Saint Grail
the Holy Cup or Grail, said to be from Modern Latin gradale, a cup; but supposed by some to be a corruption of the Old French le Sang Real, i. e., the true blood of Christ. This sacred relic, preserved preserved in an emerald cup, is said in legendary history to have been brought to England by Joseph of Arimathea. According to the romantic story of King Arthur it could only be discovered by one possessed of perfect virtue; and the "Quest of the St. Grail" by the Knights of the Round Table, of whom the perfect champion, Sir Galahad (in other legends Parsifal), was favored by its discovery, is narrated therein at great length.
Only in Collier's New Encyclopedia
Saint Petersburg
a city of Florida in Pinellas co. It is on the peninsula separating Tampa Bay from the Gulf of Mexico, and is on the Atlantic Coast and the Tampa and Gulf Coast lines. It has an excellent harbor and in recent years has developed an important commerce. It is also a favorite winter resort. The population since 1910 has rapidly increased. Pop. (1910) 4,127; (1920) 14,237. ST. PETERSBURG. See PETROGRAD. ST. PIERRE, the largest town, though not the capital, of the island of MARTIN- IQUE (q. v.), W. I. It was founded in 1665, and at the time of its destruction by an eruption of Mont Pelée in 1902 it had a population of from 26,000 to 30,- 000, and was of considerable commercial importance. It was the birthplace of Josephine, consort of Napoleon I.
Only in Collier's New Encyclopedia
Saint Pierre and Miquelon
a French colony, 10 miles S. of Newfoundland, consisting of the three islands of Saint Pierre, Ile-aux-Chiens, and Miquelon, having in all an area of 93 square miles. They are only moderately fertile, but are of importance as the center of the French cod fisheries, which employ many thousand persons, with exports amounting to nearly $3,000,000 per annum. The capital of the colony is Saint Pierre, where the headquarters of the governor are situated, and a representative of the colony sits in the French Chamber of Deputies. The capital has cable communication with Europe and lines of steamers run between it and Boston and Halifax. Pop. about 6,000. The islands were the subject of controversies and wrangling between French and English from 1713 to 1816, but in the latter year France was confirmed in their possession.
Only in Collier's New Encyclopedia
Saintonge
a former French maritime province, now forming mainly the department of Charente-Inférieure. The capital was Saintes. ST. PATRICK. See PATRICK, ST.
Only in Collier's New Encyclopedia
Saionji
MARQUIS KINMOCHI, a Japanese statesman and a member of the Japanese peace delegation at the Paris Peace Conference in 1919. He was born in Kyoto in 1849, and in his youth took part in the political activities following the revolution of 1868. From 1869 to 1880 he studied in Paris. On his return to Japan he joined Prince Ito and other advocates of liberal reform ideas. He was a member of the commission which studied foreign governments, in 1882. He served as Japanese Minister at Vienna and at Berlin, and held various important posts in the Japanese Government, becoming, in 1903, leader of the Constitutional Party. From 1906 to 1908 he was Prime Minister and again in 1911-12.
Only in Collier's New Encyclopedia
Sais
an ancient Egyptian city, on the right bank of the Canopic branch of the Nile. It gave its name to two Egyptian dynasties, the 24th and 26th, founded by natives of the city. Sais was important as a religious capital, and had a famous temple of the goddess Neith and the tomb of Osiris. Toward the decline of the 26th dynasty transferred hither the capital of the kingdom. It was also a renowned seat of learning, and was frequently visited by the sages of Greece. The legend of the mysterious veiled statue in the temple at Sais (which formed the subject of Schiller's ballad and of Novalis' romance) is the issue of Greek invention.
Only in Collier's New Encyclopedia
Saivas
the name of one of the three great divisions of Hindu sects. The word designates the votaries of Siva, and comprises different special sects which varied in number at different periods of mediæval Hinduism.
Only in Collier's New Encyclopedia
Sakhalin
a long island in the North Pacific, separated from Manchuria by the Gulf of Tartary, opposite the mouth of the Amoor; area, about 27,800 square miles. The center is mountainous. There are three parallel ridges running from N. to S., from 2,000 to 5,000 feet above sea level, and densely covered with conifers. Climate, flora, and fauna are almost Siberian. The island formerly belonged to the Chinese empire, but early in the 19th century the Japanese took possession. In 1875 the Russians obtained its cession from Japan. The southern half of the island (area, 13,048 square_miles; pop. about 68,000) was ceded to Japan by the treaty of Portsmouth (1905). The Rus- ST. VINCENT DE PAUL. See VIN- sian portion has a population of about 34,000.
Only in Collier's New Encyclopedia
Saki
a monkey, called also fox-tailed monkey, belonging to the Cebidæ, genus Pithecia. These animals usually reside in the outskirts of forests, in small societies of 10 or 12 individuals. On the slightest provocation they display a morose and savage temper; and, like the howlers, they utter loud cries before sunrise and after sunset.
or SAKE, the native beer and common stimulating drink of the Japanese. It is made from rice, and is drunk warm, producing a very speedy but transient intoxication.
Only in Collier's New Encyclopedia
Sakieh
SAKIA, or SAKEEYEH, a machine used in Egypt for raising water from the Nile for the purpose of irrigation. It is a modification of the Persian wheel, and consists of a series of cogged wheels, turned by a buffalo or camel, each revolution of the wheel working up a series of earthen pitchers which empty themselves into a trough or pool.
Only in Collier's New Encyclopedia
Sakkara
a village of Egypt, where Is the necropolis of ancient Memphis. It is remarkable for its ancient monuments, pyramids, etc.
Only in Collier's New Encyclopedia
Sakmara
a river of Asiatic Russia, rising in the Ural Mountains, and after a S. course of 350 miles, joining the Ural river, 20 miles S. E. of Orenburg. SAKYAMUNI or the of Saint Salvast وو a name of the founder the Buddhist religion. See BUDDHISM.
Only in Collier's New Encyclopedia