Domestic Encyclopedia Or A Dictionary Of Facts, And Useful Knowledge Vol4 | by A. F. M. Willich

Ruff

Ruff, or Tringa pugnax, L. a bird of passage, frequenting the fens of Lincolnshire, and various other parts of Britain, early in the spring; and disappearing about Michaelmas. Towards the latter en...

Rum

Rum, a spirituous liquor which is distilled from sugar-canes. The best state in which rum can be imported or preserved, is that of rectified spirit ; as it may thus be conveyed in one half of its u...

Rupture

Rupture, or a partial protrusion of an intestine, is one of those complaints which has lately become so general, especially among the labouring classes, as to induce benevolent persons in the British ...

Rupture-Wort

Rupture-Wort, the Smooth, or Herniaria glabra, L. an indigenous perennial plant, which grows in gravelly soils, and flowers in the months of July and August. - This herb is. according to Dr. Withering...

Rush

Rush, or Juncus, L. a genus of plants, comprising 36 species, of which, according to Dr. Withering 17, but in the opinion of Dr. Smith 19, are indigenous : of these, the following are the principal; v...

Flowering Rush

Flowering Rush, or Water Gladiole, Butomus Umlellatus, L. a native perennial plant, growing in slow streams and muddy ditches ; flowering in the month of June or July. - This beautiful herb is a great...

Hare's-Tail Rush

Hare's-Tail Rush, or Single-Headed Cotton-GrAss, Eriophorum raghiatum, L. a perennial plant, found in marshy heaths, on bogs and moors; principally in the northern counties of Britain. - The who...

Rush-Grass

Rush-Grass, the Prickly, or LoNg-rooted, Schcenus Ma-riscus, L. a native plant, which grows in marshes, ponds, and bogs, where it flowers in themonths of July and August. - This species is inj...

Rust

Rust, denotes the calces, or vulgarly the flowers of metals, which are generally produced by exposure to moist air, or in damp situations ; though the former may also be obtained artificially, by corr...

Rust Rubigo

Rust, or Rubigo, in vegetable economy, is a disorder affecting certain plants. It consists of a ferruginous powder scattered beneath the leaves, principally of the Ladies-mantle, Stone-bramble, and Ra...

Rye

Rye, or Secale, L. a genus of exotic plants, comprising live species, one of which only is raised in Britain, namely, the Cereale, or Common Rye. It was supposed by LinnAeus to be a native of the Isle...

Saddle

Saddle, a kind of stuffed seat, fastened to the back of a horse for the convenience of the rider. Saddles are divided into various kinds, according to the purposes for which they are designed; ...

Safflower

Safflower, or Bastard-Saffron, Carthamus, L. a genus of exotic plants, comprising ten species, the principal of which is the tinclorius, Common or Dyer's Safflower. It is a native of Egypt, and the wa...

Saffron

Saffron, or Crocus, L. a genus of plants consisting of seven species, two of which are indigenous : namely, 1. The sativus v. officinalis, Common, or Autumnal Saffron, thrives in meadows and pastu...

Sage

Sage, or Salvia, L. a genus of plants comprising 60 species ; of which the following are the principal, v z. 1. The Pratens is ; and, 2. The Verbenaca. See Clary. 3. The Officina...

Sago

Sago, is the medullary substance obtained from a species of the Palm tree (Cycas circinalis, L) a native of the Molucca and other of the East Indies. It is used as bread by the natives, who used as br...

Sail Cloth

Sail Cloth, a strong texture, made of hemp, for the purpose of supplying ships with sails. - Al-though considerable quantities of valuable article are annually manufactured in Britain, yet a...

Saintfoin

Saintfoin, the Common or Cock's head, Hedysarum Ono-brychis, L. a, native perennial, plant, which grows in meadows and pastures, on chalky soils, where it flowers in the months ...

Salad

Salad, in general, signifies a, dish of raw or fresh esculent herbs, which are usually seasoned with salt, vinegar, oil, and mustard; to these condiments are sometimes added hard-boiled eggs, sugar, p...

Salep

Salep, a nutritious preparation obtained from two species of the Orchis. Different methods have been proposed and adopted, with a view to procure this nourishing substance; but the most simple is t...

Saliva

Saliva, a term applied to the fluid, with which the mouth and continually moistened: it is secreted by the salival glands. This humour is thin and transparent; it cannot be reduced to a concrete f...

Sallow

Sallow, or Withen, Salix caprcata, L. is an indigenous species of the willow, which, though it will vegetate in damp situations, requires a drier ground than any other of that genus. In a good soil, i...

Salmon

Salmon, or Salmon L. a ge-nus of fish comprising twenty-nine species, of which the following are the principal, viz. 1. The fario. See Trout. 2. The alpinus. See Charr. 3. ...

Salt

Salt is one of the component parts of animal, vegetable, and mineral bodies. It may be distinguished from other matters, such as earths, by its solubility in less than 200 times its weight of boiling ...

