Chromium
kro'mi-um, a hard metal known chiefly to chemists. The name is derived from chrome, meaning color, and was given to this substance because it produces many-colored compounds. It has a bright, metallic luster, and is capable of a high polish, but it is difficult to melt. In nature it occurs in combination with iron ore. Naturally its production may be expected chiefly in iron regions. It is found abundantly in several states of the Union, but at present California is the American source of supply. It is produced in the Ural Mountains , in Greece, and in Austria, but the world's supply comes chiefly from a mine near Brusa in Asia Minor . By itself the element chromium is of no particular importance, but its compounds are valuable. A small amount added to steel produces so-called chrome steel, noted for its hardness. It is used in the manufacture of burglar-proof safes and edged tools. Chrome yellow and chrome green are used in staining glass, glazing porcelains, and as mineral dyes. In combination with potash, chromium is used in calico printing. The beautiful green of the precious emerald stone is thought to be due to a trace of chromium.
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Chromium Steel
The effect of this substance is analogous in some features to that of manganese; in others to that of carbon upon steel, imparting a fine close texture and increasing hardness and brittleness. Chucks are pieces of wood, slightly wedged, to be driven fast between the bars of a flask to impart stiffness to the bars; or, for driving down below the straight bars to form a continuation of the latter, as it were, into parts which extend below the joint, and which must be lifted out along with the flask. By this means a plain flask may be made to correspond to any and every form of joint conceivable, and the task of carrying a deep lift is much simplified. This useful device is often called chocking.
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Chromo-Lithography
the art of printing chromo-lithographs. See LITHOGRAPHY.
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Chromosphere
the gaseous envelope of the sun, through which the light of the photosphere passes. Stellar chromosphere is the gaseous envelope supposed to exist round each star.
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Chronicle
a historical account of facts or events disposed chronologically or in the order of time. Most of the historians of the Middle Ages were chroniclers who set down the events which happened within the range of their information, according to the succession of years. In Scriptures, the name of two books, consisting of an abridgment of sacred history from its commencement down to the return of the Jews from the Babylonish captivity, and called by the Septuagint πaρaλεiπόμεva (lit., things omitted), because they contain many supplemental relations omitted in the other historical books.
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Chronograph
A recording time piece. In modern usage the term is applied to watches having a center seconds hand (driven from the fourth wheel), which generally beats fifths of a second. The hand is started, stopped or caused to fly back by manipulating a push on the side of the case.
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Chronometer Escapement
A form of escapement in which the impulse is given direct from the escape wheel to the impulse roller on the balance staff, the locking being accomplished on a separate piece known as the detent, from which it is sometimes called detent escapement. The detent is made of two principal forms which constitute the two varieties of this escapement. The one shown in Fig. 61 is the pivoted detent which is sometimes termed the bascule escapement by foreign makers, while Fig. 62 shows the spring detent. This escapement appears to have been invented by Pierre LeRoy, in the year 1766. In the earliest forms the unlocking, or as it is sometimes called, the gold spring was mounted upon the balance staff, but was subsequently transferred to the detent, similar to the present form, also the escape wheel was sometimes made with two sets of teeth similar to the one used in the duplex. From its first inception up to the present time it has passed through many forms and modifications, until it has finally arrived at a stage where it approaches perfection very closely when made by the best makers. When well made this form of escapement leaves but little to be desired for timekeeping; but while its action is simple, the application of the principles underlying its construction must be correctly applied, as well as that the workmanship be of the highest quality.
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Chronoscope
A clock or watch in which the time is indicated by the presentation of numbers through holes in the dial.
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Chrysalis
kris'a-lis. See Butterfly
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Chryseis
The daughter of Chryses, priest of Apollo at Chryse. She was captured by the Greeks on the taking of Syrnessus and was given to Agamemnon . Her father, however, came and ransomed her. Cicero, M. T. Born at Arpinum , was son of a Roman knight and lineally descended from the ancient kings of the Sabines. In youth he displayed many abilities, and was taught philosophy by Philo , and law by Mutius Scaevola. He applied himself with great diligence to the study of oratory and was distinguished above all the speakers of his time in the Roman Forum . He signalized himself in opposing Catiline, whom he publicly accused of treason against the state, and whom he drove from the city. After a number of vicissitudes of fortune he was assassinated, B. c. 43, at the age of sixtythree.
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Chrysolite
a green-colored orthorhombic magnesium-iron silicate of a vitreous luster, transparent or translucent. It is generally divided into two classes: Precious: Of a pale yellowishgreen color and transparent, so as to be fit for jewelry. This is found in the Levant. Common: Dark yellowish-green to olive, or bottle-glass green; common in basalt and lavas, at times in large masses, having a rectangular outline. The chrysolithus of Pliny was probably our topaz, and his topaz our Chrysolite. It frequently changes color, becoming brownish or reddish-brown through the oxidation of the iron.
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Chrysorine
This alloy is sometimes used for watch cases and parts of the movement. In color it closely resembles 18 to 20 carat gold. It does not tarnish when exposed to the air and has a beautiful luster. It consists of 100 parts of copper and 50 of zinc.
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