These 11 listings are so strange that each appears in only one of the 7 encyclopedias we compared. They include such classics as Cynanchum, Cynewulf, Cynics.
a genus of asclepiadaceæ, of which some species have been used medicinally, as C. monspeliacum, as a violent purgative, the so-called montpellier scammony, and C. vincetoricum, formerly in repute as an antidote to other poisons. The Indian C. extensum yields fiber, and C. ovalifolium of Penang, caoutchouc.
Only in Collier's New Encyclopedia
an Anglo- Saxon or early English poet, whose name we only know from its being given in runes in the poems attributed to him, viz., "Elene" (Helena), the legend of the discovery of the true cross; "Juliana," the story of the martyr of that name; and "Crist" (Christ), a long poem incomplete at the beginning. The name Cynewulf also occurs as the solution of one of the metrical riddles in the Anglo-Saxon collection. Cynewulf probably lived in the first half of the 8th century.
Only in Collier's New Encyclopedia
a sect of philosophers among the Greeks, so called from their snarling humor, and their disregard of the conventional usages of society; the name being probably derived from the kyōn, a dog. According to some authorities, however, cynic is formed from Cynesarges, the name of the gymnasium in which Antisthenes expounded his system. He taught that the true dignity of man consists in wisdom, and wisdom in independence of mind; that pain and labor, labor, and even infamy, are benefits; and that pleasure, on the contrary, is an evil. His doctrine of the supreme good is a life according to virtue, which consists in action. He condemned all civil institutions, despised the ties of kin or country, and saw in wedlock no higher or better end than the propagation of the species. The most famous of the Cynics, besides their founder, were Diogenes of Sinope, Crates of Thebes with his wife Hipparchia, and Menippus. At length the sect became so disgusting from their impudence, dirty habits, and profligacy, that they ceased to be regarded with any respect, and passed into obscurity. The great merit of this system is that it paved the way for the establishment of Stoicism.
Only in Collier's New Encyclopedia
Ursa Minor, or Little Bear, a north polar constellation. The Greek name signifies dog's tail. Cynosura was a nymph of Mount Ida, a nurse of Zeus, who was transported to the sky and metamorphosed into the constellation. As pictured by the ancients, the tip of the tail is marked by the north star or polar star. The name of the constellation was applied to the star. As Cynosura or the polar star was the sole guide, the compass, of the ancient mariner , it was watched by all eyes. The invention of the compass has withdrawn attention from the pole star , and cynosure is now used more frequently to designate merely a center of attraction,--any object to which general attention is directed. Meadows trim with daisies pied, Shallow brooks and rivers wide; Towers and battlements it sees Bosom'd high in tufted trees, Where perhaps some beauty lies, The cynosure of neighboring eyes. --Milton, L'Allegro.
Only in Aiton's Encyclopedia
another name for Diana or Artemis, the moon goddess. The name is derived from Mount Cynthus, her birth place. See Diana
Only in Aiton's Encyclopedia
ST., THAECIUS CÆCI- LIUS (sip're-an), Bishop of Carthage, and one of the fathers of the Church. He was probably a native of Carthage, taught rhetoric there, and about 246, wien nearly 50 years of age, was converted to the Christian faith. He adopted a rigidly ascetic manner of life, and was appointed Bishop of Carthage in 248. When the persecution under Decius fell on the Churches, Cyprian ran away and concealed himself for nearly two years. He was then received as bishop again, but during the next persecution, under Valerianus, he was arrested and banished. After a year he was recalled, but as he refused to make the required sacrifice to the gods, he was put to death, 258. His works, consisting of letters and sermons, are of great importance for the insight they give into the beliefs, modes of thought, and practices of the early Churches.
Only in Collier's New Encyclopedia
sip-ri-pe'di-um. See Lady'S Slipper
Only in Aiton's Encyclopedia
or CYRENIANS, a sect of ancient philosophers, whose founder, like that of the Cynics, had disciple of Socrates, being been a Aristippus, a native of Cyrene, in Africa, after which city his followers were called. His great maxim was that a man ought to control circumstances, and not be controlled by them. According to him, the sum of life was made up of pleasure and pain; the one to be sought after as good, the other to be avoided as evil. The The chief good, according to ber of agreehim, was the greatest number able perceptions; and the true philoso- their name from him, and is probably pher was one who actively and successsure. The chief sucfully pursued pleasure . cessors of Aristippus were Theodorus, Hegesias, and nd Anniceris, each of whom became the founder of a sect known respectively as the Theodoran, Hegesian, and Annicerian schools. As cynicism was the forerunner of stoicism, so cyrenaicism likewise paved the way for epicureanism, chief merit.
Only in Collier's New Encyclopedia
the capital of Cyrenaica was founded by Battus and his followers from Thera, 631 B. C. Seven kings of kin this race succeeded, and about 450 b. c. a republic was established. It was afterward made subject to Egypt, and passed under the dominion of Rome, 74 The ruins of this town, called B. C. Ghrennah by the Turks, still exist, in a beautiful and fertile plain, about 11 miles from the Mediterranean Sea, and attest its former magnificence. It was the birthplace of many great men, among whom were Callimachus, Eratosthenes, Carneades, and Aristippus.
Only in Collier's New Encyclopedia
A king of Persia, son of Cambyses , and Mandane, daughter of Astyages, king of Media. Xenophon has written the life of Cyrus, and delineates him as a brave and virtuous prince, and often puts in his mouth many of the sayings of Socrates .
Only in 1000 Classical Characters
surnamed THE ELDER, founder 1 of the Persian monarchy, was son of Cambyses, a Persian noble, and of Mandane, daughter of Astyages, king of Media. The principal exploits attributed to him are the incitement to a revolt of 16-Vol. III-Cyc the Persians and consequent defeat of Astyages and the Medes, when he became king, 559 B. C.; the conquest of Lydia and capture of Crœsus; the siege and capture capture of of Babylon Ba in in 538, 5 and the invasion of Scythia, where he was defeated and slain by Tomyris, queen of the Massagetæ, 529. He was interred at Psargardæ.
Only in Collier's New Encyclopedia