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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/77721-0.txt b/77721-0.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..f7aafeb --- /dev/null +++ b/77721-0.txt @@ -0,0 +1,2188 @@ +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 77721 *** + + + + + LITTLE BLUE BOOK NO. 452 + Edited by E. Haldeman-Julius + + + A Dictionary of + Scientific Terms + + Leo Markun + + + HALDEMAN-JULIUS PUBLICATIONS + GIRARD, KANSAS + + + + + Copyright, 1927 + Haldeman-Julius Company + + + PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA + + + + +A DICTIONARY OF SCIENTIFIC TERMS + +PREFACE + + +Completeness is a virtue which this little Blue Book cannot, in the +nature of things, possess. If any reader is disappointed not to find it +here, I must respectfully direct his attention to the three ponderous +tomes which make up a well-known dictionary of chemistry, to the still +larger and more numerous volumes devoted to a dictionary of applied +physics, and to other similar works. The sciences are many, and the +words which they employ exclusively or in senses peculiar to themselves +are exceedingly numerous. + +Physics, chemistry, and biology contribute the greatest number of +words to the present dictionary. A few terms used in other sciences +are included, chiefly to show what I believe the proper scope of a +dictionary of scientific terms to be. There is a genuine need for a +large dictionary, which ought to be of about the same size as Webster’s +Collegiate or the Oxford Concise, and which should deal with the +vocabularies of economics, anthropology, sociology, and psychology as +well as with those of mechanics, geology, astronomy, and all the older +sciences. Such a dictionary should be written by specialists in the +various fields of knowledge with the aid of a skilled etymologist, and +under the supervision of an editor who is not himself a professional +scientist. It would be his special task to see that the definitions +are intelligible to non-specialists, and to literate laymen in +particular. + +Of course no dictionary can take the place of primers of the sciences. +There are a number of excellent ones in this series, some of which I +referred to in writing this book. It is in many cases impossible to +give adequate explanations in a few words. Besides, the scientific +writers themselves frequently quarrel about the true meaning of such a +word as _ether_ or _instinct_. + +I have dealt here with a number of words which are of significance when +we try to set the limits of science. _Common sense_, _philosophy_, +_theology_, and _superstition_ are examples. The claims of several +branches of knowledge to be considered sciences are also taken up. + + + + +A DICTIONARY OF SCIENTIFIC TERMS + + +_Abasia._ The inability to walk, especially when it is caused by mental +disorder. + +_Abdomen._ The hind part of insects, spiders, etc. The belly, including +the nutritive organs. + +_Aberrant._ Diverging from normal type. + +_Aberration._ The non-convergence of rays of light to a focus. The +apparent displacement of the true position of a heavenly body. + +_Abiogenesis._ Spontaneous generation. + +_Abnormal._ Deviating from type. + +_Aborigines._ The inhabitants of a region, or, in some cases, the +plants and animals, found by colonists. Literally, those that have been +in the land from the beginning of things. + +_Abort._ Have premature delivery of a child. Remain undeveloped or +sterile, or dwindle away. + +_Absolute._ Pure. The absolute, philosophically speaking, is final and +total reality. + +_Absorption._ Disappearance through incorporation in something else. +The solution of a gas in a liquid is called absorption. Rays of light +may be absorbed in some mediums. + +_Abstract._ Theoretical, aside from particular instances. + +_Abulia._ Weakness of will. + +_Abyssal._ Relating to the depths of the sea. + +_Acaulescent._ Apparently stemless. + +_Acceleration._ Rate of increase of velocity per time unit. Rate of +change of the velocity of a chemical reaction. The acceleration of a +star is the time it gains daily over the sun. + +_Accident._ A property which is not essential to our conception of a +subject. + +_Achene._ A small, dry, indehiscent, one-seeded fruit. + +_Achromatic._ Colorless, transmitting light without decomposing it. + +_Acid._ A substance that neutralizes and is neutralized by a base, and +which contains hydrogen. A compound that produces hydrogen ions when it +decomposes in aqueous solution. + +_Actinium._ A radioactive substance, believed to be an element. + +_Actinozoan._ One of a class of coelenterates including the corals. + +_Aculeate._ Having a sting, prickly. + +_Acuminate._ Tapering to a point. + +_Adiabatic._ Maintaining a constant temperature. + +_Adrenalin._ A crystalline substance obtained from suprarenal extract. + +_Adsorption._ The condensation of dissolved substances on the surface +of a liquid or solid. + +_Adventitious._ Not in the usual place, as a root. + +_Aerial._ Atmospheric. + +_Affect._ Disease, emotional complex. + +_Afferent._ Conducting inward. + +_Agoraphobia._ The morbid fear of public places. + +_Agronomics._ The science of crop production. The scientific management +of land. + +_Agrostology._ The study of the grasses. + +_Air._ The atmosphere, a gaseous substance of which oxygen and nitrogen +are the principal constituents. + +_Air pump._ A pump for forcing air into, or taking it out of, hollow +places. + +_Albino._ An animal, especially a human being, characterized by the +congenital absence of coloring pigment in the skin, hair, and eyes. The +typical albino has very light skin and hair and pink eyes. + +_Albumen._ A substance, usually edible, found between the skin embryo +of seeds. + +_Albumin._ A class of proteids found in blood serum, milk, and muscle. + +_Alcohol._ Ethyl alcohol, the substance which causes intoxication, +and a whole class of substances which are similar to it. They are +hydroxides of organic radicals. + +_Alga._ Seaweed. Chiefly used in the plural: algae. + +_Alkali._ Caustic hydroxides which form soluble soaps with fatty acids +and turn red litmus paper blue. + +_Allotropy._ Variation of physical properties without change of +substance. Carbon, for example, may exist as lampblack, graphite, or +the diamond. + +_Alloy._ A mixture (not a compound) of metals. + +_Alluvium._ The deposit of earth and other materials by the mechanical +action of running water. More familiar is the adjective: alluvial. + +_Alpha rays._ Becquerel rays which have less power of penetration than +beta rays but greater power of inducing conductivity in gases. + +_Alpine._ Relating to a mountain district so high that it has arctic +climate. + +_Alum._ A double sulphate of aluminium and potassium. Other sulphates +of similar crystalline form are also known as alums. + +_Aluminium._ A metallic element. The spelling given is the usual one in +Great Britain, and it is also the one employed by American chemists. In +ordinary use in the United States: aluminum. The symbol: Al. + +_Amalgam._ An alloy containing mercury. To amalgamate is to form an +amalgam. + +_Ammeter._ An instrument for measuring the strength of electric +currents in amperes. + +_Amorphous._ Uncrystallized. + +_Ampere._ Sometimes spelled: ampère. The unit of electric current, the +current that one volt can send through one ohm. + +_Amphibia._ A division of Vertebrata, intermediate between reptiles +and fishes, including the frog. The study of Amphibia is known as +amphibiology. + +_Amplexicaul._ Encircling or clasping a stem. + +_Anabolism._ Constructive metabolism. + +_Analogy._ Functional correspondence between parts of different origin +and structure. + +_Analysis._ Resolution into simple elements, as by chemical processes. +In mathematics, algebraic investigation. + +_Anandrous._ Without stamens. + +_Anaphylaxis._ Excessive susceptibility to an albuminous substance. + +_Anatomy._ The science of bodily structure. + +_Anemograph._ An instrument for recording the direction and force of +wind. + +_Aneroid barometer._ A barometer in which there is no liquid, the +pressure of the air being measured by its action on the elastic lid of +a box in which a partial vacuum has been created. + +_Angiosperm._ A plant of a class which has its seeds in a closed ovary. + +_Anhydrous._ Without water of crystallization or water in general. + +_Animal._ A living being distinguished from plants in that it is +capable of voluntary motion and sensation. Some recent investigations +appear to lead to the conclusion that other differentia will have to be +adopted. The human being, incidentally, is an animal, although popular +language sometimes distinguishes man from the animals. + +_Animalcule._ A minute animal, usually one which cannot be seen with +the naked eye. + +_Anion._ A negative ion. + +_Annual._ A plant that lives only for a year. + +_Annulate_, _annulated_. Ringed. + +_Anode._ A positive electrode. + +_Antenna._ Feeler, sensory organ found in pairs on heads of insects and +crustacea. Irritable processes found in some male flowers. An elevated +conductor for receiving or transmitting electric waves. Plural: antennæ. + +_Anther._ The part of the stamen which contains the pollen. + +_Anthropogeography._ The science which treats of geography as applied +to man. That part of anthropology dealing with the effect of the +environment on human beings. There are a number of compounds beginning +with anthro-. The meaning may often be understood by remembering that +the Greek word _anthropos_ means man, not as opposed to woman but as +excluding the non-human. + +_Anthropology._ The study of man as an animal, with respect to race, +distribution, culture, and social organization. + +_Anticlinal._ Forming a ridge with strata leaning in opposite +directions from an axis. Having an upright spine toward which spines on +both sides lean. + +_Anticyclone._ An outward and rotary flow of air from an atmospheric +area of high pressure. + +_Antidote._ A medicine used to counteract a poison or disease. + +_Antimony._ An element of metallic appearance. Symbol: Sb. + +_Anus._ The posterior opening of the alimentary canal. + +_Apetalous._ Without petals. + +_Aphasia._ Loss of speech from a brain injury. + +_Aphelion._ The point in the orbit of a planet or comet farthest from +the sun. + +_Apheliotropic._ Turning away from the sun. + +_Apogee._ The point in the orbit of a planet or the moon where it is +farthest from the earth. + +_Aponeurosis._ The flat, dense connective tissue covering and forming +the attachments of certain muscles. + +_Aquatic._ Growing or living in or near the water. + +_Arachnida._ A class of animals including spiders and scorpions. + +_Arachnoid._ Covered with long, thin hairs. A serous membrane +enveloping the brain and spinal cord. + +_Arboreal._ Living in or connected with trees. + +_Archeology._ The study of prehistoric antiquity, or sometimes of +antiquity which is not prehistoric. + +_Archean._ Also: Archaean. Relating to the earliest geological period. + +_Arenicolous._ Living in the sand. + +_Argon._ A gaseous element found in the atmosphere in small amounts. +Symbol: A. + +_Arsenic._ A semi-metallic element. Symbol: As. + +_Art._ Skill of various sorts. Knowledge from the practical point of +view. H. W. Fowler distinguishes it from science: “Science knows, +art does; a science is a body of connected facts, an art is a set +of directions; the facts of science (errors not being such) are the +same for all people, circumstances, and occasions; the directions +of art vary with the artist and the task.” According to the Oxford +English Dictionary: “The distinction as commonly apprehended is that a +science is concerned with theoretic truth, and an art with methods for +effecting certain results. Sometimes, however, the term _science_ is +extended to denote a department of practical work which depends on the +knowledge and conscious application of principles; an art, on the other +hand, being understood to require merely knowledge of traditional rules +and skill acquired by habit.” + +_Articulation._ A joint, as between bones or parts of plants, +especially between parts which may separate at any time. + +_Ascendant._ Rising toward the zenith. + +_Asexual._ Without sex. + +_Assay._ A sort of analysis, especially of metals. + +_Association._ Mental connection. The word has also three or four +meanings in chemistry, which cannot be explained briefly. + +_Asteroid._ A minor planet. + +_Astronomy._ The science of the heavenly bodies. + +_Astrophysics._ The science which deals with the constitution of the +heavenly bodies. It is a branch of astronomy. + +_Atmosphere._ The gaseous envelope about a heavenly body. Especially +the air which surrounds the earth. As a measurement, a pressure of +fifteen pounds per square inch. + +_Atom._ The smallest particle of an element that enters into +combination. According to old definitions, it is indivisible. + +_Aurora._ A luminous atmospheric phenomenon. The aurora borealis +radiates from the north magnetic pole, the aurora australis from the +south magnetic pole of the earth. + +_Avogadro’s Hypothesis._ The assumption that equal volumes of gases +contain equal numbers of molecules if conditions of temperature and +pressure are the same. It appears to be close to the truth. + +_Axiom._ A truth which is considered self-evident. + +_Bacillus._ One of a sort of rod-shaped bacteria. Loosely, any +bacterium. Plural: bacilli. The Oxford English Dictionary distinguishes +bacillus from bacterium, “with which it agrees in its rodlike form, and +characterized by its larger size and mode of reproduction.” + +_Bacterium._ More familiar in plural: bacteria. A group of vegetable +microörganisms. Not all cause disease. + +_Barbarian._ Of a civilization intermediate between one which is called +savage and the most complex forms. + +_Barium._ A silver-white element, classed as a metal. Symbol: Ba. + +_Barometer._ An instrument used to measure atmospheric pressure, and +thus to predict storms or determine altitudes. + +_Base._ A substance which can neutralize acids to form a salt. The term +includes alkalis. Part of an organ (of a plant or animal) attached to +another organ which is more central. + +_Batrachia._ An order of amphibians which have no tails in the adult +stage. + +_Battery._ A system of cells (sometimes used for a single cell) which +changes chemical energy into electricity. + +_Becquerel rays._ Rays emitted by radium and other substances which are +susceptible to deflection by electricity and which electrically charge +other bodies. + +_Behaviorism._ Watson’s psychological system. Opposed to introspective +psychology, and it emphasizes the physiology of human behavior. + +_Bessemer steel._ Steel made from cast iron by a process which burns +out carbon, sulphur, and phosphorus. + +_Beta rays._ Becquerel rays which are apparently identical with cathode +rays. + +_Bichloride._ A compound in which there are two atoms of chlorine in +the molecule. + +_Biennial._ A plant that rises one year and flowers, fructifies, and +dies the next. + +_Binary._ Composed of two elements. + +_Biochemistry._ The chemical study of living organisms and their +products. + +_Biology._ The science of living organisms. + +_Biophore._ The indivisible unit of life. The biophore cannot support +life if split up. + +_Bird._ One of a class of feathered and warm-blooded vertebrate animals. + +_Bisexual._ Pertaining to, or containing the organs of, both sexes. + +_Bismuth._ A metallic element. Symbol: Bi. + +_Boron._ A non-metallic solid element. Symbol: B. + +_Botany._ The science of plants. + +_Boyle’s Law._ The theory that the pressure exerted by air is directly +proportional to its density. This is now believed to be true only +approximately. + +_Brachycephalic._ Pertaining to skulls of which the breadth is at least +four-fifths of the length. Short-headed. + +_Brass._ An alloy of copper and zinc. + +_British Thermal Unit._ The amount of heat which is capable of raising +the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. The +usual abbreviation: B.T.U. + +_Bromine._ A liquid element. Symbol: Br. + +_Bronze._ An alloy of copper and tin, usually with small amounts of +zinc. + +_Brownian movement._ A movement of minute drops of oil suspended in +stagnant air, apparently due to molecular motion. + +_Bunsen burner._ A sort of burner much used by chemists, within which +air and fuel gas are mixed. + +_Burn._ To oxidize in such a way that heat and light are produced. + +_Cadmium._ A metallic element. Symbol: Cd. + +_Caesium._ A metallic element. Symbol: Cs. It somewhat resembles +potassium. + +_Calcium._ A metallic element. Symbol: Ca. Compounds of calcium are +common, but the element is not to be found in a pure state. + +_Calculus._ Solid concretion in the body. A branch of mathematics, +differential and integral calculus, which deals with problems of +constant variation or motion, and which has been of great importance in +modern science. + +_Calorie._ The unit of heat, the amount of heat necessary to raise the +temperature of a gram of water one degree Centigrade. This is the small +calorie. Confusion sometimes results because the large calorie, which +is one thousand times the small one, is called simply the calorie, +without any qualification, in discussions about food. It is sometimes +known as the great calorie. The small calorie is best called the +gram-calorie. + +_Calorimeter._ An instrument for measuring quantities (not degrees) of +heat. + +_Calyx._ The outer case of a bud. + +_Cambrian._ Relating to the lowest of the Paleozoic rocks and the +earliest part of the Paleozoic period. + +_Candlepower._ The unit of illumination, measured by a standard candle. +The illumination produced one foot away from a standard candle is the +candle foot. + +_Capillarity_ or _capillary attraction_. A phenomenon best illustrated +in very slender (capillary) tubes, in which the liquid rises, or, if it +does not wet the tube, sinks. In the latter case we speak of capillary +repulsion. + +_Capital._ In economics, wealth employed for the purpose of production. + +_Carbolic acid._ Phenol, not a true acid. + +_Carbon._ An element which exists in three allotropic forms. Symbol: C. +The oxides are important, and there are many organic compounds. + +_Carboniferous._ Pertaining to a Paleozoic (geological) period +following the Devonian. + +_Carburetor_ or _carburettor_. A device which mixes air with petroleum +vapor, or one which puts illuminants into water gas. + +_Cardio--._ Heart--, in many combinations. + +_Carina._ A ridge-shaped structure. + +_Carnivora._ The flesh-eating mammals. + +_Carpel._ An organ which is part of the pistil. + +_Catabolism._ Destructive metabolism. + +_Catalysis._ The effect produced by a substance (called the catalyst, +the catalytic agent, or the catalyzer) which aids a chemical change in +other bodies, undergoing no change of its own. + +_Cathode rays._ Rays discharged from the cathode (negative pole) of a +vacuum tube. They are considered streams of electrons, which may be +projected at a velocity of 100,000 miles per second. + +_Caudal._ Relating to the tail. + +_Cause._ That which brings about something else (an effect). Professor +Adam Leroy Jones says: “It has been objected that we can never observe +one thing producing another; that we can at most observe that one thing +is followed by another, and perhaps find reason for believing that it +will always have such connection; and that to say that A _produces_ B, +is to raise a metaphysical question with which science and everyday +thinking are not concerned.... Is it sufficient to say that cause +means simply invariable connection? No, for the succession of day and +night is an invariable succession. The notion of cause implies that +the relation of cause and effect not only _is_ invariable, but also +that it must _be_ so; that there is an _unconditional_ or necessary +connection between the two; that if the first does not happen, the +second cannot.... A causal law is a statement, in general terms, of a +causal connection.” + +_Cell._ A battery unit, a device for changing chemical energy into +electricity. The structural unit of which living beings are composed. +An enclosed cavity in an organism or a mineral. A covering which +protects the eggs or the young of certain animals. + +_Celsius._ Centigrade (thermometer). + +_Cenogetic._ Pertaining to individual development which does not repeat +the development of the group of which the individual is a member. + +_Cenozoic._ Relating to the geological age of the mammals. It is still +in existence. + +_Center of gravity._ The point in a body where its entire weight may be +assumed to be concentrated. + +_Centigrade._ A thermometer, or the scale on which it is based, with +the boiling point of water at 100 and the freezing point at zero, under +standard conditions of pressure. Abbreviation: C. Such a scale is far +more useful to scientists than that of Fahrenheit. + +_Centimeter._ One hundredth of a meter. + +_Centrifugal._ Flying or tending to fly away from the center. + +_Centripetal._ Tending to move toward the center. + +_Centrosome._ A minute body found in the cytoplasm or the nucleus of +some (biological) cells. + +_Centrum._ The center of an earthquake. + +_Cephalic._ Relating to the head. + +_Cephalopoda._ The highest class of mollusks. + +_Cereal._ A grass which produces edible grain. + +_Cerium._ A metallic element. Symbol: Ce. + +_Cetacea._ The order of mammals including the whales. + +_Chemistry._ The science which deals with the composition of matter and +its transformations. + +_Chiroptera._ An order containing the bats. + +_Chloride._ A chlorine compound. + +_Chlorine._ A gaseous element. Symbol: Cl. + +_Chlorophyll._ The coloring-matter of green parts of plants. + +_Chromatic aberration._ The colored fringe seen at the edges of