Each of these 12 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 potato-like vegetable recently introduced into the southern United States from the tropics. It is wholesome and nutritious, much like the white potato in general composition, but with less water and a higher percentage of protein and carbohydrates. Its cultivation and use are advocated by the U. S. Department of Agriculture. DOPPLER'S PRINCIPLE OR THE
Only in Collier's New Encyclopedia
a genus of mammals, the typical one of the family Dasyproctidæ, or in some classifications a genus of Cavidæ. It contains the agoutis.
Only in Collier's New Encyclopedia
the brush-tailed opossums, a genus of marsupial animals, sub-order Sarcophaga. They are natives of Australia. The name is derived from the tails being hairy, in which they differ from the opossums of America.
Only in Collier's New Encyclopedia
the name given to several species of Diospyros, a genus of trees of the ebony family. The European date plum is the D. lotus, a lowgrowing tree, native of the S. of Europe. It produces a small fruit, the supposed lotus of the ancients. The American date plum, or persimmon (D. virginiana), attains a height of 50 or 60 feet; the the fruit is nearly round, about an inch in diameter, is very aus austere, but edible after being frosted. The Chinese date plum (D. kaki) is cultivated for the sake of its fruit, which is about the size of a small apple, and is made into a preserve.
Only in Collier's New Encyclopedia
a monoclinic mineral, of colors, varying from white to olivegreen. It is of a vitreous luster, and translucent. Specific gravity, 2.8-3; hardness, 5-5.5. It is found in various localities in North America, Scotland, Sweden, etc. Composition: Silica, 36.08- DATISCACEÆ 38.51; boric acid, 19.34-22.40; lime, 34.68-35-67; water, 4.60-8.63.
Only in Collier's New Encyclopedia
datiscads, an order of diclinous exogens, alliance Cucurbitales. The species are either branched herbs or trees of some size. Lindley enumerated three genera, and estimated the known species at four. They are scattered over North America, Asia, and the S. E. of Europe.
Only in Collier's New Encyclopedia
a genus of ibe Datureæ. solanaceæ, tribe The calyx and corolla are infundibulate, the latter much the larger of the two, both fivelobed; capsule four-celled. D. stramonium is the thorn apple, better known in this country as the Jamestown weed, the name arising from a poisoning among the Virginian settlers by its use. It is found on dung-hills, in waste places, etc. When taken internally it is a powerful narcotic; medically it is used in mania, convulsions, epilepsy, ticdoloureux, etc. When smoked it palliates the symptoms in asthma. D. tatula and metel are similarly used. The seeds of these two latter species are said to have been used to produce the frenzied ravings of the priests in the Delphic and some other temples. The Peruvians use for the and they also manufacture from it an beverage. D'AUBIGNÉ (dō-ben-yä) THÉO-
Only in Collier's New Encyclopedia
CHARLES FRANÇOIS (dō-bēn-yē'), a French landscape painter and etcher; born in Paris, in 1817; studied under his father, who was a miniature painter, Paul Delaroche, and others; and from 1838 exhibited in the Salon, though his full recognition only came after he was 50. He devoted himself to close and sympathetic study from nature, working much on the Seine in a houseboat. In 1853 he gained a firstclass medal with his "Pool of Gylien." In 1857 he produced his "Springtime"; in 1861, "The Banks of the Oise"; in 1872; "Windmills at Dordrecht"; and in 1877, "Rising Moon." His "Sluices in the Valley of Optevos" (1855) and his "Vintage" (1863) are in the Luxembourg Gallery. He is also known as a book-illustrator and as a vigorous etcher. He died in Paris, Feb. 19, 1878.
Only in Collier's New Encyclopedia
a patriotic society. The society was organized in the city of Washington, D. C., October 11, 1890. The headquarters are in Washington. Its present membership (1910) is reported by the secretary-general to be 60,250. One thousand state chapters exist in forty-five states and territories and the District of Columbia , presided over by regents. Chapter regents have been appointed for England, Cuba, and the Philippines. Any woman may be eligible for membership who is of the age of eighteen years, and who is descended from an ancestor who, "with unfailing loyalty, rendered material aid to the cause of independence as a recognized patriot, as soldier or sailor, or as a civil officer in one of the several colonies or states, or of the United Colonies or States," provided that the applicant shall be acceptable to the society. Every application for membership must be indorsed by at least one member of the national society, and is then submitted to the registrars-general, who report on the question of eligibility to the board of management, and upon its approval the applicant is enrolled as a member.
Only in Aiton's Encyclopedia
dau'fin, a title given the eldest son of the French king. It was originally the title of the lord of the province of Dauphine. The last of these, dying without heir, bequeathed his territory to the French crown on condition that the king's first born son should be the Dauphin, or lord of Dauphine. The Dauphin's wife is known in history as the Dauphiness. In case the king had no son, the title was not given to his heir. The term is thought to be derived from the dolphin, worn as a symbol by the house of Dauphine. France, being a republic, the title is now extinct. The Dauphin of France corresponds to the Prince of Wales in England, and to the Crown Prince of Germany.
Only in Aiton's Encyclopedia
WILLIAM, an English poet and playwright; born at Oxford in February, 1606. A story in his lifetime that he was an illegitiwas current mate son of Shakespeare. He wrote many plays and poems, but none possessing any distinguished merit; he succeeded Ben Jonson as poet-laureate of England, however. He attempted epic composition in "Gondibert" and an opera, "The Siege of Rhodes." He died April 7, 1668.
Only in Collier's New Encyclopedia
the last Emperor of Trebizond, usurped the throne upon the death of his brother John mind 1458 he ceded his empire to Mohammed II., on condition that the latter should marry his daughter. This condition the Sultan observed, but caused David to be put to death, with seven of his sons, 1462 .
Only in Collier's New Encyclopedia