Saltpetre

Saltpetre, or Nitre, a concrete saline matter, the nature and properties of which have al-y been stated, vol. iii. p. 268. - Without entering into the particulars relative to the most economical metho...

Saltwort

Saltwort, or Glasswort, Salsola, L. a genus of plants comprising nine species, of which two are indigenous : namely, 1. The kali, Prickly Saltwort, or Kelpwort, grows frequently on sandy sea-shore...

Rock Samphire

Rock Samphire, Crilhmum Maritimum, L. a perennial plant, growing on the British Sea-coasts; among gravel and rocks, where it flowers in the month of August. - This vegetable is much relished as a pick...

Sand

Sand, a genus of fossils, consisting of small grains of silici stones, which are insoluble both in water and acids; being t rent, and vitrifiable by intense heat. They are mixed with various matters, ...

Sand-Eel

Sand-Eel, or Ammodytes to-bianus, L. a fish, resembling an eel, but seldom exceeding one foot in length. It abounds on the sandy shores of Britain during the summer months, where it conceals itself, a...

Sand-Piper

Sand-Piper, or Tringa, L. a genus of birds, comprising 45 species, 18 of which are natives of Britain : the principal of these are, 1. The pugnax. See Ruff. 2. The alpina, or Dunling...

Sand-Stone

Sand-Stone, a genus of fossils found in various parts of Britain, and which is divided into four species, namely : 1. Calcareous Sandstones, which consist of carbonate of lime and marle, with a co...

Sandwort

Sandwort, or Armaria, L. a genus of plants, comprising 43 species, 7 of which, according to Dr. Withering, but with Dr. Smith 10, are indigenous : the principal of these is (he marina, or Sea-spurrey ...

Sandal

Sandal, or Sanders the Red, Pterocarpus santalinus, L. a tree which is a native of the East Indies, whence its wood is imported into Britain, in the form of large billets. The best kind is externally ...

Sandarach

Sandarach, a gummy-resinous substance, exuding from an exotic species of the juniper-tree. It is imported in the form of small pieces or tears resembling pease, which are transparent; of a paleyellowi...

Sanders

Sanders, the Yellow, or White, Santalum album, L. a native of the East Indies, whence its wood is imported. It is of a pale-yellowish colour, a pleasant smell, has a bitterish aromatic taste, accompan...

Sandiver

Sandiver, or Salt-Of-Glass, is a species of whitish salt, that is separated from the surface of glass, while in a state of fusion. It is of a pungent, corrosive taste, and is employed by farriers for ...

Sap

Sap, in botany, denotes the juice of plants, which is prepared by the moisture absorbed by their roots and leaves, whence it is circulated throughout every part, so as to constitute their nourishment....

Sarsaparilla

Sarsaparilla, or Smilax Sarsaparilla, L. is a native of the West Indies, whence its medicinal root is obtained. This drug has a glutinous, somewhat bitter, and agreeable taste, but is totally devoi...

Sassafras

Sassafras, is the wood, bark and root of the Sassafras tree, or us Sassafras, L. a native of America, the culture and properties of which we have already described, vol. i. p. 200. It is imported in l...

Satyrion

Satyrionion, or Lizard-flower, Satyrium hircnum, L. a native perennial plant, growing in chalky meadows and pastures ; flowering in the months of June and July. - Its leaves are very large, and the wh...

Sausage

Sausage, a well-known preparation of food, consisting of beef, pork, or veal, cut in small nitseasoned with pepper, sage, or other spice ; and then closely stuffed into skins obtained from the intesti...

Savin

Savin, or Juniperus Sabina, L. an exotic evergreen shrub, which has small, rather prickly leaves, and produces blueberries, only after it has arrived at a considerable age. Its stem attains the. heigh...

Savory

Savory, or Satureia, L. a genus of exotic plants, consisting of nine species, of which the following are the principal, namely : 1. The hortensis, or Summer Savory, an annual herb, propagated fro...

Saw-Dust

Saw-Dust, is the coarse powder remaining after any wood or timber has been separated or tut asunder with a saw. It is frequently employed as a substitute for sand, and strewed on the floors of publ...

Saw-Wort

Saw-Wort, or Serratula, L. a genus of plants, comprising 18 species; two of which only, according to Dr. Smith, are indigenous ; namely : 1. The thicioria, or Common Saw-wort, is perennial; grows i...

Saxifrage

Saxifrage, the Common, or White, Soaifraga granulala, L. an indigenous plant, growing on dry meadows and pastures, where it flowers in the month of April or May. Its perennial root consists of several...

Scab

Scab, or Shab, a disorder per culiar to sheep : it is attended with an intense itching and scabby eruptions on the skin, occasioned by an impure state of the blood ; and being most prevalent in wet la...

Scabious

Scabious, or Scabiosa, L. a genus of plants comprising 42 species, 3 of which are indigenous and perennial, namely: 1. The succisa, or Devil's-bit Scabious, grows in fields and pastures, where it...