images +formed by a simple lens, because of the difference in wave lengths of +the various rays. + +_Chromium._ A metallic element. Symbol: Cr. + +_Chromo-._ Color-, in many compounds. Also: chroma-, chromato-. + +_Chromosome._ One of the small bodies formed out of a protoplasmic +substance (chromatin) in the nucleus before a cell divides. + +_Civilization._ An advanced stage of culture. Civilization is sometimes +contrasted with culture, but the matter is one which cannot be +considered here. + +_Class._ A group of animals or plants, more comprehensive than an order +and less so than a phylum. + +_Climate._ The average weather conditions of a particular place or +region. + +_Cobalt._ A metallic element. Symbol: Co. + +_Coccus._ A spherical bacterium. A sort of carpel. + +_Coelenterata._ A phylum of invertebrate animals including the corals. + +_Cohesion._ Molecular attraction within a body. + +_Colloid._ Not crystalloid. A substance which does not form a true +solution. Colloidal liquids have very little osmotic pressure. + +_Columbium_ or _niobium_. A metallic element. Symbol: Cb. + +_Combustion._ Oxidation accompanied by the production of heat and +light. Less frequently, the word is used for a combination which is not +oxidation or where no heat or light is produced. + +_Common sense._ Ordinary and non-scientific thought processes. +Scientific thinking is more exact and more fertile. + +_Community._ A social group. + +_Comparative._ Involving comparison, as between man and the other +animals. + +_Complex._ In psycho-analysis, a cluster of ideas and mental images +joined together by a stressed emotion; especially such a cluster that +is thrust out of consciousness (repressed). + +_Component of a force._ The effective value of a force in a given +direction. + +_Compound._ A substance consisting of two or more chemical elements in +combination. + +_Compound animal, flower, leaf, etc._ An animal, etc., consisting of a +combination of organisms or simple parts. + +_Conation._ Will, directing power, effort. + +_Concave._ Curved like the interior of a circle or sphere. + +_Concept_ or _conception_. The idea, notion, or thought held about +anything. Conception includes symbol and meaning. + +_Condense._ Change from gas to liquid. Concentrate (electricity). Of +organic compounds, react in a certain way so as to form new bonds. + +_Conduct._ Carry heat or electricity. + +_Conductance._ Ability to conduct. The word is used to describe the +property of a conductor. + +_Conductivity._ Power to conduct (heat or electricity). + +_Conductor._ That which readily conducts (heat or electricity). + +_Congeal._ Solidify, freeze. + +_Connate._ United from the beginning. + +_Constant._ A quantity that does not vary, or one that does not change +under given conditions. + +_Convex._ Curved like the outside of a circle or sphere. + +_Coördinate._ Each of a system of magnitudes used to fix the position +of a point, line, or plane. + +_Copernican._ Relating to the theory that the planets (one of which is +the earth) move around the sun. + +_Copper._ An important metallic element. Symbol: Cu. + +_Corolla._ The inner envelope of a flower. + +_Corona._ A small disk of light around the sun or moon. An appendage on +top of a seed or the inner part of the corolla. + +_Cotyledon._ One of the first leaves in the embryo of a higher flower. + +_Coulomb._ The amount of electricity carried in one second by one +ampere. + +_Cretaceous._ Of or like chalk. Relating to the last Mesozoic period. + +_Cri._ The common respiratory infections, such as the common cold, +influenza, etc. + +_Criminology._ The scientific study of crime and criminals. + +_Cross-pollination._ The transfer of pollen from the anthers of one +flower to the stigma of another flower of the same kind. + +_Crustacea._ A class of hard-shelled arthropods, including lobsters and +crabs. + +_Crystal._ An aggregation of molecules with definite internal structure +and external form of a solid enclosed by symmetrically arranged plane +faces. A crystal is formed when certain liquids or gases solidify +(crystallize). The study of crystal structure is crystallography. + +_Ctenophora._ A class of low animals comprising certain jellyfish. + +_Cycle._ A series of operations in a heat engine. A two-cycle engine +is one with a cycle of two strokes. Properly, it should be called a +two-stroke-cycle engine. + +_Cyclone._ A violent wind of low diameter. A circular wind system about +an area of low pressure. + +_Cyst._ A hollow organ containing a liquid secretion. + +_Cyto-._ Cell-, in compounds. + +_Cytoplasm._ Cell protoplasm, not including the nucleus. + +_Darwinism._ Organic evolution in general. The theory that the origin +of species is due to natural selection, as developed by Charles Robert +Darwin. All biologists worthy of the name believe in evolution, but by +no means all accept Darwinism in the narrow sense. + +_Declination._ The angular distance of a heavenly body north or south +of the celestial equator. The deviation of a magnetic needle from true +north. + +_Decurrent._ Extending downward, as the base of a leaf. + +_Dehydrate._ Remove water, dry. + +_Dendrology._ The scientific study of trees. + +_Devonian._ Of the geological formation between the Silurian and the +Carboniferous. + +_Dew point._ The temperature at which the air is saturated with +water-vapor. + +_Diadelphous._ Formed into two bundles. (Of stamens.) + +_Diandrous._ With two stamens. + +_Dielectric._ Insulating, insulator of electricity. + +_Diesel engine._ An internal combustion motor which compresses the air +highly and which successfully burns oil which is unsuitable for the +ordinary motor of an automobile. + +_Disease._ Malady. Of some foods and drinks, an impairment in quality +caused by bacteria. + +_Dissipation of energy._ The change of energy to such a form that it +cannot be used to do work. + +_Dissociate._ Ionize, decompose, split up. + +_Doldrums._ A region of calms and light winds near the equator. + +_Dolichocephalic._ Long-headed, having a skull with the breadth less +than four-fifths of the length. + +_Drug._ A medicine, a medicinal agent, especially one of vegetable +origin. + +_Dynamics._ The branch of physics dealing with forces. + +_Dyne._ The amount of force that acts for a single second on a mass of +one gram to give it a velocity of one centimeter per second. + +_Eccentric._ Not concentric to a given circle. Arranged to change +rotary motion back and forth. + +_Echinoderm._ One of a class of animals including the sea-urchins. + +_Eclipse._ Of a heavenly body, obscured by passing between it and the +observer or its source of light. + +_Ecliptic._ The apparent orbit of the sun. + +_Ecology._ The science dealing with the relations between organisms and +their environment. + +_Economics._ The science of wealth, especially of its production, +distribution, and consumption. + +_Edentate._ Toothless or without canine teeth. + +_Effect._ See Cause. + +_Efferent._ Carrying outward or away. + +_Efficiency._ The ratio between the amount of work put into a machine +and the amount derived from it. + +_Efflorescence._ The loss of water of crystallization. + +_Electricity._ A peculiar condition of the molecules of a body or of +the ether surrounding the molecules, or else a sort of fluid or other +matter in the form of small bodies called electrons. It is easier to +tell what electricity does or how it is produced than to define it, +especially since physicists have not been able to agree about its +precise nature. + +_Electrode._ Either pole of a cell. + +_Electrolysis._ The decomposition of a compound by means of an electric +current. + +_Electrolyte._ A substance which, in solution, can carry an electric +current to an appreciable extent. + +_Electron._ The electric charge of an atom. A very small particle which +is electrically charged. The size of the electron has been variously +calculated, and some physicists declare that the negative electron has +only 1/1700 the mass of a hydrogen atom. + +_Element._ One of a number of substances formerly considered to be +indivisible. An electric cell. + +_Emanation._ A gaseous substance produced by a radioactive material. + +_Embryo._ The offspring of an animal before birth or emergence from the +egg. The scientific study of the embryo is called embryology. + +_Endogenous._ Growing from within. + +_Endosperm._ The nutritive tissue enclosed with the embryo in seeds. + +_Endothelium._ The layer of cells lining blood vessels, the interior of +the heart, etc. + +_Energy._ Ability to do work or change the nature of bodies. Heat and +light are considered forms of energy. + +_Entomology._ The study of insects. + +_Environment._ Surrounding conditions, influences, and powers of all +sorts. Everything which, directly or indirectly, affects the fate of an +organism forms part of its environment. + +_Eocene._ Relating to the lowest division of the Tertiary strata. + +_Epiphyte._ A plant which grows upon another but which is not fed by +it. A vegetable parasite on an animal body. + +_Equation._ A compensation for inaccuracy. In mathematics, a formula +affirming the equivalence of two expressions. An expression in symbols +of a chemical reaction. + +_Equinox._ The time when the sun crosses the equator, and day and night +are of equal length. + +_Erbium._ A metallic element. Symbol: Er. + +_Erg._ The work done by a force that, when it acts for one second on +mass of one gram, produces a velocity of one centimeter per second. + +_Erosion._ Gradual destruction or wearing away, as of land by water. + +_Esthetics._ Also spelled: æsthetics. The study of beauty. It is, at +present, rather an art or a branch of philosophy than an exact science. + +_Ether._ An anesthetic liquid. Totally distinct is this meaning: the +medium through which light-waves pass, which is supposed to have a +density infinitely less than that of the lightest gas. The nature of +the ether is in dispute. + +_Ethics._ The branch of philosophy concerned with human conduct. It may +at some future time rank as a science. + +_Ethnology._ The science dealing with the races of mankind. It has not, +alas, always been thoroughly scientific. + +_Ethyl alcohol._ The alcohol which cheers and also inebriates men. +Before Prohibition, practically the only kind of alcohol which people +drank. + +_Europium._ A metallic element. Symbol: Eu. + +_Evaporate._ Change (usually with no great rapidity) from the liquid to +the gaseous state. + +_Evergreen._ A tree or shrub which has green leaves in all seasons. + +_Evolution._ Development, change. In biology, the development of a race +or species by gradual change from another type. The Theory of Evolution +contradicts the notion that every type was originally created in the +form which it now has. + +_Experiment._ An event (or, in the case of the verb: to bring about +an event) designed for observation, in order that an unknown fact or +principle may be brought to light, or simply to instruct. + +_Explain._ To reduce a phenomenon to the terms of a general principle. +To bring into a system. + +_Fact._ Something which is true. If only a single investigator has +reported a certain circumstance or condition, it is not likely to be +considered a fact by scientists. + +_Factor._ A substance which takes part in a chemical reaction. + +_Facula._ A bright spot or streak on the sun. + +_Fahrenheit._ A thermometric scale, in common household use, but +employed for scientific purposes far less frequently than the +Centigrade scale. The boiling point of water is 212 degrees and the +freezing point is 32 degrees above zero. + +_Fair._ As used by the American Weather Bureau, without rain, snow, or +hail. + +_Feces._ Excrement. + +_Fecundate._ Impregnate, fertilize, make fruitful. + +_Female._ Bearing fruit or offspring, pistillate. + +_Ferment._ To cause an organic substance to change or to work (used of +organic substances), because of the activity of yeast, or of certain +other living organisms or substances derived from them. + +_Filament._ The part of the stamen that supports the anther. The +conductor in an incandescent electric light. + +_Fish._ A member of a class of vertebrate and cold-blooded animals +having gills and usually fins and scales. + +_Flocculus._ A mass in the atmosphere of the sun resembling wool or +clouds. + +_Florescence._ The time or condition of flowering. + +_Flower._ The reproductive organ in a plant which contains one or more +pistils or stamens or both, and typically a corolla and calyx. To +flower: to blossom or produce flowers. + +_Fluid._ Moving readily. The fluids include the liquids, the gases, +perhaps the ether of space. + +_Fluorescence._ The colored light produced in some transparent bodies +by the action of ultra-violet rays. The property some substances have +of emitting light when exposed to certain rays. + +_Fluorine._ A gaseous element. Symbol: F. + +_Focus._ The point at which rays meet after reflection or refraction. +Converging-point. + +_Force._ That which changes or tends to change the motion of a body +upon which it acts. + +_Foreconscious._ Mental processes of which we are aware only under +special conditions. Of a nature between conscious and unconscious. + +_Forensic._ Used in law-courts. + +_Formula._ A symbolic statement, as in mathematics or chemistry. + +_Fossil._ Something left of an animal or a plant which lived in a +former geological age. + +_Freeze._ To change from a liquid to a solid, especially by removing +heat. + +_Friction._ The resistance which one body encounters in rubbing against +another. + +_Fruit._ A ripened ovary together with any parts of the flower that may +be attached to it. + +_Fulcrum._ The point where a lever is supported or turns. + +_Function._ A quantity related to another in such a way that a change +in one involves a change in the other. + +_Functional._ Having a use. Of a disease, not affecting the structure +of an organ, or of the organ which is supposed to be diseased. It is +doubtful if there can be a disease which does not change the structure +of some organ. + +_Fundamental notes._ The notes resulting when a piano wire vibrates as +a whole. The lowest notes of chords. + +_Fungus._ Plural: fungi. A cryptogamous (flowerless) plant without +chlorophyll. A morbid growth. + +_Fuse._ To change, usually by adding heat, from solid to liquid form. + +_Gadolinium._ A metallic element. Symbol: Gd. + +_Gallium._ A metallic element. Symbol: Ga. + +_Gamete._ A sexual cell which unites with another for reproduction. + +_Gamma rays._ Becquerel rays which are more penetrating than beta rays +and are not deflected by electricity. Equivalent or analogous to X-rays. + +_Ganglion._ An enlargement of the nerve from which nerve-fibers radiate. + +_Gas._ A fluid which tends to occupy the whole volume of any vessel in +which it is placed. + +_Gastropoda._ A class of mollusks including the snails. + +_Geld._ Castrate. + +_Generalization._ A universal assertion, a principle applying not to +any single fact but rather to a large number. A general notion. + +_Genetics._ The study of heredity and of the beginning of variation. + +_Genital._ Pertaining to reproduction and the sexual organs. + +_Genus._ In logic, a class which is divided into sub-classes. In +biology, a class of animals usually containing several species. A +single genus may in some cases make up a genus of its own, if it +appears not to be closely related to any other genus. Plural: genera. +The next higher group is the family. + +_Geo-._ In combinations, earth——. + +_Geography._ The study of the earth, especially as the environment of +man. + +_Geology._ The study of the crust of the earth. + +_Germ._ A portion of an organism capable of becoming a new one. Seed, +microörganism. Popularly, a germ is a bacterium which causes disease. + +_Germanium._ A metallic element. Symbol: Ge. + +_Glacier._ A slowly-moving mass of ice formed by the accumulation of +snow on high ground. + +_Gland._ An organ which secretes constituents of the blood. Secreting +cell or cells in plants. + +_Glans._ The body at the end of the penis and clitoris. + +_Glass._ A substance made by mixing silicates and including some alkali +silicate. Not every sort of glass is transparent. + +_Glomerate._ Gathered in a compact group. + +_Glottis._ The opening at the upper end of the windpipe. + +_Glucinum_ or _beryllium_. A metallic element. Symbol: Gl or Be. + +_Glucose._ One of a group of sugars, including grape sugar. + +_Gneiss._ A sort of highly crystalline rock arranged in layers, as of +quartz and mica. + +_Gold._ A metallic element. Symbol: Au. + +_Gram._ The unit of weight in the metric system. About the weight of a +cubic centimeter of water at its greatest density. + +_Graph._ A symbolical diagram, as in mathematics of chemistry. + +_Gravity_ or _gravitation_. The attraction existing between bodies. If +the earth draws a falling apple, it is said that the apple also draws +the earth to it. + +_Gregarious._ Living in or pertaining to flocks, groups, or +communities. Social. + +_Gymnosperm._ A plant whose seeds are not enclosed in seed-vessels. + +_Habit._ An action pattern; specifically, one that has been acquired. +In biology, a mode of growth. + +_Hallucination._ The perception of something which is not actually +present. + +_Hardness._ The presence of certain salts in water. + +_Heat._ Energy which can be transmitted by conduction or radiation, and +which is expressed in molecular motion. + +_Helium._ A gaseous element. Symbol: He. + +_Henry._ The unit of inductance. The inductance in a circuit in which +the induced electromotive force is one volt when the inducing current +varies at the rate of one ampere per second. + +_Herb._ A plant whose stem is not woody or persistent. + +_Hermaphrodite._ An organism possessing male and female characteristics +or organs. + +_Herpetology._ The study of reptiles. + +_Hexapoda._ The order of insects. + +_Hilum._ The point where the seed is attached to the seed-vessel. + +_Hinterland._ The district behind a coast. + +_Histology._ The study of organic tissues, usually with the aid of a +microscope. + +_History._ The study of the past. It deals with human institutions +rather than with the animal, vegetable, or mineral kingdom. History is +concerned first of all with concrete data, specific cases, and then +with explaining them in the light of general laws. There have been some +ingenious, but not altogether successful, attempts to make history into +a science. + +_Holmium._ A metallic element. Symbol: Ho. + +_Homo-._ In compounds: same, similar. + +_Homology._ That relation between parts which results from their +development from corresponding embryonic parts, either in different +animals or in the same individual. + +_Hormone._ A stimulating substance carried from one organ to another. + +_Horse-power._ The unit of power in the English system. It is equal to +550 foot pounds per second. + +_Humidity._ Moisture. + +_Hurricane._ A wind of stormy violence. + +_Hybrid._ The offspring of two plants or animals of different sorts. + +_Hydrate._ A compound containing combined water. + +_Hydraulics._ The science dealing with liquids in motion. + +_Hydrocarbon._ A compound of carbon and hydrogen. + +_Hydrogen._ A gaseous element. Symbol: H. + +_Hydrolysis._ The decomposition of water in such a reaction as includes +the formation of new compounds with the hydrogen and the oxygen of the +water. + +_Hydrometer._ An instrument used to determine the specific gravity of a +liquid. + +_Hydrostatics._ The science which deals with the pressure of liquids. + +_Hydrous._ Containing water, whether in combination or in a mixture. + +_Hydrozoan._ A member of a class (Hydrozoa) of coelenterate animals, +chiefly marine, including jellyfish. + +_Hygiene._ The science of sanitation, preventive medicine. In the +United States, textbooks of hygiene are chiefly concerned with proving +that alcohol and tobacco are injurious. Here is an example of “science” +created by legislative fiat. + +_Hygrometry._ The measuring of atmospheric moisture. + +_Hypothesis._ A supposition used as a basis for reasoning, a +provisional explanation. If it appears to be unconfirmed by the facts, +it is rejected. Otherwise it becomes a theory, then a law. + +_Igneous._ Formed by great heat, as rocks. + +_Indehiscent._ Not bursting open at maturity. + +_Indium._ A metallic element. Symbol: In. + +_Indo-European_ or _Indo-Germanic_. Pertaining to a great family of +languages including most of those spoken in Europe and by the white men +in America as well as some used in India and other parts of Asia. + +_Inductance._ The electrification of a conductor placed near a circuit +or charged body, resulting from the proximity. + +_Inert._ Not easily made to react. + +_Inertia._ The property of matter by which it tends to remain at +rest if it is at rest, or, if it is in motion, to remain in motion +in a straight line. Our notion of inertia may possibly be changed by +Einstein’s theory. + +_Inflorescence._ Flowering, the arrangement of flowers on a plant. + +_Infra-._ In compounds, below. + +_Infusoria._ A class of protozoa which possess hairlike outgrowths. + +_Inorganic._ Not derived from living organisms. Pertaining to the +chemical compounds which do not contain carbon--but carbonates and a +few other carbon compounds are considered to be inorganic. + +_Insect._ A member of a class of small and invertebrate animals, all of +which have bodies clearly divisible into head, thorax, and abdomen. + +_Instinct._ An action pattern present from birth. (The varying theories +of instinct, especially with regard to man, are often based upon +varying definitions. This is true of many of the terms here defined.) + +_Intelligence quotient._ The ratio between the “mental age” of an +individual and the true age. The true age is often easier to determine +than the mental age, that is, the age which a normal individual of +a given intelligence