The Meta-Encyclopedia

Single-source entries: F (36)

Each of these 9 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.

Formaldehyde

HCO:H, formic aldehyde, methyl aldehyde; obtained when a current of air, charged with the vapor of methyl alcohol, is directed on an incandescent spiral of platinum wire. The liquid collected reduces nitrate of silver, forming a mirror; a small quantity is formed by the action of the silent electric discharge on a mixture of hydrogen and carbon dioxide, CO2+2H₂=H. COH+H2O.

Only in Collier's New Encyclopedia

Formalin

for'ma-lin, a liquid much used of late as a preservative and disinfectant. It is formed by dissolving forty per cent of formaldehyde in sixty per cent of water. The former is a compound of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. As indicated by the name, the active principle is much the same as that contained in the black juice or formic acid ejected by an ant. In a highly diluted form formalin is much used in museums as a preservative in which to bottle animal and vegetable specimens. A tablespoonful of concentrated formalin is sufficient for a quart jar of water. It has several advantages over alcohol. It costs less. Substances immersed in it are more apt to preserve their natural color. In a concentrated form it is less bulky and is better suited for carriage on scientific expeditions. As it kills most if not all bacteria, it is an excellent disinfectant. Physicians inject formalin into the veins of the arm as a remedy for certain forms of bacterial disease. The presence of formalin may be detected in the following manner: Place four tablespoonfuls of the sample in a teacup with an equal quantity of strong muriatic acid and a piece of iron alum about as large as a pin head. After mixing by means of a gentle rotary motion, place the cup in a pan of boiling water and let it stand for about two minutes. If formaldehyde is present the mixture will acquire a purple color.

Only in Aiton's Encyclopedia

Formamide

HOCO NH2, the amide of formic acid, obtained by the dry distillation of formate of ammonium, or by heating two parts of dry ammonium formate with one part of urea to 140°, till no more ammonium carbonate is given off. It is a liquid which distills in a vacuum at 150° at ordinary pressure, at 195° with partial decomposition: when quickly heated, it is decomposed into CO and NH3.

Only in Collier's New Encyclopedia

Former

A strickle or templet, sometimes termed a sweep and a strike, with which to form a mould or core by drawing it laterally, along a guideway, the outlines of which correspond to the shape of the object to be moulded; the former itself determining its vertical height and conformation. The semicircular board which is travelled along the edge of a pipe-core plate to make a half-core is a former. See LOAM-PATTERNS; STRICKLE.

Only in The Encyclopedia of Founding

Formica

ant, the typical genus of the family FORMICIDE (q. v.). It has the footstalk of the abdomen composed of a single joint; the mandibles are triangular, and denticulated at the edge. The females are destitute of a sting. Of these F. sanguinea makes its nest in wood, and is a slave holder, carrying off the young of other species, such as those of F. cunicularia and F. fusca. Of the foreign species, F. saccharivora makes its nest at the foot of sugar canes, so loosening the soil that they are blown down by gales. F. indefessa, an Indian species, is a great devourer of sweets. See ANT.

Only in Collier's New Encyclopedia

Forrest

EDWIN, an American actor; born in Philadelphia, Pa., March 9, 1806; made his first appearance on the professional stage in the title rôle of Douglas at the Walnut Street Theater, Philadelphia, in 1820. After a long tour in the West, during which he undertook several Shakespearean characters, he appeared as Othello at the Park Theater, New York, in 1826, where he met with remarkable success. In 1835 he went to England, and was there warmly received. Subsequently he played in Europe and the United States, but in 1871 retired from the stage. He died in Philadelphia, Pa., Dec. 12, 1872.

Only in Collier's New Encyclopedia

Forrest, Edwin

Edwin (1806-1872), a celebrated American actor. His first notable success was in the character of Othello, which he played in New York in 1826. The parts in which he achieved marked success were those of Othello, Macbeth, King Lear , Coriolanus, Virginius, Spartacus, and Tell. Forrest was popular in England, as well as in the United States , until in 1845, when in London he was hissed while playing the part of Macbeth. He believed this to be due to Macready's influence. Forrest and Macready had been warm friends, but now Forrest accused Macready of trying to injure his reputation from motives of professional jealousy. When Macready was playing Hamlet in Edinburgh, Forrest stood in his box and hissed loudly. The quarrel continued and in 1849 while Macready was playing in the Astor Place Theater in New York a riot occurred, caused by the different partisans of the two actors. Several lives were lost at this time. Forrest retired from the stage from 1853 to 1860. Returning he played Hamlet with great success. He made his last appearance on the stage in 1871. Forrest left a large fortune. His house in Philadelphia was left as a home for aged actors. See Macready

Only in Aiton's Encyclopedia

Fort Collins

a city of Colorado, the county-seat of Larimer co. It is on the Cache la Poudre river, and on the Union Pacific and the Colorado and Southern railroads. It is the center of an important agricultural region and has manufactures of beet sugar, flour, bricks, etc. It is the seat of a Lutheran theological seminary and of the State agricultural college. It has a public library, a court house, hospital, and several excellent parks. Pop. (1910) 8,210; (1920) 8,755.

Only in Collier's New Encyclopedia

Fort Dodge

a city of Iowa, the county-seat of Webster co. It is on the Minneapolis and St. Louis, the Illinois Central, the Fort Dodge , Des Moines and Southern, and the Chicago Great Western railroads, and on the Des Moines river. It is an important manufacturing center and has manufactures of clay products, brick and tile, oatmeal, shoes, etc. It is also an extensive coal region and in the neighborhood are large deposits of sand, clay , and sandstone. It is the seat of Tobin College and St. Joseph's Mercy Hospital. There is also a court house and a public library. It has the repair shops of four railroads which enter the city . Pop. (1910) 15,543; (1920) 19,347.

Only in Collier's New Encyclopedia