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.
the earliest English comedy. It was written by Nicholas Udall. The exact date of its appearance is unknown, but it was sometime before 1551. It is divided into acts and scenes, and thus shows an advance in dramatic form over the miracle plays of the time. Udall wrote the play to be presented by the boys of Eton College. It was printed in 1566.
Only in Aiton's Encyclopedia
in machinery, the weight of a pile or post driver (see MONKEY). In nautical language: (1) A beak of iron or steel at the bow of a war-vessel, designed to crush in the sides of an adversary by running against her "end on"; the ram can be detached from the vessel. (2) A steam iron-clad, armed at the bow below the water-line with such a beak. In old warfare, same as BAT- TERING RAM (q. v.). In shipbuilding, a spar, hooped at the end, and used for moving timbers on end by a jolting blow.
Only in Collier's New Encyclopedia
ALFRED NICOLAS, a French historian; born in Besançon, Doubs, France, July 2, 1842. Of his works the most important is the "History of French Civilization " (3 vols. 1885), which is used as a textbook in nearly all universities. His other publications include: "French Domination in Germany, 1792-1804" (1874); "Germany and the Russians," etc., (1877); "His- Under Napoleon I." (1874); "The French tory of Russia" (1878); "History of Civilization in France" (1887). He died Nov. 10, 1905. VIVONNE, MARQUISE DE, a French
Only in Collier's New Encyclopedia
The, a periodical published in London by Dr. Samuel Johnson, 1750-52. It was issued twice each week during these two years. It would seem to have been an attempt to revive the periodical style of literature so popular in the days of Addison's Spectator. The Rambler dealt with a wide range of subjects, treated for the most part in a serious tone. Collected into book form, The Rambler had a large circulation and exerted considerable influence. See Johnson ; Samuel; Spectator ; The
Only in Aiton's Encyclopedia
CATHERINE DE social leader; born in Rome, Italy, in she married Charles d'Angennes, son of 1588. In 1600, when only 12 years old, the Marquis de Rambouillet, to whose title and estates he succeeded on the death of the latter in 1611. Her residence at than 50 years formed the center of a Paris, the Hôtel Rambouillet , for more circle which exercised great influence on French language , literature, and civilization. She died in Paris in 1665. a French musician; born in Dijon, Sept.
Only in Collier's New Encyclopedia
a low sandy island in the Gulf of Manaar, between the mainland of India and Ceylon. It is about 11 miles long and 6 broad, and contains one of the most venerated Hindu temples in India, the resort of thousands of pilgrims. Pop. about 18,000.
Only in Collier's New Encyclopedia
ram'e, a Chinese shrub about the height of a man, allied to the nettles. It is cultivated like hemp, except that the roots once set produce an annual clump of stalks indefinitely. Its inner bark, like that of the nettle, yields a strong, durable, silky fiber, widely used by the Chinese in the manufacture of suiting, dress goods, and upholstery. It is so fine and delicate that it may be used with silk or alone in the weaving of curtains, embroideries, and fine laces. It is so strong that it makes excellent thread, fishing nets, and cordage, of all sorts. For table damask, napkins, handkerchiefs, and window curtains, it is second only to linen. Ramie velvets and plushes are praised for the softness and fineness of their texture. It also makes an excellent paper, well suited for bank notes. The French government uses no other. Ramie cloth is the basis of the incandescent, gas mantle. Though introduced but recently into this country, it is evident that ramie goods are to be in high favor. See Raffia ; Sisal ; Hemp ; Manila ; Nettle ; Jute
Only in Aiton's Encyclopedia
a plant producing what is popularly known as China grass. The value of ramil as a textile fiber has long been known. China has been making ramil fabrics since the time of Confucius, and the ancient Romans wore robes woven of its silky floss. China not only supplies an enormous home demand, but suppine also exports annually hundreds of millions of pounds to foreign lands. The plants, which are indigenous to Asia, are now grown quite extensively in South America and other warm countries. The plant does well in the S. part of the United States and a finer fiber can be grown there than in the tropics. In such a climate the fiber is long, silky and brilliant, and textiles made from it are stronger than linen and have the luster of silk. One obstacle to the general use of this fiber has been the difficulty of extracting the filaments from the rest of the stalk, but a machine has been invented by an American which removes this.
Only in Collier's New Encyclopedia
a village of Brabant, Belgium; 14 miles N. of Namur; memorable as the place near which, May 23, 1706, the French forces under Marshal Villeroy and the Elector of Bavaria were defeated by Marlborough, with the loss of almost all their cannon and baggage, and 13,000 killed and wounded. This victory compelled the French to give up the whole of the Spanish Netherlands. It was the scene of hard fighting in 1914 when the German armies overran Belgium. It was held by them until the closing months of the war, in 1918.
Only in Collier's New Encyclopedia
two towns of India: (1) a town of the Northwestern Provinces; on the right bank of the Ganges, 2 miles above Benares. It contains a palace, the residence of the rajah of Benares, which rises from the banks of the sacred stream by a number of fine ghats or flights of stairs. There is a fort, and whips and wicker-work chairs are manufactured. (2) A town of the Punjab, on the Chenab river, 28 miles N. W. of Gujranwala. It was a place of great importance in the 18th century, being then known as Rasulnagar, but was stormed by the Sikhs under Ranjit Singh in 1795, and its name changed to Ramnagar. The inhabitants make leathern vessels. A large fair is held here every April.
Only in Collier's New Encyclopedia