possesses. How can intelligence be expressed +numerically? Abbreviation: I. Q. + +_Interference._ The influence which two waves have upon each other. + +_Invertebrate._ Spineless, having no backbone. + +_Iodine._ A solid, non-metallic element. Symbol: I. + +_Ion._ Either of the substances that appear at the poles in +electrolysis. Particle which carries electric charge. Positive ions are +cations, negative ions are anions. + +_Iridium._ A metallic element. Symbol: Ir. + +_Iron._ An important metallic element. Symbol: Fe. + +_Isobar._ A line connecting places which have the same barometric +pressure (with corrections for varying altitude) at a given time or +over a given period. + +_Isotherm._ A line connecting places which have the same temperature at +a given moment or over a stated period of time. + +_Joule._ A unit of work. It is equal to ten million ergs, and it is +about the energy expended in one second by an electric current of one +ampere in a resistance of one ohm. + +_Jurassic._ Of that Mesozoic period following the Triassic. + +_Kidney._ One of a pair of organs which secrete urine. + +_Kilogram._ A unit of mass in the metric system, about the mass of a +cubic centimeter of water at its greatest density. + +_Kinetic theory of gases._ The assumption and the teaching that +the molecules of gases are constantly in motion and that the space +between molecules is far greater than that occupied by the molecules +themselves. The velocity of gas molecules is supposed to be very great. + +_Krypton._ A gaseous element. Symbol: Kr. + +_Labile._ Unstable. + +_Lanthanum._ A metallic element. Symbol: La. + +_Latent heat._ The equivalent of the work performed in changing the +state of a substance from solid to liquid or liquid to gaseous. + +_Law._ A generalization. A statement of the way things invariably +behave under given conditions. A scientific law does not direct or +impose penalties or state that things ought to behave in a certain way. +It is a correct statement of invariable sequence. If the correctness of +a statement has not been proved beyond a reasonable doubt, it is not a +law. + +_Lead._ A metallic element. Symbol: Pb. + +_Leaf._ One of the expanded organs, usually green, springing from the +stem, a branch, or sometimes a root, of a plant. + +_Lens._ A portion of glass or other transparent substance with one or +both sides curved, used to alter the direction of light rays. + +_Leucocyte._ A colorless corpuscle of the blood. + +_Lever._ A rigid structure used to modify force and motion while +transmitting it. + +_Life._ The quality which differentiates the organic from the +inorganic. The ability to reproduce itself seems to be the +differentiating characteristic of a living organism. + +_Light._ A form of energy which is apprehended by the eye. It is +supposed to move at a velocity of about 186,300 miles per second. + +_Limb._ In astronomy, an edge or border. This is not the same word +etymologically as the one which means an arm, a leg, or a wing. + +_Lithium._ A metallic element. Symbol: Li. + +_Litmus._ A substance which is turned red by acids and made blue again +by bases. Paper stained with litmus is usually employed for such tests. + +_Logic._ The science of thought. Scientific method. + +_Lutecium._ A metallic element. Symbol: Lu. + +_Magnesium._ A metallic element. Symbol: Mg. + +_Magnetize._ To change into a magnet, give magnetic quality to, make +capable of attracting iron. + +_Male._ Of the sex or the organs that fecundate. Of a reproductive +organ that fertilizes. + +_Mammal._ One of the class of animals (Mammalia) which are vertebrate +and which are distinguished by suckling their young. + +_Mandible._ Jaw, especially the lower jaw. Part of a beak. + +_Manganese._ A metallic element. Symbol: Mn. + +_Marsupial._ One of an order of animals (Marsupialia) which are low +mammals, and most of whose females carry the young in abdominal pouches. + +_Mass._ Quantity of matter. This remains constant, but weight varies a +little with geographical location. + +_Materia medica._ The study of medicinal substances. + +_Mathematics._ The science of space and quantity as such. + +_Matter._ That which takes up space. + +_Mean._ Equally removed from two extremes, average. + +_Mechanics._ The science of motion. The study of the action of force on +bodies. May be considered a branch of mathematics or of physics. + +_Medicine._ The art of maintaining and restoring health. Surgery is +sometimes excluded from the conception of medicine. The basis of +medicine is only partially scientific. + +_Megacephalic._ Large-headed. + +_Melt._ To change from the solid to the liquid form. + +_Mendel’s Law._ A principle formulated by Gregor Mendel with regard to +the inheritance of characteristics. Fenton, following Walter, states it +thus: “When two animals or plants unlike with respect to any character +are crossed, the offspring of the first generation will be apparently +like one of the parents in regard to the character in question. The +parent which impresses its trait upon the offspring in this manner +is called the _dominant_, while the one that fails to be visibly +represented is the _recessive._ When, however, the hybrid progeny of +this generation are in turn crossed with each other, they will produce +a mixed lot of offspring, one-fourth of which will be like the dominant +grandparent, one-fourth like the recessive one, and the remaining half +like the parents which resembled the dominant grandparent, yet failed +to breed true to it.” + +_Mercury._ Of the metallic elements, the only one which is ordinarily +found in the liquid state. Quicksilver. Formula: Hg. + +_Mesozoic._ Relating to the geological period between the Paleozoic and +the Cenozoic. + +_Metabolism._ The complete process of building up and breaking down +protoplasm in a living organism. The process of digesting and storing +nutritive matter and of excreting waste matter. + +_Metal._ An element which replaces or is capable of replacing the +hydrogen of an acid. One of a class of substances typically ductile, +malleable, lustrous, translucent only through very thin layers, +conducting heat and electricity well. + +_Metaphysics._ The branch of philosophy dealing with knowing and being. +This must disappear entirely as science advances. + +_Metazoa._ All the complex animals. All the animals except the Protozoa. + +_Metric system._ The decimal system of weights and measures generally +used in many countries, employed for many purposes by scientists +everywhere. A meter is about 1.094 yards. A kilometer is about .6214 +of a mile. A cubic centimeter is about .061 of an inch. A kilogram is +about 2.204 pounds. The C. G. S. (centimeter-gram-second) system is +used in practically every science which deals with space, mass, and +time. + +_Mho._ A unit of electrical conductivity. + +_Microbe._ A very small organism; in popular use, a disease-producing +bacterium, a germ. + +_Micro-._ Small, in many compounds. + +_Mineral._ Pertaining to substances which are not organic. An ore. + +_Mineralogy._ The science of ores. + +_Miocene._ Relating to the middle division of the Tertiary (geological) +period. + +_Mitosis._ Cell division and multiplication by the usual process. + +_Mixture._ A mass of more than one sort of material which is not +chemically compounded or united. + +_Molecule._ The smallest amount of a substance which can exist with the +properties belonging to the substance. + +_Molybdenum._ A metallic element. Symbol: Mo. + +_Momentum._ The quantity of motion of a moving body. It is equal to the +mass multiplied by the velocity. + +_Monadelphous._ With the stamen filaments in a single bundle. + +_Moniliform._ Jointed in such a way as to resemble a necklace. + +_Monecious._ Hermaphrodite. Having male and female flowers on the same +plant. + +_Monopoly._ Sufficient control to influence price. + +_Monotreme._ One of the lowest order (Monotremata) of mammals. + +_Monsoon._ A periodic wind. Specifically, such a wind in the Indian +Ocean. + +_Moraine._ The mass of earth and other matter deposited by a glacier. + +_Morphology._ The study of form (of organisms or of words). + +_Motor._ Pertaining to a nerve and an impulse causing motion. Relating +to action and the consciousness of action. Pertaining to a muscle +causing action. A machine which causes motion, especially such an +electric machine or one which is comparatively small. + +_Muscle._ A fibrous band or bundle which contracts to produce movement +in an animal body. + +_Muscology._ The study of mosses. + +_Mutation._ A sudden variation which may produce a new species. + +_Mycology._ The study of fungi. + +_Myriapoda._ A class of arthropods including the centipedes. + +_Narcotic._ A substance which induces sleepiness. + +_Nascent._ Just beginning, having special properties because of just +having been released from combination. + +_Neap tide._ The tide at which the high water mark is the lowest. + +_Nebular Hypothesis._ The hypothesis advanced by Laplace that (in the +words of F. W. Dyson) “a vast nebula--diffused tenuous matter--once +extended to the confines of the solar system, and under the influence +of gravitation slowly contracted.... As the contraction proceeded the +rotation necessarily increased, and rings or other masses were thrown +off which collected and formed planets.” Any of several more or less +similar hypotheses. + +_Nectar._ A sweet fluid produced by plants. + +_Neocene._ Relating to the later part of the Tertiary (geological) +period. + +_Neodymium._ A metallic element. Symbol: Nd. + +_Neolithic._ Relating to the later part of the Stone Age. + +_Neon._ A gaseous element. Symbol: Ne. + +_Nerve._ The rib of a leaf. A vein. One of the fibers or bundles of +fibers carrying impulses of sensation and motion. + +_Neurosis._ Activity of the nerves. A functional disease attributed to +the nerves. + +_Neutral._ Neither acid nor basic in reaction. Without sex organs. + +_Nickel._ A metallic element. Symbol: Ni. + +_Niton._ A gaseous element which occurs in radium emanation. Symbol: Nt. + +_Nitrogen._ A gaseous element constituting about four-fifths of the +air. Symbol: N. + +_Noble metals._ Metals which do not oxidize in air or oxygen. Among the +noble metals are gold, silver, and platinum. + +_Node._ A knob or root or branch, where a leaf is usually borne. One of +the points where the orbit of a planet or comet and the ecliptic meet. +A point or line which is at rest in a vibrating body. + +_Normal._ Conforming to a standard or type. The normal is not +necessarily superior to the abnormal. + +_Nutritive._ Of value as food. + +_Ohm._ An electrical unit of resistance. The resistance of a circuit in +which one volt produces one ampere of current. + +_Oligocene._ Of the Tertiary (geological) period, between the Eocene +and Miocene. + +_Ontogeny._ Individual development. + +_Opsonic._ Causing bacteria to be consumed more readily by phagocytes. + +_Optics._ The science of light and vision. + +_Optimum._ The environment most favorable to the growth of a plant or +animal. + +_Ordovician._ Relating to the Paleozoic (geological) period between the +Silurian and the Cambrian. + +_Ore._ A native mineral from which a metal or metals may be extracted. + +_Organic._ Living, or derived from a living organism. Relating to +all the carbon compounds except a few simple ones. Relating to an +organ. Affecting the structure of an organ--of a disease, opposed to +_functional_. + +_Organism._ An organized being, plant or animal. A living individual. + +_Osmium._ A metallic element. Symbol: Os. + +_Ovary._ The part of the pistil which contains rudimentary seeds. One +of the two reproductive organs in which eggs are produced. + +_Overtone._ A tone produced by secondary vibrations, as of segments of +a piano wire. + +_Ovum._ An egg or female germ. Plural: ova. + +_Oxidize._ Combine with oxygen. + +_Oxygen._ An important gaseous element. Symbol: O. About one-fifth of +the air is oxygen. + +_Paleo-._ In many combinations, old, ancient. Also: palæo-, palaeo-. + +_Paleozoic._ Of the oldest geological periods. More usually, of the +era between the Mesozoic and the Pre-cambrian. The words designating +geological eras have been used differently by various scientists. + +_Paleontology._ The science dealing with life in former geological +periods, with species now extinct but made manifest by fossil remains. + +_Palladium._ A metallic element of the platinum group. Symbol: Pd. + +_Parallax._ The apparent displacement of an object caused by the actual +change in the position of the observer, or by the assumption of two +different points of observation. The parallax is expressed in degrees +of an angle. + +_Paralogy._ Mental illness. + +_Parasite._ A plant or animal that derives nourishment or shelter from +another upon which, with which, or within which it lives. + +_Parthenogenesis._ Reproduction without the union of male and female. + +_Pascal’s Law._ The law formulated by Pascal which is fundamental for +the mechanics of fluids: A fluid under pressure exerts equal force upon +equal areas of surface. + +_Pelagian_ or _pelagic_. Relating to the open sea. Pelagic organisms +are those which do not approach the shore. + +_Penology._ The study of punishment for crime. If this science were +studied scientifically, perhaps it would cease to exist. + +_Perennial._ Lasting for several years; specifically, lasting for more +than two years. + +_Phagocyte._ A leucocyte which consumes disease-producing organisms. + +_Phase._ The aspect of the moon or of a planet depending on the amount +of illumination. Position of variation with regard to a real or +assumed starting-point. An individual chemical in a mixture. + +_Phenomenon._ Probably more familiar in the plural: phenomena. +Something which is perceived by the senses. An event of scientific +interest. + +_Philology._ The science of language. The philologists have been +inclined recently to extend their science, so that it deals with +meaning, with folklore or traditional beliefs, and with various other +subjects which are more or less closely related to language. + +_Philosophy._ Literally: the love of wisdom. Former: the sum of +knowledge, a complete system of knowledge, sometimes with emphasis +upon its use in regulating human conduct. Philosophy is now primarily +ethical. Durant insists that the growth of the various sciences makes +it all the more necessary to be concerned with philosophy, which +directs the proper use of knowledge. Religion, incidentally, is +concerned chiefly with the field indicated for philosophy, not with the +ground covered by the various sciences. + +_Phonology._ The study of sounds in speech. + +_Phosphorus._ A non-metallic element. Symbol: P. + +_Photics_ or _photology_. The science of light. + +_Photo-._ In compounds, light or photographic. + +_Phyllo-._ In compounds, leaf. For instance, Phyllopoda: an order of +crustaceans with feet resembling leaves. + +_Phylo-._ In compounds, tribe, race. As, phylogeny: racial development, +the natural history of a type. + +_Phylum._ One of the largest divisions of animals or plants. + +_Physics._ The science of matter and energy, not including fields which +are considered chemical or biological. + +_Pistil._ The female organ of a flower, including style, stigma, and +ovary. + +_Planet._ One of the bodies which revolve about the sun, including the +earth but not comets or meteors. + +_Plant._ A living organism which is not an animal. One which does not +have sensation or voluntary motion. (This definition must be revised in +the light of recent investigations.) Specifically, one of the smaller +plants, excluding trees and shrubs. + +_Platinum._ A metallic element. Symbol: Pt. + +_Pleistocene._ Of the geological epoch before the Recent, in the +Quaternary period of the Cenozoic era. + +_Pole._ One of the two points in the celestial sphere about which the +stars seem to revolve. One of the extremities of the axis of the earth. +One of the points on a magnet where magnetic force is manifested. The +anode or the cathode of a cell. The extremity of an axis of a spherical +or oval cell or organ. + +_Politics._ The science of government. Popularly, the art of exploiting +democratic citizens, as practiced by office-holders and those who +control them. + +_Pollen._ The substance discharged from a flower, fertilizing or male +grains. + +_Pollination._ The carrying of pollen to the pistils. + +_Polonium._ A substance found in pitchblende, perhaps an element. + +_Poly-._ In compounds, many-. For example, polyadelphous: having the +stamens united in three or more bundles. Polyandrous: having at one +time more than one husband. Polygynous: having at one time more than +one wife. + +_Postglacial._ Belonging to a later period than that of the glaciers. +Recent. + +_Potassium._ A metallic element. Symbol: K. + +_Potential energy._ Energy which is latent, not employed or in motion. +Energy which a body has because of its position. + +_Poundal._ The force which can act upon a pound mass for a second to +give it a velocity of one foot per second, or which will give a mass of +one pound an acceleration of one foot per second each second. + +_Practice._ What is true in theory works out in practice, all due +allowances for the influence of other theoretic laws having been made. + +_Praseodymium._ A metallic element which occurs in rare minerals. +Symbol: Pr. + +_Pre-Cambrian._ Relating to the geological eras before the Cambrian +period. + +_Precipitate._ To change into liquid form. To cause a substance to be +deposited in solid form from a solution. To make a dissolved substance +insoluble. That which has been precipitated. + +_Prehensile._ Used for grasping, suitable for grasping. + +_Pressure._ The amount of exertion of force, expressed by the weight +upon a unit area. + +_Primate._ A member of the highest order (Primates) of mammals, +including man and the monkeys. + +_Property._ That which belongs to a whole class but is not used to +distinguish it from others. Characteristic. A legal right to wealth. + +_Protean._ Variable, readily changing form. + +_Proteid._ Protein, or member of a special class of proteins. + +_Protein._ One of a class of complex organic substances consisting of +carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, and, in some cases, other elements. +All living cells contain proteins. + +_Protoplasm._ The living matter of which all animal and plant cells are +formed. + +_Protozoan._ A member of the phylum (Protozoa) of animals of the +simplest type. A one-celled animal. + +_Pseudo-._ In many compounds, false, seeming, similar to. + +_Psychiatry._ The treatment of mental disease. + +_Psychical research._ The study of phenomena which are not considered +by scientists as realities, and which are explained by some persons as +due not to natural forces but rather to spirit as opposed to matter. +If such phenomena are explained by means of the laws of physics and +psychology, there is no need for special “psychical research.” There +seems to be no reason why we should postulate spiritual or vital force, +even if our knowledge is not yet sufficient to explain all phenomena +scientifically. + +_Psychology._ The study of the mind; in practice, the study of +behavior. Literally: the science of the soul. Perhaps psychology is +not yet a true science, but this branch of knowledge is undoubtedly +becoming more scientific, in spite of strong philosophical and mystical +tendencies. + +_Psychophysics._ The study of the relation between the mental and the +physical, between psychology and physics. + +_Psychosis._ Mental derangement, especially when there is no apparent +brain or nerve injury. Consciousness, a conscious process. + +_Pteridophyte._ One of a phylum (Pteridophyta) of flowerless plants, +including the ferns. + +_Pure._ Unmixed, abstract. Pure science deals with general principles, +not with particular applications. + +_Pyro-._ In compounds, fire-, fever-. + +_Quantel._ An elementary entity of matter consisting of positive +and negative parts, moving in all directions with the velocity of +light, capable of passing through solids. (According to the theory of +Langmuir.) + +_Quantity._ Anything which can be represented by means of a number. In +chemistry, the number of gram molecules. + +_Quantum._ The unit of energy transmitted by radioactive bodies. + +_Quaternary._ Belonging to the most recent geological period. + +_Radical._ Pertaining to a root, growing out of or from a point close +to the root. An atomic group which remains unchanged during the +ordinary reactions of the compound of which it is a part. + +_Radicle._ That part of the embryo of a plant which develops into the +main root. A rootlike subdivision of a nerve or vein. Sometimes a mere +spelling variation of _radical_. + +_Radioactive._ Emitting invisible rays that penetrate opaque matter +and produce electrical effects. Radium and some other substances +are especially radioactive, but radioactivity is supposed to be +characteristic of all substances. + +_Radium._ A metallic element. Symbol: Ra. + +_Rarefaction._ Making less dense. + +_Ray._ A line at right angles to the wave front in which various forms +of energy may be transmitted. + +_React._ Tend in the reverse direction, enter into chemical +combination. Act because of a stimulus. + +_Reaction._ An opposing force. A chemical change. The usual nervous +response. + +_Real number._ A number representing a quantity and one of two opposite +directions or senses. + +_Réaumur._ A thermometric scale with the boiling point of water at 80 +degrees and the freezing point at zero. + +_Recapitulation Theory._ The theory which was at one time generally +favored by evolutionists, still accepted by many biologists, that +ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny; i. e., that the development of the +individual is an abridgement of the natural history of the species to +which it belongs. + +_Recent._ In geology, pertaining to the epoch still in existence. + +_Rectify._ Purify, as by repeated distillation. (Important in the +chemistry of bootlegging.) + +_Reduce._ Remove oxygen, which combines with another substance. + +_Refract._ Deflect (light, for example) at an angle. Refraction is due +to varying velocity in two mediums. + +_Relativity._ Dependence of one quantity or knowledge upon another. +The Theory of Relativity formulated by Albert Einstein, based upon +the principle that the universe is a four-dimensional (time-space) +continuum, includes the conclusions that there is no absolute length, +that unobstructed light rays have a constant velocity irrespective of +the relative velocity between the observer and the source of light, +that the velocity of matter can never reach the velocity of light +unless the matter becomes light, that the mass of a body depends on +its velocity. + +_Reproduction._ Generation, the process of creating offspring of about +the same kind as the parents. Apparently the power of reproduction is +that which chiefly sets apart the living from the non-living. However, +the fact that an individual organism is incapable of reproducing or +taking part in reproduction does not show that it is dead. + +_Reptile._ One of a class (Reptilia) of animals including snakes and +crocodiles. The Reptilia are vertebrate animals which breathe air. + +_Resistance._ Non-conductivity, opposition. + +_Rheo-_, Stream, Current-, in compounds, chiefly electrical terms. As +rheostat: a device for regulating current by controlling resistance. + +_Rhizo-_, Root-, in compounds. As, rhizopod: one of a class (Rhizopoda) +of protozoa having psuedopodia (“false feet”) which resemble roots. + +_Rhodium._ A metallic element. Symbol: Rh. + +_Rodent._ One of an order (Rodentia) of mammals, including rats, +rabbits, squirrels, and other gnawing animals. + +_Röntgen rays_ or _X-rays_. Forms of radiation produced when cathode +rays strike the walls of the tube or the surface of a body placed +within the tube. + +_Root._ A part of a plant, not necessarily but usually growing +underground, which attaches it to supporting points and conveys +nourishment. + +_Rubidium._ A metallic element. Symbol: Rb. + +_Ruminant._ One of a division (Ruminantia) of cud-chewing or at least +herbivorous mammals with hooves. + +_Ruthenium._ A metallic element. Symbol: Ru. + +_Salt._ A compound in which all or part of the hydrogen of an acid +has been replaced by a metal, or by some other inorganic element or +radical. Common salt is one of the general class of salts, and it is +known to chemists as sodium chloride. + +_Samarium._ A metallic element. Symbol: Sm. + +_Saponify._ To turn a fat or oil into soap by combining it with an +alkali. The term also includes a wider range of reactions in which +hydrolysis is involved. + +_Saturate._ To cause a substance to combine with or to absorb the +greatest possible amount of another substance. To neutralize. + +_Scandium._ A metallic element. Symbol: Sc. + +_Science._ Exact, organized, and usually generalized knowledge. A +special scientific field or system. Specifically, physical or natural +science, not including philology or sociology. It is best not to attach +too much importance to such a distinction. See also Art and Common +sense. + +_Secondary._ In geology, Mesozoic. Relating to reactions or compounds +considered less important or less simple than those which are called +primary. Of later origin. Induced. Relating to a second part. + +_Selenium._ A solid, non-metallic element. Symbol: Se. + +_Semen._ The generative fluid of a male animal. + +_Seminal._ Relating to seed, semen, reproduction, or germs. + +_Seminiferous._ Carrying seed or semen. + +_Sensation._ The consciousness of perceiving or seeming to perceive a +bodily state or an external object. + +_Sentiment._ An emotionally-colored tendency or attitude. + +_Sepal._ A segment of the calyx of a flower. + +_Septum._ A partition, as between two hollow chambers of an organism. + +_Sessile._ Attached directly by the base. + +_Sex._ The condition of being male or female or both. + +_Sheath._ Membrane, tissue, skin, or other tight-fitting cover. + +_Shrub._ A woody plant smaller than a tree. A bush. + +_Silicon._ A non-metallic element, solid in ordinary temperatures. The +compounds are extremely common. Symbol: Si. + +_Silver._ A metallic element. Symbol: Ag. + +_Simoom._ A hot, dry wind of western Asia. + +_Simple._ Not compound. Consisting of a single cell, element, or +individual. Not divided or branched. + +_Social._ Living in groups or as a part of a complex organism. Working +together. Relating to society. + +_Social psychology._ The study of the behavior of human groups. +Incidentally, social psychology is an easier subject than individual +psychology for the investigator. Where is the man who has never been +influenced by other human beings? + +_Sociology._ The science of society. The study of the development of +social institutions. As sociology exists now, it is scientific only in +small parts. + +_Sodium._ A metallic element. The compounds are common, including +ordinary table salt (sodium chloride). Symbol: Na. + +_Soil._ A fine earthy matter on the surface, in which plants can grow. + +_Solid._ Relating to the condition of matter in which it has a stable +shape and volume, with some elasticity. + +_Solution._ A mixture of substances which is the same throughout the +mass. We think chiefly of the solution of solids or gases in liquids, +but solutions entirely of gases are common, and of solids within solids +are possible. + +_Somatic._ Relating to the body as a whole or to that part from which +no new individuals are developed. + +_Sound._ Vibrations produced when some object is set in motion, causing +a stimulation of the organs and nerve centers of hearing. + +_Species._ A group subordinate in classification to the genus. The +members of a species differ only in minor details. In logic, a class +may be a species one time and a genus another. In biology, the classes +remain fixed. _Homo sapiens_, the class which embraces all mankind, is +always a species. + +_Specific gravity._ The ratio between the weight of a given amount of +a substance and the weight of the same amount of a standard substance, +usually water at the temperature where it is densest. For gases, there +are various standards. + +_Spectroheliograph._ An instrument for photographing the sun by +daylight. + +_Spectrum._ The image formed by rays of light which are separated into +their component wave-lengths. Less frequently, the phenomenon (not +entirely visual) produced when other forms of radiant energy are thus +split up. + +_Sperm._ Semen. + +_Spermary._ The organ where semen develops. + +_Spore._ A minute organic body that develops into a new individual. A +single cell that becomes free and develops independently. + +_Sporozoan._ One of a class (Sporozoa) of parasitic protozoans which +reproduce by means of spores. + +_Sport._ A sudden and striking deviation from type. A mutation. + +_Stable equilibrium._ Such a condition in a body that, if suspended +like a pendulum and pushed to one side, it resumes its original +position immediately below the point of suspension. + +_Stamen._ The male (pollen-bearing) organ of a plant. + +_Star._ A heavenly body. More usually, those that appear to be fixed +dots of light, including the sun but not the planets or meteors, are +included in the term. One of the “fixed” stars. The stars are either +named or numbered in various catalogues. + +_State._ Condition, especially the being in solid, liquid, or gaseous +form. An organized political community. + +_Statics._ The study of bodies at rest and forces in equilibrium; a +branch of mechanics. According to Einstein, no body is ever at rest. + +_Statistics._ The systematic collection of numerical facts. The study +which deals with collection of this sort and with the interpretation of +statistics in the first sense. + +_Stigma._ The part of the style or ovary-surface that receives pollen. +A small speck or mark. + +_Stipule._ A small appendage to a leaf. + +_Stratum._ In geology, a layer or set of layers of rock or earth. In +biology, a layer of tissue. + +_Strontium._ A metallic element. Symbol: Sr. + +_Style._ A narrowed extension of the ovary which supports the stigma. + +_Subalpine._ Living or growing just below the alpine zone. + +_Sublimation._ The direct change from the solid to the gaseous state. + +_Sulphur._ A solid non-metallic element. Symbol: S. It occurs native +and in many compounds. + +_Superstition._ Irrational fear of or credulity about the unknown. To +the ignorant person, almost everything is unknown. Particular forms of +superstition are transmitted from generation to generation and from +group to group. Superstitions which masquerade as science are not +unknown. + +_Symbol._ A letter, word, or other thing which represents an object +or quantity or idea. The symbol is frequently an abbreviation. In +chemistry, it is the Latin name of the element which is abbreviated to +form the symbol. + +_Synclinal._ Dipping toward a common line or point. + +_Synthetic._ Produced outside the living organism. Artificial. Making +more complex. + +_Tantalum._ A metallic element. Symbol: Ta. + +_Tellurium._ A rare non-metallic element. Symbol: Te. + +_Temperature._ Degree, not total amount, of heat. + +_Tendon._ A cord or band of tissue connecting a muscle with another +part. + +_Terbium._ A metallic element. Symbol: Tb. + +_Tertiary._ Relating to the third in a series, as of organic compounds. +Relating to the geological period before the Quaternary. + +_Thallium._ A metallic element. Symbol: Tl. + +_Thallophyte._ One of a phylum (Thallophyta) of simple plants including +fungi and lichens. + +_Thallus._ A simple plant body without root, stem, or leaves. + +_Theology._ The “science” of religion, especially Christian religion, +and of God, according to lexicographers and other writers. Newman +argues very well that if there is a miracle-working God whom we can +understand by studying the Bible and the traditions of the Catholic +Church, then theology is an essential branch of science. I do not see +how any man who grants his premises can fail to agree with him. + +_Theory._ A generalization which has not been absolutely proved. +Sometimes one that stands between a hypothesis and a law, not so +certain as the latter, more certain than the former. However, phrases +continue, often when their meaning has changed, and it seems that +“Theory of Evolution” may be used when the Fundamentalists have already +accepted it. Also scientific principles in general. Sound theory and +proper practice are not enemies. + +_Thermo-._ In compounds, heat, temperature. As, thermodynamics: the +science of the relation between heat and mechanical work. + +_Thorax._ The part of the trunk between the neck and the tail or the +abdomen. + +_Tin._ A metallic element. Symbol: Sn. Most objects which we say, in +ordinary language, are made of tin, are made of tin plate. + +_Tincture._ The alcoholic solution of a drug. + +_Titanium._ A metallic element. Symbol: Ti. + +_Triassic._ Relating to the geological division between the Permian and +the Jurassic. + +_Typhoon._ A violent hurricane. + +_Ulotrichi._ The wooly-haired races of mankind. + +_Ultra-violet rays._ Invisible rays of the spectrum beyond the violet +rays. + +_Ungulate._ One of a group (Ungulata) of mammals having horns and hoofs. + +_Uranium._ A metallic element. Symbol: U. Uranium is radioactive. + +_Vacuum._ A space which does not contain matter. A vacuum, in a +laboratory, is a space which has been exhausted of matter to a great +extent; for scientists have not been able to produce a perfect vacuum. + +_Value._ The amount of other commodities for which a thing can be +exchanged in the open market. + +_Valve._ The membranous part of an organ which permits the flow of a +liquid in one direction only. + +_Vanadium._ A metallic element. Symbol: V. + +_Vapor._ A gas, especially one which exists at ordinary temperatures in +liquid or solid form. + +_Velocity._ Rate of motion. + +_Vertebrate._ Having a spinal column, belonging to the class of +Vertebrata. + +_Vitalism._ The theory that there is a special force in living +beings, distinct from the ordinary physical and chemical forces. Few +scientists are vitalists, although many preachers are, and a number of +philosophers as well. + +_Vitamines._ Organic substances found in various foods and apparently +necessary to human life. Their exact chemical constitution remains +unknown. + +_Volt._ The unit of electromotive force. The pressure which produces a +current of one ampere when applied to a conductor with a resistance of +one ohm. + +_Volume._ The space a body occupies. + +_Wave._ A disturbance of the particles of a fluid medium as in the +transmission of sound, heat, and light. + +_Weight._ The force with which the earth attracts a body. See Mass. + +_Work._ The expenditure of force in overcoming force or producing a +molecular change. Futile efforts do not constitute work. + +_Xenon._ A gaseous element. Symbol: X. + +_X-Ray._ See Röntgen ray. + +_Xylogy._ The study of the structure of wood. + +_Yttrium._ A metallic element. Symbol: Y or Yt. + +_Zinc._ A metallic element. Symbol: Zn. + +_Zirconium._ A metallic element. Symbol: Zr. + +_Zoöchemistry._ The study of the constituents of animal bodies. + +_Zoölogy._ The science of animals. + +_Zygote._ A cell formed by the joining of a male and a female cell, +capable of developing into a new individual. + +_Zymosis._ Fermentation. + +_Zymurgy._ The chemistry of fermentation processes. + + + + + Transcriber’s Notes: + + Italics are shown thus: _sloping_. + + Variations in spelling and hyphenation are retained. + + Perceived typographical errors have been changed. + + + + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 77721 *** diff --git a/77721-h/77721-h.htm b/77721-h/77721-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..c89a949 --- /dev/null +++ b/77721-h/77721-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,2981 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html> +<html lang="en"> +<head> + <meta charset="UTF-8"> + <title> + A Dictionary of Scientific Terms | Project Gutenberg + </title> + <link rel="icon" href="images/cover.jpg" type="image/x-cover"> + <style> + +body { + margin-left: 20%; + margin-right: 20%; +} + + h1 { + text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ + clear: both; +} + +h1 {font-weight: normal; + font-size: 250%; + margin-top: 01em; + margin-bottom: 0em; + word-spacing: 0.3em; + } + +p { + margin-top: .51em; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .49em; +} + +.p2 {margin-top: 2em;} + + +hr { + width: 33%; + margin-top: 2em; + margin-bottom: 2em; + margin-left: 33.5%; + margin-right: 33.5%; + clear: both; +} + +hr.full {width: 95%; margin-left: 2.5%; margin-right: 2.5%;} + +div.chapter {page-break-before: always;} + + +table { + margin-left: auto; + margin-right: auto; +} + +.tdl {text-align: left;} + +.pagenum { /* uncomment the next line for invisible page numbers */ + /* visibility: hidden; */ + position: absolute; + left: 92%; + font-size: small; + text-align: right; + font-style: normal; + font-weight: normal; + font-variant: normal; + text-indent: 0; +} /* page numbers */ + +.up {font-size: 220%;} +.xlarge {font-size: 140%;} +.large {font-size: 120%;} +.less {font-size: 90%;} + +.c {text-align: center;} + +.sp {word-spacing: 0.3em;} + +.hang { + text-indent: -1.5em; + padding-left: 1.5em; +} + +/* Images */ + +img { + max-width: 100%; + height: auto; +} +img.w100 {width: 100%;} + + +.figcenter { + margin: auto; + text-align: center; + page-break-inside: avoid; + max-width: 100%; + margin-bottom: 4em; +} + +/* Transcriber's notes */ +.transnote {background-color: #E6E6FA; + color: black; + font-size:small; + padding:0.5em; + margin-bottom:5em; + margin-top:3em; + font-family:sans-serif, serif; + border: .3em double gray; + padding: 1em; +} + + </style> +</head> +<body> +<div style='text-align:center'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 77721 ***</div> + +<div class="figcenter"> +<img src="images/cover.jpg" alt="cover"> +</div> + +<table> + +<tr> + <td class="tdl">LITTLE BLUE BOOK NO.<br> +Edited by E. Haldeman-Julius</td> + <td class="tdl"><span class="up">452</span></td></tr> + + +</table> + + +<h1>A Dictionary of<br> +Scientific Terms</h1> + +<p class="c sp xlarge">Leo Markun</p> + + +<p class="c sp xlarge p2">HALDEMAN-JULIUS PUBLICATIONS<br> +GIRARD, KANSAS +</p> +<hr class="full x-ebookmaker-drop"> + + +<div class="chapter"> +<p class="c sp large"> +Copyright, 1927<br> +Haldeman-Julius Company</p> +<br> +<p class="c sp less"> +PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA +</p> +</div> +<hr class="full x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_3">[Pg 3]</span></p> + +<p class="c xlarge sp">A DICTIONARY OF SCIENTIFIC TERMS</p> +</div> + +<p class="c">PREFACE</p> + + +<p>Completeness is a virtue which this little +Blue Book cannot, in the nature of things, possess. +If any reader is disappointed not to find +it here, I must respectfully direct his attention +to the three ponderous tomes which make up a +well-known dictionary of chemistry, to the still +larger and more numerous volumes devoted to +a dictionary of applied physics, and to other +similar works. The sciences are many, and the +words which they employ exclusively or in +senses peculiar to themselves are exceedingly +numerous.</p> + +<p>Physics, chemistry, and biology contribute the +greatest number of words to the present dictionary. +A few terms used in other sciences +are included, chiefly to show what I believe the +proper scope of a dictionary of scientific terms +to be. There is a genuine need for a large dictionary, +which ought to be of about the same +size as Webster’s Collegiate or the Oxford Concise, +and which should deal with the vocabularies +of economics, anthropology, sociology, +and psychology as well as with those of mechanics, +geology, astronomy, and all the older +sciences. Such a dictionary should be written +by specialists in the various fields of knowledge +with the aid of a skilled etymologist, and +under the supervision of an editor who is not +himself a professional scientist. It would be<span class="pagenum" id="Page_4">[Pg 4]</span> +his special task to see that the definitions are +intelligible to non-specialists, and to literate +laymen in particular.</p> + +<p>Of course no dictionary can take the place of +primers of the sciences. There are a number of +excellent ones in this series, some of which I +referred to in writing this book. It is in many +cases impossible to give adequate explanations +in a few words. Besides, the scientific writers +themselves frequently quarrel about the true +meaning of such a word as <i>ether</i> or <i>instinct</i>.</p> + +<p>I have dealt here with a number of words +which are of significance when we try to set +the limits of science. <i>Common sense</i>, <i>philosophy</i>, +<i>theology</i>, and <i>superstition</i> are examples. +The claims of several branches of knowledge +to be considered sciences are also taken up.</p> +<hr class="full x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_5">[Pg 5]</span></p> + +<p class="c xlarge sp">A DICTIONARY OF SCIENTIFIC TERMS</p> +</div> + +<div class="hang"> + +<p><i>Abasia.</i> The inability to walk, especially when +it is caused by mental disorder.</p> + +<p><i>Abdomen.</i> The hind part of insects, spiders, +etc. The belly, including the nutritive organs.</p> + +<p><i>Aberrant.</i> Diverging from normal type.</p> + +<p><i>Aberration.</i> The non-convergence of rays of +light to a focus. The apparent displacement +of the true position of a heavenly body.</p> + +<p><i>Abiogenesis.</i> Spontaneous generation.</p> + +<p><i>Abnormal.</i> Deviating from type.</p> + +<p><i>Aborigines.</i> The inhabitants of a region, or, in +some cases, the plants and animals, found by +colonists. Literally, those that have been in +the land from the beginning of things.</p> + +<p><i>Abort.</i> Have premature delivery of a child. +Remain undeveloped or sterile, or dwindle +away.</p> + +<p><i>Absolute.</i> Pure. The absolute, philosophically +speaking, is final and total reality.</p> + +<p><i>Absorption.</i> Disappearance through incorporation +in something else. The solution of a gas +in a liquid is called absorption. Rays of light +may be absorbed in some mediums.</p> + +<p><i>Abstract.</i> Theoretical, aside from particular +instances.</p> + +<p><i>Abulia.</i> Weakness of will.</p> + +<p><i>Abyssal.</i> Relating to the depths of the sea.</p> + +<p><i>Acaulescent.</i> Apparently stemless.</p> + +<p><i>Acceleration.</i> Rate of increase of velocity per +time unit. Rate of change of the velocity of +a chemical reaction. The acceleration of a +star is the time it gains daily over the sun.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_6">[Pg 6]</span></p> + +<p><i>Accident.</i> A property which is not essential to +our conception of a subject.</p> + +<p><i>Achene.</i> A small, dry, indehiscent, one-seeded +fruit.</p> + +<p><i>Achromatic.</i> Colorless, transmitting light without +decomposing it.</p> + +<p><i>Acid.</i> A substance that neutralizes and is neutralized +by a base, and which contains hydrogen. +A compound that produces hydrogen +ions when it decomposes in aqueous solution.</p> + +<p><i>Actinium.</i> A radioactive substance, believed to +be an element.</p> + +<p><i>Actinozoan.</i> One of a class of coelenterates including +the corals.</p> + +<p><i>Aculeate.</i> Having a sting, prickly.</p> + +<p><i>Acuminate.</i> Tapering to a point.</p> + +<p><i>Adiabatic.</i> Maintaining a constant temperature.</p> + +<p><i>Adrenalin.</i> A crystalline substance obtained +from suprarenal extract.</p> + +<p><i>Adsorption.</i> The condensation of dissolved +substances on the surface of a liquid or solid.