Scalds

Scalds, a term applied to burns, occasioned by boiling water, or any of the corrosive mineral acids improvidently applied to the skin. Different modes of treatment have been adopted, in order to mi...

Scald-Head

Scald-Head, or Tinea capitis, a disease chiefly incident to dren, born of scrophulous parents : it is infectious only by contact, and appears to be seated in the roots of the hair, which protrude nume...

Scammony

Scammony, a concrete gummy-resinous juice obtained from the roots of the Convolvulus Scam-mionia, or Syrian Bindweed, an exotic plant, growing in Asiatic Turkey. - The best Scammony is imported from A...

Scarlet Fever

Scarlet Fever, is a contagious inflammatory disease, attended with a bright-red efflorescence of the skin, which appears on the third or fourth day, with a slight swelling of the face : the redness gr...

Scirrhus

Scirrhus is a hard, unequal tumor, which occasionally appears in different viscera, such as the liver and womb, but more fre-quently in the grandular parts, for instance, the...

Scorzonera

Scorzonera, the Common, or Scorzonera Hispanica, L. an exotic plant, which has long been raised in British us for culinary purposes, and especially as an ingredient in soups, on account of...

Scratches

Scratches, a distemper in the heels of horses. Under the article Grease (vol. ii. p, 400), we have already stated the method which is generally pursued in the treatment of this disorder : we shall ...

Scrophula

Scrophula, or Evil, is a swelling of the conglobate glands, particularly about the neck and ears ; though sometimes extending to the arm-pit and the groin. In its progress, the joints and bones arc li...

Scull

Scull, is a conjunction of bones, eight in number, surrounded by a membrane called the pericranium, and forming a cavity for the brain ; which is thus completely inclosed and defended. - In an infanti...

Scull-Cap

Scull-Cap, the Common, or Blue, or Hooded Willow-herb, Scutellaria galericulata, L. a native perennial plant, gowing on the banks of rivers, and the borders of ponds; flowering in the month of July or...

Scurvy

Scurvy, or Scorbulus, denotes a putrescent, or rather dissolvent, state of the blood. This term is often misapplied to a variety of eruptive complaints, which have no specific names. The scurvy has...

Scurvy-Grass

Scurvy-Grass, or Cock-learia, L. genus of plants comprising eight species, five of which are indigenous ; and the principal of these are : 1. The Armoracia, See Horseradish. 2. The off...

Scythe

Scythe, or Sithe, an implement of husbandry employed for the purpose of cutting grass, and also for the mowing of corn. Before we attempt a description of the latest improvements on this rural inst...

Sea

Sea, strictly speaking, signifies a large body of water, which is connected with the ocean, and partly encompassed by land ; such are the Baltic, and Mediterranean Seas : though the term sea is, also,...

Sea-Air

Sea-Air, denotes that part of the atmosphere, which is incumbent on the sea. Experience evinces, that this air is salubrious, and singularly beneficial in the cure of particular diseases ...

Sea-Sickness

Sea-Sickness, a convulsive affection of the stomach, attended with great nausea and vomiting: it is occasioned by the irregular motion of the vessel. The sea-sickness, generally a tacks persons una...

Sea-Sludge

Sea-Sludge, or Salt-clod, is the surface, or that part of a saline marsh, which is deposited by the high tides. It is much richer, and less intermixed with sand, than the land which is more regularly ...

Sea-Water

Sea-Water, denotes the saltwater of the ocean. The salts which this fluid contains, are, 1. Common marine, or culinary salt, compounded of fossil alkali, or Soda, and marine acid ; 2. Salited magne...

Sea-Wolf

Sea-Wolf, or Anarrhicas Lupus, L. a voracious fish that creeps in the manner of eels, and in the spring frequents the shores of Greenland, Iceland, and Norway, as likewise the coasts of Yorkshire and ...

Sea-Wrack

Sea-Wrack, or Fucus, L. a genus of vegetables, comprehending 14.5 species, 85 of which grow on the British coasts : of these we shall state the following as the principal : I. The serratus, or SerR...

Seal

Seal, the Common, or Sea-calf, Phoca vitulina, L. an animal inhabiting the rocky shores of Britain and Ireland, as well as the coasts of Caernarvonshire and Anglesey, in Wales. Seals have a smooth ...

Sealing-Wax

Sealing-Wax, is a composition of gum-lac, melted and incorporated with resins, and afterwards coloured with some pigment, such as vermillion, verditer, ivory-black, etc. There are two ...

Sedlitz

Sedlitz, or Seydschutz-Water, is obtained from two mineral springs rising near a village of that name, in Bohemia. It has a very saline, bitter taste ; and when used, is strongly laxative, but does no...

Self-Heal

Self-Heal, the Common, or Prunella vulgaris, L. a native perennial plant, growing in meadows and pastures; bearing purplish flowers in the month of August. - It possesses an austere taste; and, though...

Seltzer-Water

Seltzer-Water, one of the most salubrious mineral fluids, is obtained from the springs, which rise in the vicinity of Nieder-Selters, in the Archbishopric of Triers ; whence it is imported in stone-bo...

