjects appears in only one of the 6 encyclopedias on this shelf. None is long enough to carry a page by itself, so they are gathered here by letter. Anything that grows moves out to a page of its own.
a joint used in machinery and piping. It consists of a spherical end of a rod or pipe fitting into a hollow sphere of the same size on a like piece. The object of this joint is to provide a close, movable connection, and to prevent leakage in pipes.
Only in Collier's New Encyclopedia
a curious form of atmospheric electricity of which many strange antics have been recorded by reliable witnesses, but which is still a mystery to scientists. It takes the form of a luminous ball or ball-like mass which sometimes disappears through an open door or window after floating about in the air of a room, but more commonly ends in a violent explosion on coming into contact with some solid object. A theory advanced by Dr. Houston is that the lightning ball is composed of dissociated atoms of matter torn off nary lightning discharges and left floating in the air, intensely heated and highly charged with electricity. The explosions with which the balls disappear would be explained by the energy with which such dissociated atoms would naturally recombine upon losing their great heat. Dr. W. J. Humphreys has suggested that the lightning balls are cases of "stalled thunderbolts" or electrical discharges which have not been able to complete their path through the air to the earth. BALTIC STATES (Esthonia, Latvia, Lithuania). Esthonia and Latvia recognized by Allied powers (Jan. 27, 1921). Helsingfors Conference (July 25-28), looking to formation of Baltic League. No results owing to threats of war from Russia. All three states admitted to League of Nations at second assembly (September, 1921). Economic conference of Baltic States, Finland, and Russia at Riga (November, 1921). Vilna dispute between Lithuania and Poland (see VILNA).
Only in Collier's New Encyclopedia
a spot on the right bank of the Potomac river, in Loudoun co., Va., about 33 miles N. W. of Washington; where the bank rises about 150 feet above the level of the river. It is noted as the scene of a battle between a Union force under Col. Edward D. Baker, and a Confederate force under the command of General Evans, Oct. 21, 1861. The battle resulted in the serious defeat of the Union force and the instantaneous death of Colonel Baker.
Only in Collier's New Encyclopedia
or BALLAARAT, an Australian town in Victoria, chief center of the gold-mining industry of the colony, and next in importance to Melbourne, from which it is distant W. N. W. about 75 miles. It consists of two distinct municipalities, Ballarat West and Ballarat East, separated by the Yarrowee creek, and has many handsome buildings, and all the institutions of a progressive and flourishing city. Gold was first discovered in 1851. The surface diggings having been exhausted, the precious metal is now got from mines as deep as some coal-pits, the gold being obtained by crushing the auriferous quartz. There are also foundries, woolen mills, flour mills, breweries and distilleries, etc. Pop. (1918) 39,970.
Only in Collier's New Encyclopedia
a group of five small volcanic islands, discovered in the Antarctic Ocean, in 1839, nearly on the Antarctic Circle, and in longitude 164° E. One contains Freeman's Peak (12,000 feet).
Only in Collier's New Encyclopedia
ball'a, a spectacular dance, usually presented as an interlude in a theatrical performance. The ballet is made elaborate by the number of performers, and by the variety of steps, poses, and costumes.
Only in Aiton's Encyclopedia
ALBERT, German shipmaster and financier. He was born in Hamburg, in 1857. He spent several years in England, studying the shipping conditions there, and returned to Germany, where in 1886, when only 29 years old, he became director-general of the Hamburg-America line, the great steamship line, whose operations spread all over the globe. His remarkable administrative and executive abilities were reflected in the growth of the organization, which at the outbreak of the World War had a capital of $37,500,000, gross yearly profits of $15,000,000, and 180 ships on its sailing lists. He was reputed to be a close friend and confidential adviser of the Kaiser, and it was stated that he exerted all his efforts during the conflict to prevent any action on the part of Germany that would bring ALBERT BALLIN the United States into the war. He died suddenly Nov. 10, 1918.
HUGO, an American artist, born in New York in 1879. He studied art in New York City and in Rome and Florence and was awarded many prizes both in the United States and in foreign countries, including the Hallgarten prize in 1907. His mural decorations are especially noteworthy, but examples of his easel printings are found in many private and public pu collections. He was a member of many societies of artists, of the National Institute of Arts and Letters, and since 1905 an Associate of the National Academy.
Only in Collier's New Encyclopedia
RICHARD ACHILLES, an American public official, born in Boonesboro, Ia., in 1858. He was educated at the University of Kansas, Washingto ashington College, and Williams College, graduating from the latter in 1884. He was admitted to the bar in 1886 and for several years practiced law in Kankakee, Ill., and New Decatur, Ala. In 1889 he removed to Port Townsend, Wash., where he remained until 1897, when he removed to Seattle. He was United States Court Commissioner from 1890 to 1892, Judge of the Superior Court of Jefferson co., Wash., from 1894 to 1897, Mayor of Seattle from 1904 to 1906, Commissioner of the General Land Office in Washington from 1907 to 1909, and Secretary of the Interior of President Taft's Cabinet from 1909 to 1911. He resigned in the latter year as a result of a controversy over the coal lands in Alaska. His stand was upheld by President Taft and by an investigation, but to avoid embarrassment to the President he withdrew from office. See ALASKA.
Only in Collier's New Encyclopedia
. See Oxford
Only in Aiton's Encyclopedia
a machine used in military operations by the ancients for hurling heavy missiles, thus serving in some degree the purpose of the modern cannon. The motive power appears to have been obtained by the torsion of ropes, fibers, ers, catgut, or hair. They are said to have sometimes had an effective range of quarter of a mile, and to have thrown stones weighing as much as 300 lbs. A. ballistic pendulum is an apparatus for ascertaining the velocity of military projectiles, and consequently the force of fired gunpowder.
Only in Collier's New Encyclopedia