</p> + +<p><i>Adventitious.</i> Not in the usual place, as a root.</p> + +<p><i>Aerial.</i> Atmospheric.</p> + +<p><i>Affect.</i> Disease, emotional complex.</p> + +<p><i>Afferent.</i> Conducting inward.</p> + +<p><i>Agoraphobia.</i> The morbid fear of public places.</p> + +<p><i>Agronomics.</i> The science of crop production. +The scientific management of land.</p> + +<p><i>Agrostology.</i> The study of the grasses.</p> + +<p><i>Air.</i> The atmosphere, a gaseous substance of +which oxygen and nitrogen are the principal +constituents.</p> + +<p><i>Air pump.</i> A pump for forcing air into, or +taking it out of, hollow places.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_7">[Pg 7]</span></p> + +<p><i>Albino.</i> An animal, especially a human being, +characterized by the congenital absence of +coloring pigment in the skin, hair, and eyes. +The typical albino has very light skin and +hair and pink eyes.</p> + +<p><i>Albumen.</i> A substance, usually edible, found +between the skin embryo of seeds.</p> + +<p><i>Albumin.</i> A class of proteids found in blood +serum, milk, and muscle.</p> + +<p><i>Alcohol.</i> Ethyl alcohol, the substance which +causes intoxication, and a whole class of substances +which are similar to it. They are +hydroxides of organic radicals.</p> + +<p><i>Alga.</i> Seaweed. Chiefly used in the plural: +algae.</p> + +<p><i>Alkali.</i> Caustic hydroxides which form soluble +soaps with fatty acids and turn red litmus +paper blue.</p> + +<p><i>Allotropy.</i> Variation of physical properties +without change of substance. Carbon, for example, +may exist as lampblack, graphite, or +the diamond.</p> + +<p><i>Alloy.</i> A mixture (not a compound) of metals.</p> + +<p><i>Alluvium.</i> The deposit of earth and other materials +by the mechanical action of running +water. More familiar is the adjective: alluvial.</p> + +<p><i>Alpha rays.</i> Becquerel rays which have less +power of penetration than beta rays but +greater power of inducing conductivity in +gases.</p> + +<p><i>Alpine.</i> Relating to a mountain district so high +that it has arctic climate.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_8">[Pg 8]</span></p> + +<p><i>Alum.</i> A double sulphate of aluminium and +potassium. Other sulphates of similar crystalline +form are also known as alums.</p> + +<p><i>Aluminium.</i> A metallic element. The spelling +given is the usual one in Great Britain, and +it is also the one employed by American chemists. +In ordinary use in the United States: +aluminum. The symbol: Al.</p> + +<p><i>Amalgam.</i> An alloy containing mercury. To +amalgamate is to form an amalgam.</p> + +<p><i>Ammeter.</i> An instrument for measuring the +strength of electric currents in amperes.</p> + +<p><i>Amorphous.</i> Uncrystallized.</p> + +<p><i>Ampere.</i> Sometimes spelled: ampère. The unit +of electric current, the current that one volt +can send through one ohm.</p> + +<p><i>Amphibia.</i> A division of Vertebrata, intermediate +between reptiles and fishes, including +the frog. The study of Amphibia is +known as amphibiology.</p> + +<p><i>Amplexicaul.</i> Encircling or clasping a stem.</p> + +<p><i>Anabolism.</i> Constructive metabolism.</p> + +<p><i>Analogy.</i> Functional correspondence between +parts of different origin and structure.</p> + +<p><i>Analysis.</i> Resolution into simple elements, as +by chemical processes. In mathematics, algebraic +investigation.</p> + +<p><i>Anandrous.</i> Without stamens.</p> + +<p><i>Anaphylaxis.</i> Excessive susceptibility to an +albuminous substance.</p> + +<p><i>Anatomy.</i> The science of bodily structure.</p> + +<p><i>Anemograph.</i> An instrument for recording +the direction and force of wind.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</span></p> + +<p><i>Aneroid barometer.</i> A barometer in which +there is no liquid, the pressure of the air being +measured by its action on the elastic lid +of a box in which a partial vacuum has been +created.</p> + +<p><i>Angiosperm.</i> A plant of a class which has its +seeds in a closed ovary.</p> + +<p><i>Anhydrous.</i> Without water of crystallization +or water in general.</p> + +<p><i>Animal.</i> A living being distinguished from +plants in that it is capable of voluntary motion +and sensation. Some recent investigations +appear to lead to the conclusion that +other differentia will have to be adopted. +The human being, incidentally, is an animal, +although popular language sometimes distinguishes +man from the animals.</p> + +<p><i>Animalcule.</i> A minute animal, usually one +which cannot be seen with the naked eye.</p> + +<p><i>Anion.</i> A negative ion.</p> + +<p><i>Annual.</i> A plant that lives only for a year.</p> + +<p><i>Annulate</i>, <i>annulated</i>. Ringed.</p> + +<p><i>Anode.</i> A positive electrode.</p> + +<p><i>Antenna.</i> Feeler, sensory organ found in pairs +on heads of insects and crustacea. Irritable +processes found in some male flowers. An +elevated conductor for receiving or transmitting +electric waves. Plural: antennæ.</p> + +<p><i>Anther.</i> The part of the stamen which contains +the pollen.</p> + +<p><i>Anthropogeography.</i> The science which treats +of geography as applied to man. That part +of anthropology dealing with the effect of the +environment on human beings. There are a<span class="pagenum" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</span> +number of compounds beginning with anthro-. +The meaning may often be understood by +remembering that the Greek word <i>anthropos</i> +means man, not as opposed to woman but as +excluding the non-human.</p> + +<p><i>Anthropology.</i> The study of man as an animal, +with respect to race, distribution, culture, and +social organization.</p> + +<p><i>Anticlinal.</i> Forming a ridge with strata leaning +in opposite directions from an axis. Having +an upright spine toward which spines on +both sides lean.</p> + +<p><i>Anticyclone.</i> An outward and rotary flow of +air from an atmospheric area of high pressure.</p> + +<p><i>Antidote.</i> A medicine used to counteract a +poison or disease.</p> + +<p><i>Antimony.</i> An element of metallic appearance. +Symbol: Sb.</p> + +<p><i>Anus.</i> The posterior opening of the alimentary +canal.</p> + +<p><i>Apetalous.</i> Without petals.</p> + +<p><i>Aphasia.</i> Loss of speech from a brain injury.</p> + +<p><i>Aphelion.</i> The point in the orbit of a planet or +comet farthest from the sun.</p> + +<p><i>Apheliotropic.</i> Turning away from the sun.</p> + +<p><i>Apogee.</i> The point in the orbit of a planet or +the moon where it is farthest from the earth.</p> + +<p><i>Aponeurosis.</i> The flat, dense connective tissue +covering and forming the attachments of certain +muscles.</p> + +<p><i>Aquatic.</i> Growing or living in or near the +water.</p> + +<p><i>Arachnida.</i> A class of animals including spiders +and scorpions.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</span></p> + +<p><i>Arachnoid.</i> Covered with long, thin hairs. A +serous membrane enveloping the brain and +spinal cord.</p> + +<p><i>Arboreal.</i> Living in or connected with trees.</p> + +<p><i>Archeology.</i> The study of prehistoric antiquity, +or sometimes of antiquity which is +not prehistoric.</p> + +<p><i>Archean.</i> Also: Archaean. Relating to the +earliest geological period.</p> + +<p><i>Arenicolous.</i> Living in the sand.</p> + +<p><i>Argon.</i> A gaseous element found in the atmosphere +in small amounts. Symbol: A.</p> + +<p><i>Arsenic.</i> A semi-metallic element. Symbol: As.</p> + +<p><i>Art.</i> Skill of various sorts. Knowledge from +the practical point of view. H. W. Fowler +distinguishes it from science: “Science +knows, art does; a science is a body of connected +facts, an art is a set of directions; +the facts of science (errors not being such) +are the same for all people, circumstances, +and occasions; the directions of art vary with +the artist and the task.” According to the +Oxford English Dictionary: “The distinction +as commonly apprehended is that a science +is concerned with theoretic truth, and an art +with methods for effecting certain results. +Sometimes, however, the term <i>science</i> is extended +to denote a department of practical +work which depends on the knowledge and +conscious application of principles; an art, +on the other hand, being understood to require +merely knowledge of traditional rules +and skill acquired by habit.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</span></p> + +<p><i>Articulation.</i> A joint, as between bones or +parts of plants, especially between parts +which may separate at any time.</p> + +<p><i>Ascendant.</i> Rising toward the zenith.</p> + +<p><i>Asexual.</i> Without sex.</p> + +<p><i>Assay.</i> A sort of analysis, especially of metals.</p> + +<p><i>Association.</i> Mental connection. The word +has also three or four meanings in chemistry, +which cannot be explained briefly.</p> + +<p><i>Asteroid.</i> A minor planet.</p> + +<p><i>Astronomy.</i> The science of the heavenly bodies.</p> + +<p><i>Astrophysics.</i> The science which deals with +the constitution of the heavenly bodies. It +is a branch of astronomy.</p> + +<p><i>Atmosphere.</i> The gaseous envelope about a +heavenly body. Especially the air which surrounds +the earth. As a measurement, a pressure +of fifteen pounds per square inch.</p> + +<p><i>Atom.</i> The smallest particle of an element that +enters into combination. According to old +definitions, it is indivisible.</p> + +<p><i>Aurora.</i> A luminous atmospheric phenomenon. +The aurora borealis radiates from the north +magnetic pole, the aurora australis from the +south magnetic pole of the earth.</p> + +<p><i>Avogadro’s Hypothesis.</i> The assumption that +equal volumes of gases contain equal numbers +of molecules if conditions of temperature and +pressure are the same. It appears to be close +to the truth.</p> + +<p><i>Axiom.</i> A truth which is considered self-evident.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</span></p> + +<p><i>Bacillus.</i> One of a sort of rod-shaped bacteria. +Loosely, any bacterium. Plural: bacilli. The +Oxford English Dictionary distinguishes bacillus +from bacterium, “with which it agrees +in its rodlike form, and characterized by its +larger size and mode of reproduction.”</p> + +<p><i>Bacterium.</i> More familiar in plural: bacteria. +A group of vegetable microörganisms. Not +all cause disease.</p> + +<p><i>Barbarian.</i> Of a civilization intermediate between +one which is called savage and the +most complex forms.</p> + +<p><i>Barium.</i> A silver-white element, classed as a +metal. Symbol: Ba.</p> + +<p><i>Barometer.</i> An instrument used to measure +atmospheric pressure, and thus to predict +storms or determine altitudes.</p> + +<p><i>Base.</i> A substance which can neutralize acids +to form a salt. The term includes alkalis. +Part of an organ (of a plant or animal) attached +to another organ which is more central.</p> + +<p><i>Batrachia.</i> An order of amphibians which have +no tails in the adult stage.</p> + +<p><i>Battery.</i> A system of cells (sometimes used +for a single cell) which changes chemical +energy into electricity.</p> + +<p><i>Becquerel rays.</i> Rays emitted by radium and +other substances which are susceptible to deflection +by electricity and which electrically +charge other bodies.</p> + +<p><i>Behaviorism.</i> Watson’s psychological system. +Opposed to introspective psychology, and it +emphasizes the physiology of human behavior.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</span></p> + +<p><i>Bessemer steel.</i> Steel made from cast iron by +a process which burns out carbon, sulphur, +and phosphorus.</p> + +<p><i>Beta rays.</i> Becquerel rays which are apparently +identical with cathode rays.</p> + +<p><i>Bichloride.</i> A compound in which there are +two atoms of chlorine in the molecule.</p> + +<p><i>Biennial.</i> A plant that rises one year and +flowers, fructifies, and dies the next.</p> + +<p><i>Binary.</i> Composed of two elements.</p> + +<p><i>Biochemistry.</i> The chemical study of living +organisms and their products.</p> + +<p><i>Biology.</i> The science of living organisms.</p> + +<p><i>Biophore.</i> The indivisible unit of life. The +biophore cannot support life if split up.</p> + +<p><i>Bird.</i> One of a class of feathered and warm-blooded +vertebrate animals.</p> + +<p><i>Bisexual.</i> Pertaining to, or containing the +organs of, both sexes.</p> + +<p><i>Bismuth.</i> A metallic element. Symbol: Bi.</p> + +<p><i>Boron.</i> A non-metallic solid element. Symbol: +B.</p> + +<p><i>Botany.</i> The science of plants.</p> + +<p><i>Boyle’s Law.</i> The theory that the pressure exerted +by air is directly proportional to its +density. This is now believed to be true only +approximately.</p> + +<p><i>Brachycephalic.</i> Pertaining to skulls of which +the breadth is at least four-fifths of the +length. Short-headed.</p> + +<p><i>Brass.</i> An alloy of copper and zinc.</p> + +<p><i>British Thermal Unit.</i> The amount of heat +which is capable of raising the temperature of +one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. +The usual abbreviation: B.T.U.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</span></p> + +<p><i>Bromine.</i> A liquid element. Symbol: Br.</p> + +<p><i>Bronze.</i> An alloy of copper and tin, usually +with small amounts of zinc.</p> + +<p><i>Brownian movement.</i> A movement of minute +drops of oil suspended in stagnant air, apparently +due to molecular motion.</p> + +<p><i>Bunsen burner.</i> A sort of burner much used +by chemists, within which air and fuel gas +are mixed.</p> + +<p><i>Burn.</i> To oxidize in such a way that heat and +light are produced.</p> + +<p><i>Cadmium.</i> A metallic element. Symbol: Cd.</p> + +<p><i>Caesium.</i> A metallic element. Symbol: Cs. It +somewhat resembles potassium.</p> + +<p><i>Calcium.</i> A metallic element. Symbol: Ca. +Compounds of calcium are common, but the +element is not to be found in a pure state.</p> + +<p><i>Calculus.</i> Solid concretion in the body. A +branch of mathematics, differential and integral +calculus, which deals with problems +of constant variation or motion, and which +has been of great importance in modern +science.</p> + +<p><i>Calorie.</i> The unit of heat, the amount of heat +necessary to raise the temperature of a gram +of water one degree Centigrade. This is the +small calorie. Confusion sometimes results +because the large calorie, which is one thousand +times the small one, is called simply the +calorie, without any qualification, in discussions +about food. It is sometimes known as +the great calorie. The small calorie is best +called the gram-calorie.</p> + +<p><i>Calorimeter.</i> An instrument for measuring +quantities (not degrees) of heat.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</span></p> + +<p><i>Calyx.</i> The outer case of a bud.</p> + +<p><i>Cambrian.</i> Relating to the lowest of the Paleozoic +rocks and the earliest part of the Paleozoic +period.</p> + +<p><i>Candlepower.</i> The unit of illumination, measured +by a standard candle. The illumination +produced one foot away from a standard +candle is the candle foot.</p> + +<p><i>Capillarity</i> or <i>capillary attraction</i>. A phenomenon +best illustrated in very slender (capillary) +tubes, in which the liquid rises, or, if +it does not wet the tube, sinks. In the latter +case we speak of capillary repulsion.</p> + +<p><i>Capital.</i> In economics, wealth employed for the +purpose of production.</p> + +<p><i>Carbolic acid.</i> Phenol, not a true acid.</p> + +<p><i>Carbon.</i> An element which exists in three allotropic +forms. Symbol: C. The oxides are important, +and there are many organic compounds.</p> + +<p><i>Carboniferous.</i> Pertaining to a Paleozoic (geological) +period following the Devonian.</p> + +<p><i>Carburetor</i> or <i>carburettor</i>. A device which +mixes air with petroleum vapor, or one which +puts illuminants into water gas.</p> + +<p><i>Cardio—.</i> Heart—, in many combinations.</p> + +<p><i>Carina.</i> A ridge-shaped structure.</p> + +<p><i>Carnivora.</i> The flesh-eating mammals.</p> + +<p><i>Carpel.</i> An organ which is part of the pistil.</p> + +<p><i>Catabolism.</i> Destructive metabolism.</p> + +<p><i>Catalysis.</i> The effect produced by a substance +(called the catalyst, the catalytic agent, or +the catalyzer) which aids a chemical change +in other bodies, undergoing no change of its +own.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</span></p> + +<p><i>Cathode rays.</i> Rays discharged from the cathode +(negative pole) of a vacuum tube. They +are considered streams of electrons, which +may be projected at a velocity of 100,000 +miles per second.</p> + +<p><i>Caudal.</i> Relating to the tail.</p> + +<p><i>Cause.</i> That which brings about something +else (an effect). Professor Adam Leroy Jones +says: “It has been objected that we can +never observe one thing producing another; +that we can at most observe that one thing +is followed by another, and perhaps find +reason for believing that it will always have +such connection; and that to say that A <i>produces</i> +B, is to raise a metaphysical question +with which science and everyday thinking +are not concerned.... Is it sufficient to +say that cause means simply invariable connection? +No, for the succession of day and +night is an invariable succession. The notion +of cause implies that the relation of cause +and effect not only <i>is</i> invariable, but also +that it must <i>be</i> so; that there is an <i>unconditional</i> +or necessary connection between the +two; that if the first does not happen, the +second cannot.... A causal law is a statement, +in general terms, of a causal connection.”</p> + +<p><i>Cell.</i> A battery unit, a device for changing +chemical energy into electricity. The structural +unit of which living beings are composed. +An enclosed cavity in an organism +or a mineral. A covering which protects the +eggs or the young of certain animals.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</span></p> + +<p><i>Celsius.</i> Centigrade (thermometer).</p> + +<p><i>Cenogetic.</i> Pertaining to individual development +which does not repeat the development +of the group of which the individual is a +member.</p> + +<p><i>Cenozoic.</i> Relating to the geological age of the +mammals. It is still in existence.</p> + +<p><i>Center of gravity.</i> The point in a body where +its entire weight may be assumed to be concentrated.</p> + +<p><i>Centigrade.</i> A thermometer, or the scale on +which it is based, with the boiling point of +water at 100 and the freezing point at zero, +under standard conditions of pressure. Abbreviation: +C. Such a scale is far more useful +to scientists than that of Fahrenheit.</p> + +<p><i>Centimeter.</i> One hundredth of a meter.</p> + +<p><i>Centrifugal.</i> Flying or tending to fly away +from the center.</p> + +<p><i>Centripetal.</i> Tending to move toward the +center.</p> + +<p><i>Centrosome.</i> A minute body found in the cytoplasm +or the nucleus of some (biological) +cells.</p> + +<p><i>Centrum.</i> The center of an earthquake.</p> + +<p><i>Cephalic.</i> Relating to the head.</p> + +<p><i>Cephalopoda.</i> The highest class of mollusks.</p> + +<p><i>Cereal.</i> A grass which produces edible grain.</p> + +<p><i>Cerium.</i> A metallic element. Symbol: Ce.</p> + +<p><i>Cetacea.</i> The order of mammals including the +whales.</p> + +<p><i>Chemistry.</i> The science which deals with the +composition of matter and its transformations.</p> + +<p><i>Chiroptera.</i> An order containing the bats.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</span></p> + +<p><i>Chloride.</i> A chlorine compound.</p> + +<p><i>Chlorine.</i> A gaseous element. Symbol: Cl.</p> + +<p><i>Chlorophyll.</i> The coloring-matter of green +parts of plants.</p> + +<p><i>Chromatic aberration.</i> The colored fringe seen +at the edges of images formed by a simple +lens, because of the difference in wave +lengths of the various rays.</p> + +<p><i>Chromium.</i> A metallic element. Symbol: Cr.</p> + +<p><i>Chromo-.</i> Color-, in many compounds. Also: +chroma-, chromato-.</p> + +<p><i>Chromosome.</i> One of the small bodies formed +out of a protoplasmic substance (chromatin) +in the nucleus before a cell divides.</p> + +<p><i>Civilization.</i> An advanced stage of culture. +Civilization is sometimes contrasted with +culture, but the matter is one which cannot +be considered here.</p> + +<p><i>Class.</i> A group of animals or plants, more +comprehensive than an order and less so than +a phylum.</p> + +<p><i>Climate.</i> The average weather conditions of a +particular place or region.</p> + +<p><i>Cobalt.</i> A metallic element. Symbol: Co.</p> + +<p><i>Coccus.</i> A spherical bacterium. A sort of +carpel.</p> + +<p><i>Coelenterata.</i> A phylum of invertebrate animals +including the corals.</p> + +<p><i>Cohesion.</i> Molecular attraction within a body.</p> + +<p><i>Colloid.</i> Not crystalloid. A substance which +does not form a true solution. Colloidal +liquids have very little osmotic pressure.</p> + +<p><i>Columbium</i> or <i>niobium</i>. A metallic element. +Symbol: Cb.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</span></p> + +<p><i>Combustion.</i> Oxidation accompanied by the +production of heat and light. Less frequently, +the word is used for a combination which +is not oxidation or where no heat or light is +produced.</p> + +<p><i>Common sense.</i> Ordinary and non-scientific +thought processes. Scientific thinking is +more exact and more fertile.</p> + +<p><i>Community.</i> A social group.</p> + +<p><i>Comparative.</i> Involving comparison, as between +man and the other animals.</p> + +<p><i>Complex.</i> In psycho-analysis, a cluster of ideas +and mental images joined together by a +stressed emotion; especially such a cluster +that is thrust out of consciousness (repressed).</p> + +<p><i>Component of a force.</i> The effective value of +a force in a given direction.