Semolina

Semolina, a nutritious preparation, consisting of granulated wheat. In 1780, a patent was granted to Mr. Jacob LEvy, for a method of making Semolina, which hith imported from Poland, where it is ca...

Senega

Senega, a gum obtained from the Mimosa nilotica, L. and. which greatly resembles that of arabic;-possesses similar properties, while-it is much cheaper ; and is imported from Senegal, and the coast of...

Senna

Senna, or Cassia senna, L. an exotic shrub cultivated in Persia, Syria; and Arabia, whence its dried leaves are imported. They are of a yellowish-green colour, have a faint, though not unpleasant smel...

Serpent

Serpent, an appellation given to an order of reptiles comprising, among other kinds, the Viper and Snake. Consistently with our plan, we cannot enter into any disquisition respecting the real or su...

Serradilla

Serradilla, or Common Bird's-foot (see vol. i. p. 266), a valuable plant, which thrives much better than saintfoin, or any other grass, on poor sandy soils : it is propagated by drilling the see...

Service-Tree

Service-Tree, or Sorbus, L. a genus of native trees, consisting of three species, namely : l.The aucuparia. See QuiCKEn-tkee. 2. The domestica, (Pyrus domes-tlca of Dr. Smith) or True Service-tree,...

Shad

Shad, or Clupea alosa, L. a well-known fish, inhabiting the rivers Thames, Severn, and Wye : it commonly weighs from 5 to 8 lbs. - It has a forked snout, and the body is marked with black spots. In...

Shagreen

Shagreen, or Chagreen, is a kind of rough. leather, pre- -i from the skin of the spotted Shark, . For this purpose, the skin of the fish is first stripped, then extended on a table, and cover...

Shale

Shale is a black, slaty substance, or a species of clay concreted into a stony consistence, and impregnated with a considerable quantity of bituminous matter. It is of various degrees of hardness, but...

Shark

Shark, or Squalus, L. genus of fish, comprehending 32 species, of which the following are the most remarkable : 1. The Canicula, Spotted Shark, or Dog-fish, inhabits almost every sea, and grows to ...

Shaving

Shaving is the aft of removing the hair from the beard, by means of a razor. This operation greatly contributes to cleanliness ; and though, from peculiar Circumstances, a person be prevented from ...

Shawl

Shawl, a species of fine woollen handkerchief, which forms a principal article of female luxury. The finest shawls are Imported from the East Indies, where they are highly esteemed, and cost from f...

Sheep

Sheep, or Ovis, a genus of quadrupeds consisting, according to LiNNAEus, of three species; though later naturalists admit only one, and consider the others as varieties. The principal is the aries, or...

Sheep's-Bit

Sheep's-Bit, or Hairy Sheep's-Scabious, Jasione Montana, L. an indigenous annual plant, growing in meadows, pastures, and heaths, in dry and sandy tions ; where it blows in June and July. - its blue f...

Shepherd's Purse

Shepherd's Purse, the Common, or Shepherd's Pouch, Thlaspi Bursa pastoris, L. a native plant, growing; among rubbish, on road-sides, walls, in corn-fields, and gravelly walks ; flowering from March to...

Shingles

Shingles, a disorder of the erysipelatous kind (see Rose), in which numerous pimples of a livid hue, arise in different parts of the trunk, but principally around the waist of the body ; whence it is ...

Shirt

Shirt, a loose garment, generally worn next the skin. The material of which shirts, are usually made, is linen, though FLANNEL is doubtless a more natural and salubrious covering for the body, on a...

Shoad-Stone

Shoad-Stone, a term applied to certain loose masses of a fossil, which is generally found at the entrance of mines. Shoad-stones serve as useful guides to miners, in digging for ores; because, if t...

Shoe

Shoe, a well-known article of dress, which serves to cover the feet. Shoes are generally made of leather, the texture of which ought not only to be sufficiently close, to exclude moisture, but also...

Shot

Shot, a general name given to small and large balls, employed in fire-arms, but especially to those of a diminutive size. Shot is made either of iron, or of lead : the former metal is chiefly used ...

Shoulder

Shoulder, is the joint which connects the arm with the body. The principal affection of this limb is LUXATION, or dislocation (see vol.iii.p. 136). when the head of the upper arm-bone is forced from -...

Shrimp

Shrimp, the Larger, or Can-cer crangon, L. a diminutive shellfish, provided with long slender feelers', and several claws, to which moveable fangs are attached : it has three pair of legs, and seven j...

Shrub

Shrub, in botany, a term denoting a low tree, of a diminutive size; or, a plant abounding with branches ; and, instead of one single trunk, shooting forth several sets or stems from the parent-root. S...

Shrub Liquor

Shrub Liquor, a compound liquor, made of ardent spirits, orange-juice, and sugar. Though we do not profess to be acquainted with the exact proportion of the ingredients employed by shrub-drinkers, ...

Sight

Sight, is the exercise of the sense of vision. This faculty is one of the most important enjoyed by organized beings ; as they are thus enabled to behold the beauties of Nature, and to avoid such obje...

Silk

Silk, a fibrous production, partaking both of animal and vegetable nature : it is spontaneously drawn spun by the insect, which will be the object of the next article. In this place, therefore, we sha...

Silk-Worm

Silk-Worm, or Phalaena Bombyx Mori, a native of China, where it propagates on the mulberry-tree, the leaves of which serve as its only natural food. From the labours of this valuable in...

Silver

Silver, one of the whitest of the perfect metals, is found in various parts of the globe, both in a native state, and alloyed with other ores. The purest silver is imported by the Spaniards, from P...

Silver-Weed

Silver-Weed, Wild Tan-sey, or Goose-grass, Potentilla Anserina, L. a British perennial plant, growing on the sides of paths and roads, and in low pastures ; flowering in June and July. - Gunner observ...

Simarouba

Simarouba, or Quassia Simaroula, L. an exotic tree growing in Guiana, and also in Jamaica, where it attains a considerable height and thickness. - Its bark is used in medicine, and is imported in long...

Sinapism

Sinapism, signifies an external application, in the form of a soft plaster, or poultice, for the same purposes as a Blister, to which we refer. The most usual si: is composed of equal pa...

Siskin

Siskin, or Fringilla spinius, L. a beautiful bird of passage, which frequents Britain at uncertain periods. Its wings are spotted with yellow, being black at the points. - It is found most frequently ...

Size

Size, a viscid preparation, consisting of the shreds and parings of parchment, leather, or vellum, boiled in water ; after which they are strained. It is employed by various artisans, but principally ...

Skate

Skate, or Raja latis, L. a vo racious fish, caught chiefly in the Vistula, and, we believe, also in the Baltic and North Seas : it generally measures 16 feet in th, and is upwards of 2 fee...

Skating

Skating, a species of exercise upon the ice, performed by means of skates, or wooden soles shod with iron, resembling in shape the keel of a ship : the whole is fastened to the feet, by means of strap...

Skin

Skin, signifies the general covering of animal bodies. Of all the different integuments, bestowed by Nature on organized creatures, that of mankind is doubt-most admirable : it con-- of three strat...

Skin Hide

Skin, in commerce, denotes the hide, or pelt, which is stripped, off the bodies of animals, in order to be prepared by the tanner, skinner, parchment-maker, or other artisan, and converted into leathe...

Skirret

Skirret, the Common, or Sium Sisarum, L. an exotic plant, which is frequently cultivated in British gardens, on account of its utility for culinary purposes, it is propagated from the seeds obtained i...

Slate

Slate, a fossil, consisting of a compact stone, that may be split into thin plates. There are several varieties of this mineral, chiefly distinguished by their colour, which is in general grey, int...

Slaters

Slaters, Millepes, or Wood-Louse., Oniscus asellus, 1 . an insect which is generally found in cellars, beneath stones, and in cold humid places. It is of an oval form; of different colours ; and se...

Slaughtering Of Cattle

Slaughtering Of Cattle, a term used to denote the killing of calves, oxen, or other horned cattle. The instrument at present generally employed for this purpose, is a common axe; by which the anima...

Sleep

Sleep, is that condition of the body, in which the senses are not ted or affected by external ob-; while the functions of life are regularly performed, though not with the same energy or celebrity, as...

Sleep Of Plants

Sleep Of Plants, is a certain faculty, peculiar to etc. of assuming, during position essentially from that which takes place principally towards the approach of night, in flowers ; ...

Sleeping

Sleeping, is that state of the body, in which the animal functions are suspended. The proper duration of sleep must be regulated, according to the different constitutions and ages of individuals. T...

Sleep-Walking

Sleep-Walking, or Somnambulism remarkable disorder, proceeding from an inflamed or disturbed imagination ; and in which the patient's eyes are widely open; though he can discern no object: at the same...

Sloe-Tree

Sloe-Tree, Black-Thorn, Or Scrogos, Prunus spinosa, L. an indigenous shrub, growing wild ges, and woods; flowering; in the months of March and April. It gener s the height o from 10 ...

Slug

Slug, or Naked Snail, Li-max, L. a genus of insects, comprehending eight species; which differ only in colour; being black, white, reddish, ash-coloured, etc. These reptiles are destitute of...

Small-Pox

Small-Pox is a contagious eruption, attended with inflammatory fever. The patient complains ofhead-ach; nausea, and vomiting; heat beat and cold; respiration is difficult, and the breath fluid. Genera...

Smalt

Smalt, a species of glass of a dark-blue colour; and which, on levigating it, assumes a beautiful shade; resisting the action of air and fire : hence, if it could be rendered sufficiently fine, it wo...

Smelling

Smelling, one of the external senses is that faculty by which are enabled to distinguish the odour of different substances. It is exercised by means of papillae, or little warts of the olfactory nerve...