</p> + +<p><i>Compound.</i> A substance consisting of two or +more chemical elements in combination.</p> + +<p><i>Compound animal, flower, leaf, etc.</i> An animal, +etc., consisting of a combination of organisms +or simple parts.</p> + +<p><i>Conation.</i> Will, directing power, effort.</p> + +<p><i>Concave.</i> Curved like the interior of a circle +or sphere.</p> + +<p><i>Concept</i> or <i>conception</i>. The idea, notion, or +thought held about anything. Conception includes +symbol and meaning.</p> + +<p><i>Condense.</i> Change from gas to liquid. Concentrate +(electricity). Of organic compounds, +react in a certain way so as to form new +bonds.</p> + +<p><i>Conduct.</i> Carry heat or electricity.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</span></p> + +<p><i>Conductance.</i> Ability to conduct. The word is +used to describe the property of a conductor.</p> + +<p><i>Conductivity.</i> Power to conduct (heat or electricity).</p> + +<p><i>Conductor.</i> That which readily conducts (heat +or electricity).</p> + +<p><i>Congeal.</i> Solidify, freeze.</p> + +<p><i>Connate.</i> United from the beginning.</p> + +<p><i>Constant.</i> A quantity that does not vary, or +one that does not change under given conditions.</p> + +<p><i>Convex.</i> Curved like the outside of a circle or +sphere.</p> + +<p><i>Coördinate.</i> Each of a system of magnitudes +used to fix the position of a point, line, or +plane.</p> + +<p><i>Copernican.</i> Relating to the theory that the +planets (one of which is the earth) move +around the sun.</p> + +<p><i>Copper.</i> An important metallic element. Symbol: Cu.</p> + +<p><i>Corolla.</i> The inner envelope of a flower.</p> + +<p><i>Corona.</i> A small disk of light around the sun +or moon. An appendage on top of a seed or +the inner part of the corolla.</p> + +<p><i>Cotyledon.</i> One of the first leaves in the embryo +of a higher flower.</p> + +<p><i>Coulomb.</i> The amount of electricity carried in +one second by one ampere.</p> + +<p><i>Cretaceous.</i> Of or like chalk. Relating to the +last Mesozoic period.</p> + +<p><i>Cri.</i> The common respiratory infections, such +as the common cold, influenza, etc.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</span></p> + +<p><i>Criminology.</i> The scientific study of crime and +criminals.</p> + +<p><i>Cross-pollination.</i> The transfer of pollen from +the anthers of one flower to the stigma of +another flower of the same kind.</p> + +<p><i>Crustacea.</i> A class of hard-shelled arthropods, +including lobsters and crabs.</p> + +<p><i>Crystal.</i> An aggregation of molecules with +definite internal structure and external form +of a solid enclosed by symmetrically arranged +plane faces. A crystal is formed when certain +liquids or gases solidify (crystallize). +The study of crystal structure is crystallography.</p> + +<p><i>Ctenophora.</i> A class of low animals comprising +certain jellyfish.</p> + +<p><i>Cycle.</i> A series of operations in a heat engine. +A two-cycle engine is one with a cycle of +two strokes. Properly, it should be called a +two-stroke-cycle engine.</p> + +<p><i>Cyclone.</i> A violent wind of low diameter. A +circular wind system about an area of low +pressure.</p> + +<p><i>Cyst.</i> A hollow organ containing a liquid secretion.</p> + +<p><i>Cyto-.</i> Cell-, in compounds.</p> + +<p><i>Cytoplasm.</i> Cell protoplasm, not including the +nucleus.</p> + +<p><i>Darwinism.</i> Organic evolution in general. The +theory that the origin of species is due to +natural selection, as developed by Charles +Robert Darwin. All biologists worthy of the +name believe in evolution, but by no means +all accept Darwinism in the narrow sense.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</span></p> + +<p><i>Declination.</i> The angular distance of a heavenly +body north or south of the celestial +equator. The deviation of a magnetic needle +from true north.</p> + +<p><i>Decurrent.</i> Extending downward, as the base +of a leaf.</p> + +<p><i>Dehydrate.</i> Remove water, dry.</p> + +<p><i>Dendrology.</i> The scientific study of trees.</p> + +<p><i>Devonian.</i> Of the geological formation between +the Silurian and the Carboniferous.</p> + +<p><i>Dew point.</i> The temperature at which the air +is saturated with water-vapor.</p> + +<p><i>Diadelphous.</i> Formed into two bundles. (Of +stamens.)</p> + +<p><i>Diandrous.</i> With two stamens.</p> + +<p><i>Dielectric.</i> Insulating, insulator of electricity.</p> + +<p><i>Diesel engine.</i> An internal combustion motor +which compresses the air highly and which +successfully burns oil which is unsuitable for +the ordinary motor of an automobile.</p> + +<p><i>Disease.</i> Malady. Of some foods and drinks, +an impairment in quality caused by bacteria.</p> + +<p><i>Dissipation of energy.</i> The change of energy +to such a form that it cannot be used to do +work.</p> + +<p><i>Dissociate.</i> Ionize, decompose, split up.</p> + +<p><i>Doldrums.</i> A region of calms and light winds +near the equator.</p> + +<p><i>Dolichocephalic.</i> Long-headed, having a skull +with the breadth less than four-fifths of the +length.</p> + +<p><i>Drug.</i> A medicine, a medicinal agent, especially +one of vegetable origin.</p> + +<p><i>Dynamics.</i> The branch of physics dealing with +forces.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</span></p> + +<p><i>Dyne.</i> The amount of force that acts for a +single second on a mass of one gram to give +it a velocity of one centimeter per second.</p> + +<p><i>Eccentric.</i> Not concentric to a given circle. +Arranged to change rotary motion back and +forth.</p> + +<p><i>Echinoderm.</i> One of a class of animals including +the sea-urchins.</p> + +<p><i>Eclipse.</i> Of a heavenly body, obscured by passing +between it and the observer or its source +of light.</p> + +<p><i>Ecliptic.</i> The apparent orbit of the sun.</p> + +<p><i>Ecology.</i> The science dealing with the relations +between organisms and their environment.</p> + +<p><i>Economics.</i> The science of wealth, especially +of its production, distribution, and consumption.</p> + +<p><i>Edentate.</i> Toothless or without canine teeth.</p> + +<p><i>Effect.</i> See Cause.</p> + +<p><i>Efferent.</i> Carrying outward or away.</p> + +<p><i>Efficiency.</i> The ratio between the amount of +work put into a machine and the amount derived +from it.</p> + +<p><i>Efflorescence.</i> The loss of water of crystallization.</p> + +<p><i>Electricity.</i> A peculiar condition of the molecules +of a body or of the ether surrounding +the molecules, or else a sort of fluid or other +matter in the form of small bodies called +electrons. It is easier to tell what electricity +does or how it is produced than to define it, +especially since physicists have not been able +to agree about its precise nature.</p> + +<p><i>Electrode.</i> Either pole of a cell.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</span></p> + +<p><i>Electrolysis.</i> The decomposition of a compound +by means of an electric current.</p> + +<p><i>Electrolyte.</i> A substance which, in solution, +can carry an electric current to an appreciable +extent.</p> + +<p><i>Electron.</i> The electric charge of an atom. A +very small particle which is electrically +charged. The size of the electron has been +variously calculated, and some physicists declare +that the negative electron has only +1/1700 the mass of a hydrogen atom.</p> + +<p><i>Element.</i> One of a number of substances formerly +considered to be indivisible. An electric +cell.</p> + +<p><i>Emanation.</i> A gaseous substance produced by +a radioactive material.</p> + +<p><i>Embryo.</i> The offspring of an animal before +birth or emergence from the egg. The scientific +study of the embryo is called embryology.</p> + +<p><i>Endogenous.</i> Growing from within.</p> + +<p><i>Endosperm.</i> The nutritive tissue enclosed with +the embryo in seeds.</p> + +<p><i>Endothelium.</i> The layer of cells lining blood +vessels, the interior of the heart, etc.</p> + +<p><i>Energy.</i> Ability to do work or change the nature +of bodies. Heat and light are considered +forms of energy.</p> + +<p><i>Entomology.</i> The study of insects.</p> + +<p><i>Environment.</i> Surrounding conditions, influences, +and powers of all sorts. Everything +which, directly or indirectly, affects the fate +of an organism forms part of its environment.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</span></p> + +<p><i>Eocene.</i> Relating to the lowest division of the +Tertiary strata.</p> + +<p><i>Epiphyte.</i> A plant which grows upon another +but which is not fed by it. A vegetable +parasite on an animal body.</p> + +<p><i>Equation.</i> A compensation for inaccuracy. +In mathematics, a formula affirming the +equivalence of two expressions. An expression +in symbols of a chemical reaction.</p> + +<p><i>Equinox.</i> The time when the sun crosses the +equator, and day and night are of equal +length.</p> + +<p><i>Erbium.</i> A metallic element. Symbol: Er.</p> + +<p><i>Erg.</i> The work done by a force that, when it +acts for one second on mass of one gram, +produces a velocity of one centimeter per +second.</p> + +<p><i>Erosion.</i> Gradual destruction or wearing away, +as of land by water.</p> + +<p><i>Esthetics.</i> Also spelled: æsthetics. The study +of beauty. It is, at present, rather an art or +a branch of philosophy than an exact science.</p> + +<p><i>Ether.</i> An anesthetic liquid. Totally distinct +is this meaning: the medium through which +light-waves pass, which is supposed to have +a density infinitely less than that of the +lightest gas. The nature of the ether is in +dispute.</p> + +<p><i>Ethics.</i> The branch of philosophy concerned +with human conduct. It may at some future +time rank as a science.</p> + +<p><i>Ethnology.</i> The science dealing with the races +of mankind. It has not, alas, always been +thoroughly scientific.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</span></p> + +<p><i>Ethyl alcohol.</i> The alcohol which cheers and +also inebriates men. Before Prohibition, +practically the only kind of alcohol which +people drank.</p> + +<p><i>Europium.</i> A metallic element. Symbol: Eu.</p> + +<p><i>Evaporate.</i> Change (usually with no great +rapidity) from the liquid to the gaseous state.</p> + +<p><i>Evergreen.</i> A tree or shrub which has green +leaves in all seasons.</p> + +<p><i>Evolution.</i> Development, change. In biology, +the development of a race or species by gradual +change from another type. The Theory +of Evolution contradicts the notion that +every type was originally created in the form +which it now has.</p> + +<p><i>Experiment.</i> An event (or, in the case of the +verb: to bring about an event) designed for +observation, in order that an unknown fact +or principle may be brought to light, or simply +to instruct.</p> + +<p><i>Explain.</i> To reduce a phenomenon to the terms +of a general principle. To bring into a system.</p> + +<p><i>Fact.</i> Something which is true. If only a single +investigator has reported a certain circumstance +or condition, it is not likely to be +considered a fact by scientists.</p> + +<p><i>Factor.</i> A substance which takes part in a +chemical reaction.</p> + +<p><i>Facula.</i> A bright spot or streak on the sun.</p> + +<p><i>Fahrenheit.</i> A thermometric scale, in common +household use, but employed for scientific +purposes far less frequently than the Centigrade +scale. The boiling point of water is +212 degrees and the freezing point is 32 degrees +above zero.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</span></p> + +<p><i>Fair.</i> As used by the American Weather Bureau, +without rain, snow, or hail.</p> + +<p><i>Feces.</i> Excrement.</p> + +<p><i>Fecundate.</i> Impregnate, fertilize, make fruitful.</p> + +<p><i>Female.</i> Bearing fruit or offspring, pistillate.</p> + +<p><i>Ferment.</i> To cause an organic substance to +change or to work (used of organic substances), +because of the activity of yeast, or +of certain other living organisms or substances +derived from them.</p> + +<p><i>Filament.</i> The part of the stamen that supports +the anther. The conductor in an incandescent +electric light.</p> + +<p><i>Fish.</i> A member of a class of vertebrate and +cold-blooded animals having gills and usually +fins and scales.</p> + +<p><i>Flocculus.</i> A mass in the atmosphere of the +sun resembling wool or clouds.</p> + +<p><i>Florescence.</i> The time or condition of flowering.</p> + +<p><i>Flower.</i> The reproductive organ in a plant +which contains one or more pistils or stamens +or both, and typically a corolla and calyx. +To flower: to blossom or produce flowers.</p> + +<p><i>Fluid.</i> Moving readily. The fluids include the +liquids, the gases, perhaps the ether of space.</p> + +<p><i>Fluorescence.</i> The colored light produced in +some transparent bodies by the action of +ultra-violet rays. The property some substances +have of emitting light when exposed +to certain rays.</p> + +<p><i>Fluorine.</i> A gaseous element. Symbol: F.</p> + +<p><i>Focus.</i> The point at which rays meet after +reflection or refraction. Converging-point.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</span></p> + +<p><i>Force.</i> That which changes or tends to change +the motion of a body upon which it acts.</p> + +<p><i>Foreconscious.</i> Mental processes of which we +are aware only under special conditions. Of +a nature between conscious and unconscious.</p> + +<p><i>Forensic.</i> Used in law-courts.</p> + +<p><i>Formula.</i> A symbolic statement, as in mathematics +or chemistry.</p> + +<p><i>Fossil.</i> Something left of an animal or a plant +which lived in a former geological age.</p> + +<p><i>Freeze.</i> To change from a liquid to a solid, +especially by removing heat.</p> + +<p><i>Friction.</i> The resistance which one body encounters +in rubbing against another.</p> + +<p><i>Fruit.</i> A ripened ovary together with any +parts of the flower that may be attached +to it.</p> + +<p><i>Fulcrum.</i> The point where a lever is supported +or turns.</p> + +<p><i>Function.</i> A quantity related to another in +such a way that a change in one involves a +change in the other.</p> + +<p><i>Functional.</i> Having a use. Of a disease, not +affecting the structure of an organ, or of +the organ which is supposed to be diseased. +It is doubtful if there can be a disease which +does not change the structure of some organ.</p> + +<p><i>Fundamental notes.</i> The notes resulting when +a piano wire vibrates as a whole. The lowest +notes of chords.</p> + +<p><i>Fungus.</i> Plural: fungi. A cryptogamous (flowerless) +plant without chlorophyll. A morbid +growth.</p> + +<p><i>Fuse.</i> To change, usually by adding heat, from +solid to liquid form.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</span></p> + +<p><i>Gadolinium.</i> A metallic element. Symbol: Gd.</p> + +<p><i>Gallium.</i> A metallic element. Symbol: Ga.</p> + +<p><i>Gamete.</i> A sexual cell which unites with another +for reproduction.</p> + +<p><i>Gamma rays.</i> Becquerel rays which are more +penetrating than beta rays and are not deflected +by electricity. Equivalent or analogous +to X-rays.</p> + +<p><i>Ganglion.</i> An enlargement of the nerve from +which nerve-fibers radiate.</p> + +<p><i>Gas.</i> A fluid which tends to occupy the whole +volume of any vessel in which it is placed.</p> + +<p><i>Gastropoda.</i> A class of mollusks including the +snails.</p> + +<p><i>Geld.</i> Castrate.</p> + +<p><i>Generalization.</i> A universal assertion, a principle +applying not to any single fact but +rather to a large number. A general notion.</p> + +<p><i>Genetics.</i> The study of heredity and of the beginning +of variation.</p> + +<p><i>Genital.</i> Pertaining to reproduction and the +sexual organs.</p> + +<p><i>Genus.</i> In logic, a class which is divided into +sub-classes. In biology, a class of animals +usually containing several species. A single +genus may in some cases make up a genus +of its own, if it appears not to be closely +related to any other genus. Plural: genera. +The next higher group is the family.</p> + +<p><i>Geo-.</i> In combinations, earth——.</p> + +<p><i>Geography.</i> The study of the earth, especially +as the environment of man.</p> + +<p><i>Geology.</i> The study of the crust of the earth.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</span></p> + +<p><i>Germ.</i> A portion of an organism capable of becoming +a new one. Seed, microörganism. +Popularly, a germ is a bacterium which causes +disease.</p> + +<p><i>Germanium.</i> A metallic element. Symbol: Ge.</p> + +<p><i>Glacier.</i> A slowly-moving mass of ice formed +by the accumulation of snow on high ground.</p> + +<p><i>Gland.</i> An organ which secretes constituents of +the blood. Secreting cell or cells in plants.</p> + +<p><i>Glans.</i> The body at the end of the penis and +clitoris.</p> + +<p><i>Glass.</i> A substance made by mixing silicates +and including some alkali silicate. Not every +sort of glass is transparent.</p> + +<p><i>Glomerate.</i> Gathered in a compact group.</p> + +<p><i>Glottis.</i> The opening at the upper end of the +windpipe.</p> + +<p><i>Glucinum</i> or <i>beryllium</i>. A metallic element. +Symbol: Gl or Be.</p> + +<p><i>Glucose.</i> One of a group of sugars, including +grape sugar.</p> + +<p><i>Gneiss.</i> A sort of highly crystalline rock arranged +in layers, as of quartz and mica.</p> + +<p><i>Gold.</i> A metallic element. Symbol: Au.</p> + +<p><i>Gram.</i> The unit of weight in the metric system. +About the weight of a cubic centimeter +of water at its greatest density.</p> + +<p><i>Graph.</i> A symbolical diagram, as in mathematics +of chemistry.</p> + +<p><i>Gravity</i> or <i>gravitation</i>. The attraction existing +between bodies. If the earth draws a +falling apple, it is said that the apple also +draws the earth to it.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</span></p> + +<p><i>Gregarious.</i> Living in or pertaining to flocks, +groups, or communities. Social.</p> + +<p><i>Gymnosperm.</i> A plant whose seeds are not +enclosed in seed-vessels.</p> + +<p><i>Habit.</i> An action pattern; specifically, one +that has been acquired. In biology, a mode +of growth.</p> + +<p><i>Hallucination.</i> The perception of something +which is not actually present.</p> + +<p><i>Hardness.</i> The presence of certain salts in +water.</p> + +<p><i>Heat.</i> Energy which can be transmitted by +conduction or radiation, and which is expressed +in molecular motion.</p> + +<p><i>Helium.</i> A gaseous element. Symbol: He.</p> + +<p><i>Henry.</i> The unit of inductance. The inductance +in a circuit in which the induced electromotive +force is one volt when the inducing +current varies at the rate of one ampere per +second.</p> + +<p><i>Herb.</i> A plant whose stem is not woody or +persistent.</p> + +<p><i>Hermaphrodite.</i> An organism possessing male +and female characteristics or organs.</p> + +<p><i>Herpetology.</i> The study of reptiles.</p> + +<p><i>Hexapoda.</i> The order of insects.</p> + +<p><i>Hilum.</i> The point where the seed is attached +to the seed-vessel.</p> + +<p><i>Hinterland.</i> The district behind a coast.</p> + +<p><i>Histology.</i> The study of organic tissues, usually +with the aid of a microscope.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</span></p> + +<p><i>History.</i> The study of the past. It deals with +human institutions rather than with the +animal, vegetable, or mineral kingdom. History +is concerned first of all with concrete +data, specific cases, and then with explaining +them in the light of general laws. There +have been some ingenious, but not altogether +successful, attempts to make history into a +science.</p> + +<p><i>Holmium.</i> A metallic element. Symbol: Ho.</p> + +<p><i>Homo-.</i> In compounds: same, similar.</p> + +<p><i>Homology.</i> That relation between parts which +results from their development from corresponding +embryonic parts, either in different +animals or in the same individual.</p> + +<p><i>Hormone.</i> A stimulating substance carried +from one organ to another.</p> + +<p><i>Horse-power.</i> The unit of power in the English +system. It is equal to 550 foot pounds per +second.</p> + +<p><i>Humidity.</i> Moisture.</p> + +<p><i>Hurricane.</i> A wind of stormy violence.</p> + +<p><i>Hybrid.</i> The offspring of two plants or animals +of different sorts.</p> + +<p><i>Hydrate.</i> A compound containing combined +water.</p> + +<p><i>Hydraulics.</i> The science dealing with liquids +in motion.</p> + +<p><i>Hydrocarbon.</i> A compound of carbon and hydrogen.</p> + +<p><i>Hydrogen.</i> A gaseous element. Symbol: H.</p> + +<p><i>Hydrolysis.</i> The decomposition of water in +such a reaction as includes the formation of +new compounds with the hydrogen and the +oxygen of the water.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</span></p> + +<p><i>Hydrometer.</i> An instrument used to determine +the specific gravity of a liquid.</p> + +<p><i>Hydrostatics.</i> The science which deals with +the pressure of liquids.</p> + +<p><i>Hydrous.</i> Containing water, whether in combination +or in a mixture.</p> + +<p><i>Hydrozoan.</i> A member of a class (Hydrozoa) +of coelenterate animals, chiefly marine, including +jellyfish.</p> + +<p><i>Hygiene.</i> The science of sanitation, preventive +medicine. In the United States, textbooks +of hygiene are chiefly concerned with proving +that alcohol and tobacco are injurious. +Here is an example of “science” created by +legislative fiat.</p> + +<p><i>Hygrometry.</i> The measuring of atmospheric +moisture.</p> + +<p><i>Hypothesis.</i> A supposition used as a basis for +reasoning, a provisional explanation. If it +appears to be unconfirmed by the facts, it +is rejected. Otherwise it becomes a theory, +then a law.</p> + +<p><i>Igneous.</i> Formed by great heat, as rocks.</p> + +<p><i>Indehiscent.</i> Not bursting open at maturity.</p> + +<p><i>Indium.