Smelt

Smelt, or Salmo eperlanus, L. a fish of a beautiful form and colour ; its head is transparent, and skin, in general, so thin that, with a good microscope, the circulation of the blood maybe distinctly...

Smoke

Smoke, a dense, elastic fume, which is exhaled from burning coals, wood, and other substances. Smoke being not only disagreeable to the senses, hut also frequently detrimental to health ; in genious m...

Smoking

Smoking, a practice of consuming tobacco, by which the cut leaves of this drug, being previously put into a pipe, are kindled; and the fume or smoke, after being inhaled, is discharged through the mou...

Food Smoking

Food Smoking, in domestic economy, is a mode of preserving such as hams, bacon, geese, etc. by previously salting, and then exposing them to the smoke arising from a wood-lire. For this purpose, the c...

Smut

Smut, a disease affecting almost every species of corn, the grains of which become filled with a fetid black powder, instead of containing farinaceous matter. Having already stated (vol. i. pp. I70...

Snail

Snail, or Helix, L. a genus of testaceous insects, comprising sixty species, of which the following are the most remarkable, viz. 1. The hortensis, or Common Garden Snail, abounds in this Country. ...

Snake

Snake, the Common, or co-Inter matrix, L. a native reptile, which is often found in bushy places, and in banks, near waters. It is from two to three, and in the south of Europe, often ten f...

Snake-Weed

Snake-Weed or Polygonum, L. a genus of plants comprehending thirty-three species, ten of which are natives of Britain : the following are the principal, namely : 1. The Hydropiper. See WA...

Snap-Dragon

Snap-Dragon, or Antirrhinum, L. a genus of plants consist-ing of fifty-three species, eleven of which are indigenous : the following are the principal : 1. The Elatine, or Sharp-pointed Toad-flax...

Sneeze-Wort-Yarrow

Sneeze-Wort-Yarrow, Bastard Pellitory or Goose-tongue, Achillaea Ptarmica, L. a native perennial plant, growing in moist meadows and shady places; flowering in July and August. - It is eaten by horses...

Sneezing

Sneezing, a convulsive motion of the muscles of the breast, which is caused by the irritation of the membrane lining the nose ; by acrid, pungent matters floating in the air; or by certain drugs denom...

Snow

Snow, a meteor, which is formed by the congelation, or zing, of vapours in the atmosphere. Snow differs in no other respect from rain, but that it is frozen in its descent to the ear...

Snow-Drop

Snow-Drop, the Common, or Fair-Maids-of-February, L. a native perennial plant, growing in orcha meadows, and the sides of hedg flowering in February and March. The snow-drop pr...

Snuff

Snuff, a well-known preparation, the basis of which is tobacco, reduced to powder ; other matters being incorporated, with a view to impart a degree of pungency and peculiar odour. It would be an e...

Soal

Soal, or Sole, Pleuronecle solea, I, a fish that abounds on the British coasts, and is of various siizes; those taken on the western shores Weighing from six. to seven pounds each ; while such ...

Soap

Soap, a composition of fixed alkaline salt, in a state, of combination with animal or vegetable oil: it is sometimes dry and hard, at ethers soft and liquid ; being ma-nufactured in various ways, with...

Soap-Earth

Soap-Earth, or Steatites, L. a species of fossil, which abounds in Devonshire, Cornwall, and the islands in the vicinity of the Lizard Point. It is generally of a white, or grey colour, intermixed ...

Soap-Wort

Soap-Wort, the Common, or Bruiskwort, Saponaria officinalis, L. a native perennial, growing in meadows and hedges; flowering in July and August. - The leaves possess a disagreeable bitter taste : if b...

Soda

Soda, Fossil, or Mineral Alkali, a peculiar salt, which is found native in various parts of the world; but, as the quantity thus obtained, is inadequate to its extensive consumption, various methods h...

Meadow Soft-Grass

Meadow Soft-Grass, the Meadow, or Holcus Lanatus, L. a native perennial, growing in meadows and pastures, particularly in moist, light situations: it flowers in months of June and July. This grass, th...

Soil

Soil, signifies the ground or mould, in which vegetables grow; and which serves as a reservoir for receiving and dispensing their nutriment. Having already, -under the articles Arable Land ; Land ;...

Sweet-Smelling Solomon's Seal

Sweet-Smelling Solomon's Seal, or Convallaria Polygonatum, L. a native perennial, which grows in mountainous woods, and the fissures of rocks, principally in the county of York : it flowers in the mon...

Common Solomon's Seal

Common Solomon's Seal, or Convallaria multiflora, L. is also perennial; grows in woods and thickets : and flowers in May or June. This plant is eaten by cows, goats, and sheep; it possesses the proper...

Sorrel

Sorrel, the Common, or Sorrel-Dock, Rumex Acetosus, L. a native perennial, growing in meadows and pastures, where it flowers in the month of June. - This vegetable is eaten by horses, cows, goa...

Soup

Soup, a strong decoction of beef, veal, or other animal substances ; and which is generally seasoned with aromatic vegetables, pepper, or similar heating spices. Soups form a principal article at t...

Sow-Bread

Sow-Bread, or Cyclamen Europium, L. an exotic plant, sometimes cultivated in the gardens of the curious. There are five species of this diminutive herb, each of which produces several varieties; all b...

Sow-Thistle

Sow-Thistle, or Sonchus, L. a genus of plants forming 13 species, four of which are indigenous : the principal are the following: 1. The oleraceus, or Common Sow-thistle, grows on cultivated groun...

Sowing

Sowing, is the act of committing the seed of vegetables to the earth, in order to obtain a future crop. This operation is performed either in the Broad-cast method, or by Drilling : but, having alr...

Soy

Soy, or Soeju, a species of liquid condiment, which is imported from India, and is used as a sauce for fish. It is prepared from the leguminous fruit of the Soja (Dolichos soja, L.) a native of Japan....

Spa-Water

Spa-Water, a chalybeate mineral fluid, which arises from numerous springs, and particularly from that of Pouhon, in the vicinity of Spa, in Flanders. This liquid, when first drunk, possesses the re...

Spade

Spade, a well-known implement, which is principally employed in horticulture. The lit, or blade of this tool, is composed wholly of iron, being about 8 or 9 inches broad, and a foot in length : the...

Spaniel

Spaniel, or Canis avicularius, a valuable species of the dog-kind, which is supposed to have been originally bred in Spain. Spaniels are divided into three varieties, namely, 1. Starters, or Pointe...

Ponderous Spar

Ponderous Spar, Barytes; or heavy earth, a name given to a fossil naturally combined with the sulphuric or carbonic acids, and found in different parts of England, particularly in the counties of York...

Sparrow

Sparrow, the Common, or Domestic, Fringilla domestica L. a well-known bird, which abounds, in Britain, particularly in the vicinity of villages and towns. Sparrows construct their nest beneath the ...

Spasm

Spasm, an irregular and involuntary contraction of the muscles, generally accompanied with painful sensations : this complaint has, of late years, made such rapid and formidable progress, especially a...

Spatling-Poppy

Spatling-Poppy, White Pottle, or Bladder Campion, Cucubalus Behen, L. a native perennial, which grows in cornfields, dry meadows, and pastures : it flowers in July and August. - The leaves of this veg...

Spearwort

Spearwort, the Great, or Ranunculus Lingua. L. an indigenous perennial, growing in wet pastures, and at the sides of lakes; it flowers in the months of June and July. - The stem of this poisonous plan...

Specifics

Specifics, are medicinal drugs, or compounds, the virtue and effect of which are supposed to be peculiarly adapted to certain disorders : or they are said to be calculated to expel some hurtful humour...

Spectacles

Spectacles, a well-known and useful optical contrivance, in order to aid the eyes of the aged, or young invalids of defective vision, by means of two appropriate lenses. Those used by short-sighted pe...

Speech

Speech, in general, denotes the faculty of expressing thoughts, by means of articulate sounds ; though it is likewise employed by grammarians, to signify a series of words properly arranged. The power...

Speedwell

Speedwell, or Veronica, L a genus of plants comprehending 54 species, 17 of which are indigenous : the principal of these are the following: 1. The Beccabunga: See Brook-lime. 2. The Chamae...

Spermaceti

Spermaceti, a flaky, whit ish, somewhat unctuous substance, of smell ; being obtained from the head of the Physeter macro-cephalus, L. a species of whale. As the manner of preparing this expensive ...

Spice

Spice, a general denomination of aromatic drugs, possessing hot and pungent properties. Such are All-spice, Nutmeg, Pepper, the seeds of the CaRaw ay and CaRda mom, Ginger, Mace, Salt, etc. of which w...

Spider

Spider, or Aranea, L. a genus of insects comprehending 50 species, of which the following are the principal; namely: 1 The Common House-Spider, is generally of a black-colour; has eight legs, each ...

Spiderwort

Spiderwort, the Marsh, Marsh-Tofieldia, Or Scotch Asphodel, Anthericum calycula-tum, L. (Toficldia palustris of i and Withering), a native perennial, which grows in bogs, on mountains in Scotland, and...

Spignel

Spignel, or Spicknel, Aethusa Meum, L. a native perennial, growing in mountainous pastures, principally in the northern counties, where it flowers in the month of May. - The roots and seeds of this ve...

Spike-Oil

Spike-Oil, the name of an essential oil distilled from the La-ike, considerable quantities of which, are used by varnish-makers, painters in enamel, etc. - See also vol. iii. p. 72. ...

Spinach

Spinach, or Spinage, the Common, Spinacia oleracea, L. an exotic plant, cultivated in Britain, culinary purposes. If intended for winter-use, it Is propagated by the seed, in beds of light, rich e...

Spindle-Tree

Spindle-Tree, the CoMMON, Prick-timber, Gatteridge-TREE, or Louse-berry, Evonymus Europceus, L. an indigenous shrub, which, in favourable situations, attains the height of 20 feet: it grows in woods a...