</i> A metallic element. Symbol: In.</p> + +<p><i>Indo-European</i> or <i>Indo-Germanic</i>. Pertaining +to a great family of languages including most +of those spoken in Europe and by the white +men in America as well as some used in +India and other parts of Asia.</p> + +<p><i>Inductance.</i> The electrification of a conductor +placed near a circuit or charged body, resulting +from the proximity.</p> + +<p><i>Inert.</i> Not easily made to react.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</span></p> + +<p><i>Inertia.</i> The property of matter by which it +tends to remain at rest if it is at rest, or, if +it is in motion, to remain in motion in a +straight line. Our notion of inertia may possibly +be changed by Einstein’s theory.</p> + +<p><i>Inflorescence.</i> Flowering, the arrangement of +flowers on a plant.</p> + +<p><i>Infra-.</i> In compounds, below.</p> + +<p><i>Infusoria.</i> A class of protozoa which possess +hairlike outgrowths.</p> + +<p><i>Inorganic.</i> Not derived from living organisms. +Pertaining to the chemical compounds which +do not contain carbon—but carbonates and a +few other carbon compounds are considered +to be inorganic.</p> + +<p><i>Insect.</i> A member of a class of small and invertebrate +animals, all of which have bodies +clearly divisible into head, thorax, and abdomen.</p> + +<p><i>Instinct.</i> An action pattern present from birth. +(The varying theories of instinct, especially +with regard to man, are often based upon +varying definitions. This is true of many +of the terms here defined.)</p> + +<p><i>Intelligence quotient.</i> The ratio between the +“mental age” of an individual and the true +age. The true age is often easier to determine +than the mental age, that is, the age +which a normal individual of a given intelligence +possesses. How can intelligence be +expressed numerically? Abbreviation: I. Q.</p> + +<p><i>Interference.</i> The influence which two waves +have upon each other.</p> + +<p><i>Invertebrate.</i> Spineless, having no backbone.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</span></p> + +<p><i>Iodine.</i> A solid, non-metallic element. Symbol: I.</p> + +<p><i>Ion.</i> Either of the substances that appear at +the poles in electrolysis. Particle which carries +electric charge. Positive ions are cations, +negative ions are anions.</p> + +<p><i>Iridium.</i> A metallic element. Symbol: Ir.</p> + +<p><i>Iron.</i> An important metallic element. Symbol: +Fe.</p> + +<p><i>Isobar.</i> A line connecting places which have +the same barometric pressure (with corrections +for varying altitude) at a given time or +over a given period.</p> + +<p><i>Isotherm.</i> A line connecting places which +have the same temperature at a given moment +or over a stated period of time.</p> + +<p><i>Joule.</i> A unit of work. It is equal to ten million +ergs, and it is about the energy expended +in one second by an electric current of one +ampere in a resistance of one ohm.</p> + +<p><i>Jurassic.</i> Of that Mesozoic period following the +Triassic.</p> + +<p><i>Kidney.</i> One of a pair of organs which secrete +urine.</p> + +<p><i>Kilogram.</i> A unit of mass in the metric system, +about the mass of a cubic centimeter of +water at its greatest density.</p> + +<p><i>Kinetic theory of gases.</i> The assumption and +the teaching that the molecules of gases are +constantly in motion and that the space between +molecules is far greater than that occupied +by the molecules themselves. The +velocity of gas molecules is supposed to be +very great.</p> + +<p><i>Krypton.</i> A gaseous element. Symbol: Kr.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</span></p> + +<p><i>Labile.</i> Unstable.</p> + +<p><i>Lanthanum.</i> A metallic element. Symbol: La.</p> + +<p><i>Latent heat.</i> The equivalent of the work performed +in changing the state of a substance +from solid to liquid or liquid to gaseous.</p> + +<p><i>Law.</i> A generalization. A statement of the +way things invariably behave under given +conditions. A scientific law does not direct +or impose penalties or state that things ought +to behave in a certain way. It is a correct +statement of invariable sequence. If the correctness +of a statement has not been proved +beyond a reasonable doubt, it is not a law.</p> + +<p><i>Lead.</i> A metallic element. Symbol: Pb.</p> + +<p><i>Leaf.</i> One of the expanded organs, usually +green, springing from the stem, a branch, or +sometimes a root, of a plant.</p> + +<p><i>Lens.</i> A portion of glass or other transparent +substance with one or both sides curved, used +to alter the direction of light rays.</p> + +<p><i>Leucocyte.</i> A colorless corpuscle of the blood.</p> + +<p><i>Lever.</i> A rigid structure used to modify force +and motion while transmitting it.</p> + +<p><i>Life.</i> The quality which differentiates the organic +from the inorganic. The ability to reproduce +itself seems to be the differentiating +characteristic of a living organism.</p> + +<p><i>Light.</i> A form of energy which is apprehended +by the eye. It is supposed to move at a velocity +of about 186,300 miles per second.</p> + +<p><i>Limb.</i> In astronomy, an edge or border. This +is not the same word etymologically as the +one which means an arm, a leg, or a wing.</p> + +<p><i>Lithium.</i> A metallic element. Symbol: Li.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</span></p> + +<p><i>Litmus.</i> A substance which is turned red by +acids and made blue again by bases. Paper +stained with litmus is usually employed for +such tests.</p> + +<p><i>Logic.</i> The science of thought. Scientific +method.</p> + +<p><i>Lutecium.</i> A metallic element. Symbol: Lu.</p> + +<p><i>Magnesium.</i> A metallic element. Symbol: Mg.</p> + +<p><i>Magnetize.</i> To change into a magnet, give magnetic +quality to, make capable of attracting +iron.</p> + +<p><i>Male.</i> Of the sex or the organs that fecundate. +Of a reproductive organ that fertilizes.</p> + +<p><i>Mammal.</i> One of the class of animals (Mammalia) +which are vertebrate and which are +distinguished by suckling their young.</p> + +<p><i>Mandible.</i> Jaw, especially the lower jaw. Part +of a beak.</p> + +<p><i>Manganese.</i> A metallic element. Symbol: Mn.</p> + +<p><i>Marsupial.</i> One of an order of animals (Marsupialia) +which are low mammals, and most +of whose females carry the young in abdominal +pouches.</p> + +<p><i>Mass.</i> Quantity of matter. This remains constant, +but weight varies a little with geographical +location.</p> + +<p><i>Materia medica.</i> The study of medicinal substances.</p> + +<p><i>Mathematics.</i> The science of space and quantity +as such.</p> + +<p><i>Matter.</i> That which takes up space.</p> + +<p><i>Mean.</i> Equally removed from two extremes, +average.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</span></p> + +<p><i>Mechanics.</i> The science of motion. The study +of the action of force on bodies. May be considered +a branch of mathematics or of physics.</p> + +<p><i>Medicine.</i> The art of maintaining and restoring +health. Surgery is sometimes excluded +from the conception of medicine. The basis +of medicine is only partially scientific.</p> + +<p><i>Megacephalic.</i> Large-headed.</p> + +<p><i>Melt.</i> To change from the solid to the liquid +form.</p> + +<p><i>Mendel’s Law.</i> A principle formulated by +Gregor Mendel with regard to the inheritance +of characteristics. Fenton, following Walter, +states it thus: “When two animals or plants +unlike with respect to any character are +crossed, the offspring of the first generation +will be apparently like one of the parents in +regard to the character in question. The +parent which impresses its trait upon the offspring +in this manner is called the <i>dominant</i>, +while the one that fails to be visibly represented +is the <i>recessive.</i> When, however, the +hybrid progeny of this generation are in turn +crossed with each other, they will produce a +mixed lot of offspring, one-fourth of which +will be like the dominant grandparent, one-fourth +like the recessive one, and the remaining +half like the parents which resembled +the dominant grandparent, yet failed +to breed true to it.”</p> + +<p><i>Mercury.</i> Of the metallic elements, the only +one which is ordinarily found in the liquid +state. Quicksilver. Formula: Hg.</p> + +<p><i>Mesozoic.</i> Relating to the geological period between +the Paleozoic and the Cenozoic.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</span></p> + +<p><i>Metabolism.</i> The complete process of building +up and breaking down protoplasm in a living +organism. The process of digesting and +storing nutritive matter and of excreting +waste matter.</p> + +<p><i>Metal.</i> An element which replaces or is capable +of replacing the hydrogen of an acid. One of +a class of substances typically ductile, malleable, +lustrous, translucent only through very +thin layers, conducting heat and electricity +well.</p> + +<p><i>Metaphysics.</i> The branch of philosophy dealing +with knowing and being. This must disappear +entirely as science advances.</p> + +<p><i>Metazoa.</i> All the complex animals. All the +animals except the Protozoa.</p> + +<p><i>Metric system.</i> The decimal system of weights +and measures generally used in many countries, +employed for many purposes by scientists +everywhere. A meter is about 1.094 +yards. A kilometer is about .6214 of a mile. +A cubic centimeter is about .061 of an inch. +A kilogram is about 2.204 pounds. The C. G. +S. (centimeter-gram-second) system is used +in practically every science which deals with +space, mass, and time.</p> + +<p><i>Mho.</i> A unit of electrical conductivity.</p> + +<p><i>Microbe.</i> A very small organism; in popular +use, a disease-producing bacterium, a germ.</p> + +<p><i>Micro-.</i> Small, in many compounds.</p> + +<p><i>Mineral.</i> Pertaining to substances which are +not organic. An ore.</p> + +<p><i>Mineralogy.</i> The science of ores.</p> + +<p><i>Miocene.</i> Relating to the middle division of +the Tertiary (geological) period.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</span></p> + +<p><i>Mitosis.</i> Cell division and multiplication by +the usual process.</p> + +<p><i>Mixture.</i> A mass of more than one sort of material +which is not chemically compounded +or united.</p> + +<p><i>Molecule.</i> The smallest amount of a substance +which can exist with the properties belonging +to the substance.</p> + +<p><i>Molybdenum.</i> A metallic element. Symbol: +Mo.</p> + +<p><i>Momentum.</i> The quantity of motion of a moving +body. It is equal to the mass multiplied +by the velocity.</p> + +<p><i>Monadelphous.</i> With the stamen filaments in +a single bundle.</p> + +<p><i>Moniliform.</i> Jointed in such a way as to resemble +a necklace.</p> + +<p><i>Monecious.</i> Hermaphrodite. Having male and +female flowers on the same plant.</p> + +<p><i>Monopoly.</i> Sufficient control to influence price.</p> + +<p><i>Monotreme.</i> One of the lowest order (Monotremata) +of mammals.</p> + +<p><i>Monsoon.</i> A periodic wind. Specifically, such +a wind in the Indian Ocean.</p> + +<p><i>Moraine.</i> The mass of earth and other matter +deposited by a glacier.</p> + +<p><i>Morphology.</i> The study of form (of organisms +or of words).</p> + +<p><i>Motor.</i> Pertaining to a nerve and an impulse +causing motion. Relating to action and the +consciousness of action. Pertaining to a muscle +causing action. A machine which causes +motion, especially such an electric machine +or one which is comparatively small.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</span></p> + +<p><i>Muscle.</i> A fibrous band or bundle which contracts +to produce movement in an animal +body.</p> + +<p><i>Muscology.</i> The study of mosses.</p> + +<p><i>Mutation.</i> A sudden variation which may produce +a new species.</p> + +<p><i>Mycology.</i> The study of fungi.</p> + +<p><i>Myriapoda.</i> A class of arthropods including the +centipedes.</p> + +<p><i>Narcotic.</i> A substance which induces sleepiness.</p> + +<p><i>Nascent.</i> Just beginning, having special properties +because of just having been released +from combination.</p> + +<p><i>Neap tide.</i> The tide at which the high water +mark is the lowest.</p> + +<p><i>Nebular Hypothesis.</i> The hypothesis advanced +by Laplace that (in the words of F. W. +Dyson) “a vast nebula—diffused tenuous matter—once +extended to the confines of the +solar system, and under the influence of +gravitation slowly contracted.... As the +contraction proceeded the rotation necessarily +increased, and rings or other masses were +thrown off which collected and formed planets.” +Any of several more or less similar +hypotheses.</p> + +<p><i>Nectar.</i> A sweet fluid produced by plants.</p> + +<p><i>Neocene.</i> Relating to the later part of the +Tertiary (geological) period.</p> + +<p><i>Neodymium.</i> A metallic element. Symbol: Nd.</p> + +<p><i>Neolithic.</i> Relating to the later part of the +Stone Age.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</span></p> + +<p><i>Neon.</i> A gaseous element. Symbol: Ne.</p> + +<p><i>Nerve.</i> The rib of a leaf. A vein. One of the +fibers or bundles of fibers carrying impulses +of sensation and motion.</p> + +<p><i>Neurosis.</i> Activity of the nerves. A functional +disease attributed to the nerves.</p> + +<p><i>Neutral.</i> Neither acid nor basic in reaction. +Without sex organs.</p> + +<p><i>Nickel.</i> A metallic element. Symbol: Ni.</p> + +<p><i>Niton.</i> A gaseous element which occurs in +radium emanation. Symbol: Nt.</p> + +<p><i>Nitrogen.</i> A gaseous element constituting +about four-fifths of the air. Symbol: N.</p> + +<p><i>Noble metals.</i> Metals which do not oxidize in +air or oxygen. Among the noble metals are +gold, silver, and platinum.</p> + +<p><i>Node.</i> A knob or root or branch, where a leaf +is usually borne. One of the points where the +orbit of a planet or comet and the ecliptic +meet. A point or line which is at rest in a +vibrating body.</p> + +<p><i>Normal.</i> Conforming to a standard or type. +The normal is not necessarily superior to the +abnormal.</p> + +<p><i>Nutritive.</i> Of value as food.</p> + +<p><i>Ohm.</i> An electrical unit of resistance. The +resistance of a circuit in which one volt produces +one ampere of current.</p> + +<p><i>Oligocene.</i> Of the Tertiary (geological) period, +between the Eocene and Miocene.</p> + +<p><i>Ontogeny.</i> Individual development.</p> + +<p><i>Opsonic.</i> Causing bacteria to be consumed +more readily by phagocytes.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</span></p> + +<p><i>Optics.</i> The science of light and vision.</p> + +<p><i>Optimum.</i> The environment most favorable to +the growth of a plant or animal.</p> + +<p><i>Ordovician.</i> Relating to the Paleozoic (geological) +period between the Silurian and the +Cambrian.</p> + +<p><i>Ore.</i> A native mineral from which a metal or +metals may be extracted.</p> + +<p><i>Organic.</i> Living, or derived from a living organism. +Relating to all the carbon compounds +except a few simple ones. Relating +to an organ. Affecting the structure of an +organ—of a disease, opposed to <i>functional</i>.</p> + +<p><i>Organism.</i> An organized being, plant or animal. +A living individual.</p> + +<p><i>Osmium.</i> A metallic element. Symbol: Os.</p> + +<p><i>Ovary.</i> The part of the pistil which contains +rudimentary seeds. One of the two reproductive +organs in which eggs are produced.</p> + +<p><i>Overtone.</i> A tone produced by secondary vibrations, +as of segments of a piano wire.</p> + +<p><i>Ovum.</i> An egg or female germ. Plural: ova.</p> + +<p><i>Oxidize.</i> Combine with oxygen.</p> + +<p><i>Oxygen.</i> An important gaseous element. Symbol: +O. About one-fifth of the air is oxygen.</p> + +<p><i>Paleo-.</i> In many combinations, old, ancient. +Also: palæo-, palaeo-.</p> + +<p><i>Paleozoic.</i> Of the oldest geological periods. +More usually, of the era between the Mesozoic +and the Pre-cambrian. The words designating +geological eras have been used differently +by various scientists.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</span></p> + +<p><i>Paleontology.</i> The science dealing with life in +former geological periods, with species now +extinct but made manifest by fossil remains.</p> + +<p><i>Palladium.</i> A metallic element of the platinum +group. Symbol: Pd.</p> + +<p><i>Parallax.</i> The apparent displacement of an +object caused by the actual change in the position +of the observer, or by the assumption +of two different points of observation. The +parallax is expressed in degrees of an angle.</p> + +<p><i>Paralogy.</i> Mental illness.</p> + +<p><i>Parasite.</i> A plant or animal that derives nourishment +or shelter from another upon which, +with which, or within which it lives.</p> + +<p><i>Parthenogenesis.</i> Reproduction without the union +of male and female.</p> + +<p><i>Pascal’s Law.</i> The law formulated by Pascal +which is fundamental for the mechanics of +fluids: A fluid under pressure exerts equal +force upon equal areas of surface.</p> + +<p><i>Pelagian</i> or <i>pelagic</i>. Relating to the open sea. +Pelagic organisms are those which do not +approach the shore.</p> + +<p><i>Penology.</i> The study of punishment for crime. +If this science were studied scientifically, perhaps +it would cease to exist.</p> + +<p><i>Perennial.</i> Lasting for several years; specifically, +lasting for more than two years.</p> + +<p><i>Phagocyte.</i> A leucocyte which consumes disease-producing +organisms.</p> + +<p><i>Phase.</i> The aspect of the moon or of a planet +depending on the amount of illumination.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</span> +Position of variation with regard to a real +or assumed starting-point. An individual +chemical in a mixture.</p> + +<p><i>Phenomenon.</i> Probably more familiar in the +plural: phenomena. Something which is perceived +by the senses. An event of scientific +interest.</p> + +<p><i>Philology.</i> The science of language. The philologists +have been inclined recently to extend +their science, so that it deals with meaning, +with folklore or traditional beliefs, and +with various other subjects which are more +or less closely related to language.</p> + +<p><i>Philosophy.</i> Literally: the love of wisdom. +Former: the sum of knowledge, a complete +system of knowledge, sometimes with emphasis +upon its use in regulating human conduct. +Philosophy is now primarily ethical. +Durant insists that the growth of the various +sciences makes it all the more necessary +to be concerned with philosophy, which directs +the proper use of knowledge. Religion, +incidentally, is concerned chiefly with the +field indicated for philosophy, not with the +ground covered by the various sciences.</p> + +<p><i>Phonology.</i> The study of sounds in speech.</p> + +<p><i>Phosphorus.</i> A non-metallic element. Symbol: +P.</p> + +<p><i>Photics</i> or <i>photology</i>. The science of light.</p> + +<p><i>Photo-.</i> In compounds, light or photographic.</p> + +<p><i>Phyllo-.</i> In compounds, leaf. For instance, +Phyllopoda: an order of crustaceans with +feet resembling leaves.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</span></p> + +<p><i>Phylo-.</i> In compounds, tribe, race. As, phylogeny: +racial development, the natural history +of a type.</p> + +<p><i>Phylum.</i> One of the largest divisions of animals +or plants.</p> + +<p><i>Physics.</i> The science of matter and energy, not +including fields which are considered chemical +or biological.</p> + +<p><i>Pistil.</i> The female organ of a flower, including +style, stigma, and ovary.</p> + +<p><i>Planet.</i> One of the bodies which revolve about +the sun, including the earth but not comets +or meteors.</p> + +<p><i>Plant.</i> A living organism which is not an +animal. One which does not have sensation +or voluntary motion. (This definition must +be revised in the light of recent investigations.) +Specifically, one of the smaller plants, +excluding trees and shrubs.</p> + +<p><i>Platinum.</i> A metallic element. Symbol: Pt.</p> + +<p><i>Pleistocene.</i> Of the geological epoch before the +Recent, in the Quaternary period of the +Cenozoic era.</p> + +<p><i>Pole.</i> One of the two points in the celestial +sphere about which the stars seem to revolve. +One of the extremities of the axis of the +earth. One of the points on a magnet where +magnetic force is manifested. The anode or +the cathode of a cell. The extremity of an +axis of a spherical or oval cell or organ.</p> + +<p><i>Politics.</i> The science of government. Popularly, +the art of exploiting democratic citizens, +as practiced by office-holders and those +who control them.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</span></p> + +<p><i>Pollen.</i> The substance discharged from a +flower, fertilizing or male grains.</p> + +<p><i>Pollination.</i> The carrying of pollen to the +pistils.</p> + +<p><i>Polonium.</i> A substance found in pitchblende, +perhaps an element.</p> + +<p><i>Poly-.</i> In compounds, many-. For example, +polyadelphous: having the stamens united +in three or more bundles. Polyandrous: having +at one time more than one husband. +Polygynous: having at one time more than +one wife.</p> + +<p><i>Postglacial.</i> Belonging to a later period than +that of the glaciers. Recent.</p> + +<p><i>Potassium.</i> A metallic element. Symbol: K.</p> + +<p><i>Potential energy.</i> Energy which is latent, not +employed or in motion. Energy which a body +has because of its position.</p> + +<p><i>Poundal.</i> The force which can act upon a +pound mass for a second to give it a velocity +of one foot per second, or which will give +a mass of one pound an acceleration of one +foot per second each second.</p> + +<p><i>Practice.</i> What is true in theory works out +in practice, all due allowances for the influence +of other theoretic laws having been +made.</p> + +<p><i>Praseodymium.</i> A metallic element which occurs +in rare minerals. Symbol: Pr.</p> + +<p><i>Pre-Cambrian.</i> Relating to the geological eras +before the Cambrian period.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</span></p> + +<p><i>Precipitate.</i> To change into liquid form. To +cause a substance to be deposited in solid +form from a solution. To make a dissolved +substance insoluble. That which has been +precipitated.</p> + +<p><i>Prehensile.</i> Used for grasping, suitable for +grasping.</p> + +<p><i>Pressure.</i> The amount of exertion of force, +expressed by the weight upon a unit area.</p> + +<p><i>Primate.</i> A member of the highest order (Primates) +of mammals, including man and the +monkeys.</p> + +<p><i>Property.</i> That which belongs to a whole class +but is not used to distinguish it from others. +Characteristic. A legal right to wealth.</p> + +<p><i>Protean.</i> Variable, readily changing form.</p> + +<p><i>Proteid.</i> Protein, or member of a special class +of proteins.</p> + +<p><i>Protein.</i> One of a class of complex organic +substances consisting of carbon, hydrogen, +nitrogen, oxygen, and, in some cases, other +elements. All living cells contain proteins.</p> + +<p><i>Protoplasm.</i> The living matter of which all +animal and plant cells are formed.</p> + +<p><i>Protozoan.</i> A member of the phylum (Protozoa) +of animals of the simplest type. A +one-celled animal.</p> + +<p><i>Pseudo-.</i> In many compounds, false, seeming, +similar to.</p> + +<p><i>Psychiatry.</i> The treatment of mental disease.</p> + +<p><i>Psychical research.</i> The study of phenomena +which are not considered by scientists as<span class="pagenum" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</span> +realities, and which are explained by some +persons as due not to natural forces but +rather to spirit as opposed to matter. If +such phenomena are explained by means of +the laws of physics and psychology, there is +no need for special “psychical research.” +There seems to be no reason why we should +postulate spiritual or vital force, even if our +knowledge is not yet sufficient to explain +all phenomena scientifically.</p> + +<p><i>Psychology.</i> The study of the mind; in practice, +the study of behavior. Literally: the +science of the soul. Perhaps psychology is +not yet a true science, but this branch of +knowledge is undoubtedly becoming more +scientific, in spite of strong philosophical and +mystical tendencies.</p> + +<p><i>Psychophysics.</i> The study of the relation between +the mental and the physical, between +psychology and physics.</p> + +<p><i>Psychosis.</i> Mental derangement, especially +when there is no apparent brain or nerve +injury. Consciousness, a conscious process.</p> + +<p><i>Pteridophyte.</i> One of a phylum (Pteridophyta) +of flowerless plants, including the ferns.</p> + +<p><i>Pure.</i> Unmixed, abstract. Pure science deals +with general principles, not with particular +applications.</p> + +<p><i>Pyro-.</i> In compounds, fire-, fever-.</p> + +<p><i>Quantel.</i> An elementary entity of matter consisting +of positive and negative parts, moving +in all directions with the velocity of +light, capable of passing through solids. +(According to the theory of Langmuir.)</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</span></p> + +<p><i>Quantity.</i> Anything which can be represented +by means of a number. In chemistry, the +number of gram molecules.</p> + +<p><i>Quantum.</i> The unit of energy transmitted by +radioactive bodies.</p> + +<p><i>Quaternary.</i> Belonging to the most recent geological +period.</p> + +<p><i>Radical.</i> Pertaining to a root, growing out +of or from a point close to the root. An +atomic group which remains unchanged during +the ordinary reactions of the compound +of which it is a part.</p> + +<p><i>Radicle.</i> That part of the embryo of a plant +which develops into the main root. A rootlike +subdivision of a nerve or vein. Sometimes +a mere spelling variation of <i>radical</i>.</p> + +<p><i>Radioactive.</i> Emitting invisible rays that penetrate +opaque matter and produce electrical +effects. Radium and some other substances +are especially radioactive, but radioactivity +is supposed to be characteristic of all substances.</p> + +<p><i>Radium.</i> A metallic element. Symbol: Ra.</p> + +<p><i>Rarefaction.</i> Making less dense.</p> + +<p><i>Ray.</i> A line at right angles to the wave front +in which various forms of energy may be +transmitted.</p> + +<p><i>React.</i> Tend in the reverse direction, enter into +chemical combination. Act because of a +stimulus.</p> + +<p><i>Reaction.</i> An opposing force. A chemical +change. The usual nervous response.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</span></p> + +<p><i>Real number.</i> A number representing a quantity +and one of two opposite directions or +senses.</p> + +<p><i>Réaumur.</i> A thermometric scale with the boiling +point of water at 80 degrees and the +freezing point at zero.</p> + +<p><i>Recapitulation Theory.</i> The theory which was +at one time generally favored by evolutionists, +still accepted by many biologists, that ontogeny +recapitulates phylogeny; i. e., that the +development of the individual is an abridgement +of the natural history of the species +to which it belongs.</p> + +<p><i>Recent.</i> In geology, pertaining to the epoch +still in existence.</p> + +<p><i>Rectify.</i> Purify, as by repeated distillation. +(Important in the chemistry of bootlegging.)</p> + +<p><i>Reduce.</i> Remove oxygen, which combines with +another substance.</p> + +<p><i>Refract.</i> Deflect (light, for example) at an +angle. Refraction is due to varying velocity +in two mediums.</p> + +<p><i>Relativity.</i> Dependence of one quantity or +knowledge upon another. The Theory of Relativity +formulated by Albert Einstein, based +upon the principle that the universe is a four-dimensional +(time-space) continuum, includes +the conclusions that there is no absolute +length, that unobstructed light rays have a +constant velocity irrespective of the relative +velocity between the observer and the source +of light, that the velocity of matter can never +reach the velocity of light unless the matter<span class="pagenum" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</span> +becomes light, that the mass of a body depends +on its velocity.</p> + +<p><i>Reproduction.</i> Generation, the process of creating +offspring of about the same kind as the +parents. Apparently the power of reproduction +is that which chiefly sets apart the +living from the non-living. However, the fact +that an individual organism is incapable of +reproducing or taking part in reproduction +does not show that it is dead.</p> + +<p><i>Reptile.</i> One of a class (Reptilia) of animals +including snakes and crocodiles. The Reptilia +are vertebrate animals which breathe air.</p> + +<p><i>Resistance.</i> Non-conductivity, opposition.</p> + +<p><i>Rheo-</i>, Stream, Current-, in compounds, chiefly +electrical terms. As rheostat: a device for +regulating current by controlling resistance.</p> + +<p><i>Rhizo-</i>, Root-, in compounds. As, rhizopod: one +of a class (Rhizopoda) of protozoa having +psuedopodia (“false feet”) which resemble +roots.</p> + +<p><i>Rhodium.</i> A metallic element. Symbol: Rh.</p> + +<p><i>Rodent.</i> One of an order (Rodentia) of mammals, +including rats, rabbits, squirrels, and +other gnawing animals.</p> + +<p><i>Röntgen rays</i> or <i>X-rays</i>. Forms of radiation +produced when cathode rays strike the walls +of the tube or the surface of a body placed +within the tube.</p> + +<p><i>Root.</i> A part of a plant, not necessarily but +usually growing underground, which attaches +it to supporting points and conveys nourishment.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</span></p> + +<p><i>Rubidium.</i> A metallic element. Symbol: Rb.</p> + +<p><i>Ruminant.</i> One of a division (Ruminantia) of +cud-chewing or at least herbivorous mammals +with hooves.</p> + +<p><i>Ruthenium.</i> A metallic element. Symbol: Ru.</p> + +<p><i>Salt.</i> A compound in which all or part of the +hydrogen of an acid has been replaced by a +metal, or by some other inorganic element +or radical. Common salt is one of the general +class of salts, and it is known to chemists as +sodium chloride.</p> + +<p><i>Samarium.</i> A metallic element. Symbol: Sm.</p> + +<p><i>Saponify.</i> To turn a fat or oil into soap by +combining it with an alkali. The term also +includes a wider range of reactions in which +hydrolysis is involved.</p> + +<p><i>Saturate.</i> To cause a substance to combine +with or to absorb the greatest possible amount +of another substance. To neutralize.</p> + +<p><i>Scandium.</i> A metallic element. Symbol: Sc.</p> + +<p><i>Science.</i> Exact, organized, and usually generalized +knowledge. A special scientific field or +system. Specifically, physical or natural science, +not including philology or sociology. It +is best not to attach too much importance to +such a distinction. See also Art and Common +sense.</p> + +<p><i>Secondary.</i> In geology, Mesozoic. Relating to +reactions or compounds considered less important +or less simple than those which are +called primary. Of later origin. Induced. Relating +to a second part.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</span></p> + +<p><i>Selenium.</i> A solid, non-metallic element. Symbol: +Se.</p> + +<p><i>Semen.</i> The generative fluid of a male animal.</p> + +<p><i>Seminal.</i> Relating to seed, semen, reproduction, +or germs.</p> + +<p><i>Seminiferous.</i> Carrying seed or semen.</p> + +<p><i>Sensation.</i> The consciousness of perceiving or +seeming to perceive a bodily state or an external +object.</p> + +<p><i>Sentiment.</i> An emotionally-colored tendency or +attitude.</p> + +<p><i>Sepal.</i> A segment of the calyx of a flower.</p> + +<p><i>Septum.</i> A partition, as between two hollow +chambers of an organism.</p> + +<p><i>Sessile.</i> Attached directly by the base.</p> + +<p><i>Sex.</i> The condition of being male or female or +both.</p> + +<p><i>Sheath.</i> Membrane, tissue, skin, or other tight-fitting +cover.</p> + +<p><i>Shrub.</i> A woody plant smaller than a tree. A +bush.</p> + +<p><i>Silicon.</i> A non-metallic element, solid in ordinary +temperatures. The compounds are extremely +common. Symbol: Si.</p> + +<p><i>Silver.</i> A metallic element. Symbol: Ag.</p> + +<p><i>Simoom.</i> A hot, dry wind of western Asia.</p> + +<p><i>Simple.</i> Not compound. Consisting of a single +cell, element, or individual. Not divided or +branched.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</span></p> + +<p><i>Social.</i> Living in groups or as a part of a +complex organism. Working together. Relating +to society.</p> + +<p><i>Social psychology.</i> The study of the behavior +of human groups. Incidentally, social psychology +is an easier subject than individual +psychology for the investigator. Where is the +man who has never been influenced by other +human beings?</p> + +<p><i>Sociology.</i> The science of society. The study +of the development of social institutions. As +sociology exists now, it is scientific only in +small parts.</p> + +<p><i>Sodium.</i> A metallic element. The compounds +are common, including ordinary table salt +(sodium chloride). Symbol: Na.</p> + +<p><i>Soil.</i> A fine earthy matter on the surface, in +which plants can grow.</p> + +<p><i>Solid.</i> Relating to the condition of matter in +which it has a stable shape and volume, with +some elasticity.</p> + +<p><i>Solution.</i> A mixture of substances which is the +same throughout the mass. We think chiefly +of the solution of solids or gases in liquids, +but solutions entirely of gases are common, +and of solids within solids are possible.</p> + +<p><i>Somatic.</i> Relating to the body as a whole or +to that part from which no new individuals +are developed.</p> + +<p><i>Sound.</i> Vibrations produced when some object +is set in motion, causing a stimulation of the +organs and nerve centers of hearing.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</span></p> + +<p><i>Species.</i> A group subordinate in classification +to the genus. The members of a species differ +only in minor details. In logic, a class may +be a species one time and a genus another. +In biology, the classes remain fixed. <i>Homo +sapiens</i>, the class which embraces all mankind, +is always a species.</p> + +<p><i>Specific gravity.</i> The ratio between the weight +of a given amount of a substance and the +weight of the same amount of a standard +substance, usually water at the temperature +where it is densest. For gases, there are +various standards.</p> + +<p><i>Spectroheliograph.</i> An instrument for photographing +the sun by daylight.</p> + +<p><i>Spectrum.</i> The image formed by rays of light +which are separated into their component +wave-lengths. Less frequently, the phenomenon +(not entirely visual) produced when +other forms of radiant energy are thus split +up.</p> + +<p><i>Sperm.</i> Semen.</p> + +<p><i>Spermary.</i> The organ where semen develops.</p> + +<p><i>Spore.</i> A minute organic body that develops +into a new individual. A single cell that becomes +free and develops independently.</p> + +<p><i>Sporozoan.</i> One of a class (Sporozoa) of parasitic +protozoans which reproduce by means of +spores.</p> + +<p><i>Sport.</i> A sudden and striking deviation from +type. A mutation.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</span></p> + +<p><i>Stable equilibrium.</i> Such a condition in a body +that, if suspended like a pendulum and +pushed to one side, it resumes its original +position immediately below the point of suspension.</p> + +<p><i>Stamen.</i> The male (pollen-bearing) organ of +a plant.</p> + +<p><i>Star.</i> A heavenly body. More usually, those +that appear to be fixed dots of light, including +the sun but not the planets or meteors, +are included in the term. One of the “fixed” +stars. The stars are either named or numbered +in various catalogues.</p> + +<p><i>State.</i> Condition, especially the being in solid, +liquid, or gaseous form. An organized political +community.</p> + +<p><i>Statics.</i> The study of bodies at rest and forces +in equilibrium; a branch of mechanics. According +to Einstein, no body is ever at rest.</p> + +<p><i>Statistics.</i> The systematic collection of numerical +facts. The study which deals with collection +of this sort and with the interpretation +of statistics in the first sense.</p> + +<p><i>Stigma.</i> The part of the style or ovary-surface +that receives pollen. A small speck or mark.</p> + +<p><i>Stipule.</i> A small appendage to a leaf.</p> + +<p><i>Stratum.</i> In geology, a layer or set of layers +of rock or earth. In biology, a layer of tissue.</p> + +<p><i>Strontium.</i> A metallic element. Symbol: Sr.</p> + +<p><i>Style.</i> A narrowed extension of the ovary +which supports the stigma.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</span></p> + +<p><i>Subalpine.</i> Living or growing just below the +alpine zone.</p> + +<p><i>Sublimation.</i> The direct change from the solid +to the gaseous state.</p> + +<p><i>Sulphur.</i> A solid non-metallic element. Symbol: +S. It occurs native and in many compounds.</p> + +<p><i>Superstition.</i> Irrational fear of or credulity +about the unknown. To the ignorant person, +almost everything is unknown. Particular +forms of superstition are transmitted from +generation to generation and from group to +group. Superstitions which masquerade as +science are not unknown.</p> + +<p><i>Symbol.</i> A letter, word, or other thing which +represents an object or quantity or idea. The +symbol is frequently an abbreviation. In +chemistry, it is the Latin name of the element +which is abbreviated to form the symbol.</p> + +<p><i>Synclinal.</i> Dipping toward a common line or +point.</p> + +<p><i>Synthetic.</i> Produced outside the living organism. +Artificial. Making more complex.</p> + +<p><i>Tantalum.</i> A metallic element. Symbol: Ta.</p> + +<p><i>Tellurium.</i> A rare non-metallic element. Symbol: +Te.</p> + +<p><i>Temperature.</i> Degree, not total amount, of +heat.</p> + +<p><i>Tendon.</i> A cord or band of tissue connecting a +muscle with another part.</p> + +<p><i>Terbium.</i> A metallic element. Symbol: Tb.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</span></p> + +<p><i>Tertiary.</i> Relating to the third in a series, as +of organic compounds. Relating to the geological +period before the Quaternary.</p> + +<p><i>Thallium.</i> A metallic element. Symbol: Tl.</p> + +<p><i>Thallophyte.</i> One of a phylum (Thallophyta) +of simple plants including fungi and lichens.</p> + +<p><i>Thallus.</i> A simple plant body without root, +stem, or leaves.</p> + +<p><i>Theology.</i> The “science” of religion, especially +Christian religion, and of God, according to +lexicographers and other writers. Newman +argues very well that if there is a miracle-working +God whom we can understand by +studying the Bible and the traditions of the +Catholic Church, then theology is an essential +branch of science. I do not see how any man +who grants his premises can fail to agree +with him.</p> + +<p><i>Theory.</i> A generalization which has not been +absolutely proved. Sometimes one that +stands between a hypothesis and a law, not +so certain as the latter, more certain than +the former. However, phrases continue, +often when their meaning has changed, and +it seems that “Theory of Evolution” may be +used when the Fundamentalists have already +accepted it. Also scientific principles in general. +Sound theory and proper practice are +not enemies.</p> + +<p><i>Thermo-.</i> In compounds, heat, temperature. As, +thermodynamics: the science of the relation +between heat and mechanical work.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</span></p> + +<p><i>Thorax.</i> The part of the trunk between the +neck and the tail or the abdomen.</p> + +<p><i>Tin.</i> A metallic element. Symbol: Sn. Most +objects which we say, in ordinary language, +are made of tin, are made of tin plate.</p> + +<p><i>Tincture.</i> The alcoholic solution of a drug.</p> + +<p><i>Titanium.</i> A metallic element. Symbol: Ti.</p> + +<p><i>Triassic.</i> Relating to the geological division +between the Permian and the Jurassic.</p> + +<p><i>Typhoon.</i> A violent hurricane.</p> + +<p><i>Ulotrichi.</i> The wooly-haired races of mankind.</p> + +<p><i>Ultra-violet rays.</i> Invisible rays of the spectrum +beyond the violet rays.</p> + +<p><i>Ungulate.</i> One of a group (Ungulata) of mammals +having horns and hoofs.</p> + +<p><i>Uranium.</i> A metallic element. Symbol: U. +Uranium is radioactive.</p> + +<p><i>Vacuum.</i> A space which does not contain matter. +A vacuum, in a laboratory, is a space +which has been exhausted of matter to a +great extent; for scientists have not been +able to produce a perfect vacuum.</p> + +<p><i>Value.</i> The amount of other commodities for +which a thing can be exchanged in the open +market.</p> + +<p><i>Valve.</i> The membranous part of an organ +which permits the flow of a liquid in one +direction only.</p> + +<p><i>Vanadium.</i> A metallic element. Symbol: V.</p> + +<p><i>Vapor.</i> A gas, especially one which exists at +ordinary temperatures in liquid or solid form.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</span></p> + +<p><i>Velocity.</i> Rate of motion.</p> + +<p><i>Vertebrate.</i> Having a spinal column, belonging +to the class of Vertebrata.</p> + +<p><i>Vitalism.</i> The theory that there is a special +force in living beings, distinct from the ordinary +physical and chemical forces. Few scientists +are vitalists, although many preachers +are, and a number of philosophers as well.</p> + +<p><i>Vitamines.</i> Organic substances found in various +foods and apparently necessary to human +life. Their exact chemical constitution remains +unknown.</p> + +<p><i>Volt.</i> The unit of electromotive force. The +pressure which produces a current of one +ampere when applied to a conductor with a +resistance of one ohm.</p> + +<p><i>Volume.</i> The space a body occupies.</p> + +<p><i>Wave.</i> A disturbance of the particles of a fluid +medium as in the transmission of sound, heat, +and light.</p> + +<p><i>Weight.</i> The force with which the earth attracts +a body. See Mass.</p> + +<p><i>Work.</i> The expenditure of force in overcoming +force or producing a molecular change. Futile +efforts do not constitute work.</p> + +<p><i>Xenon.</i> A gaseous element. Symbol: X.</p> + +<p><i>X-Ray.</i> See Röntgen ray.</p> + +<p><i>Xylogy.</i> The study of the structure of wood.</p> + +<p><i>Yttrium.</i> A metallic element. Symbol: Y or Yt.</p> + +<p><i>Zinc.</i> A metallic element. Symbol: Zn.</p> + +<p><i>Zirconium.</i> A metallic element. Symbol: Zr.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</span></p> + +<p><i>Zoöchemistry.</i> The study of the constituents of +animal bodies.</p> + +<p><i>Zoölogy.</i> The science of animals.</p> + +<p><i>Zygote.</i> A cell formed by the joining of a male +and a female cell, capable of developing into +a new individual.</p> + +<p><i>Zymosis.</i> Fermentation.</p> + +<p><i>Zymurgy.</i> The chemistry of fermentation processes. +</p> +</div> + +<hr class="full x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="transnote"> + +<p class="c">Transcriber’s Notes:</p> + +<p>Variations in spelling and hyphenation are retained.</p> + +<p>Perceived typographical errors have been changed.</p> + +</div> + +<div style='text-align:center'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 77721 ***</div> +</body> +</html> diff --git a/77721-h/images/cover.jpg b/77721-h/images/cover.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..c1e7c04 --- /dev/null +++ b/77721-h/images/cover.jpg diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6c72794 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This book, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. 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