Spinning

Spinning, is the art of twisting flax, hemp, silk, cotton, wool, or similar matters, so as to reduce them into yarn or thread. Spinning is generally performed, either by means of a wheel, or someti...

Spirits

Spirits, a general name given to ardent liquors, obtained by distillation. Spirits are divided into two classes, namely, foreign, and British ; the former includes arrack, brandy, and rum: the latt...

Spirit Of Wine

Spirit Of Wine, an ardent, colourless liquor, destitute of any peculiar flavour : it may be obtained by distilling the farinaceous or saccharine roots, as well as pulpy fruit of vegetables, in general...

Spleen

Spleen, is a spongy viscus, situated in the left side near the lower part of the stomach, under the ribs. This organ is supposed to be designed by Nature to prepare the blood for the secretion of bile...

Spleenwort

Spleenwort, or Hart's-Tongue, Asplenium scolopendri-um, L. a native perennial, growing in the fissures of moist shady rocks, old walls, and at the mouths of wells; where it flowers in the months of Au...

Splents

Splents, in farriery, denote hard excrescences of various shape and size, appearing on the shank-bone of a horse - Unless they arise from blows, or other accidents, few horses put out splents, after t...

Sponge

Sponge, or Spongia, L. a genus of animal plants, comprehending 50 species, the principal of which is the officinalis, or Common Sponge. It is imported from the Levant: being a soft, porous, light, sub...

Spots

Spots, are marks or stains accidentally occurring on linen, woollen, cotton, silk, or other stuffs. - Under the head of Cloth (vol. ii. pp. 7-8) we have already-communicated several methods of dischar...

Sprain

Sprain, denotes an extension of the muscles, ligaments, and tendons, without dislocation : it generally proceeds from external injury; and is attended with pain, swelling, and inflammation. In treatin...

Sprat

Sprat, or Clupea sprattus, L. a well-known diminutive fish, which is from three to six inches in length, and in shape resembles the Herring. Sprats are caught in numerous shoals in the river Thames...

Spring

Spring, a fountain, or source, whence water spontaneously rises from the bowels of the earth. Various conjectures have been formed by naturalists, concerning the origin of springs; but, consistentl...

Spring-Grass

Spring-Grass, the Sweet-scented, or Vernal-grass, An-thoxanthum odorutum, L. an indigenous perennial, growing in meadows and pastures; flowering in the months of May and June. - This is one of the ear...

Spruce-Beer

Spruce-Beer, a kind of diet-drink, which is prepared in the following manner : Eight gallons of water are first poured into a cask, or other vessel; and a similar quantity of boiling water is added : ...

Spurge

Spurge, or Euphorbia, L. a genus of plants, comprehending 110 species ; 12 being natives of Britain ; the principal of which are the following : I. The characias, or Red Spurge, grows in woods and ...

Spurge-Laurel

Spurge-Laurel, or Laurel Mezereon, Daphne Laure-ola, L. an indigenous shrub, found in woods and hedges, principally in the county of York, where it flowers in March and April. - The whole of this vege...

Spurrey

Spurrey, or Spergula, L. a genus of plants comprising five species; three being natives of Britain. The principal of these is the arvensis, or Corn Spurrey, which grows in corn-fields, and sandy situa...

Spurs

Spurs, a well-known contrivance, or machines consisting of plated steel, silver, etc. fitted to the hind -quarters of a horseman's boots, and furnished with a rowel, which sqU turns on an axis, in ord...

Squill

Squill, the Common, or SEa-onion, Scilla maritima, L. an exotic plant, growing on the sandy shores of the Levant, especially on those of Spain, and Portugal, whence considerable quantities of its root...

Squinting

Squinting, or Strabismus, an affection of the eyes, occasioned by the optic axes not converging ; in consequence of which, the organs of sight appear distorted. Improper habits frequently induce th...

Squirrel

Squirrel, the Common, or Sciurus vulgaris, L. a lively little quadruped, abounding in the woods of Britain, as well as in other parts of Europe, Asia, and North Ame-rica. Its head, body, legs, and tai...

St. Vitus's Dance

St. Vitus's Dance, a spasmodic disorder, mostly incident to young persons of both sexes, from the age of ten to fifteen : it is distinguished by continual involuntary motions of the hands and feet; so...

Stable

Stable, an edifice erected for the reception and accommodation of horses. The principal object in building stables, is the situation, which ought to be, 1. On a gentle declivity, in order that the ...

Stag

Stag, or Cervus Elaphus, L. an animal of chace, which is common in Britain, as well as in other parts of Europe, in the northern parts of Africa, It is of a with black spots on the a dark stripe in ...

Staggers

Staggers, or Apoplexy, a disorder in the heads of horses, which becomes evident from the drowsiness ; bad appetite ; watery and inflamed eyes ; and the staggering or reeling gait of the animals. The h...

Star Of Bethlehem

Star Of Bethlehem, or Ornithogalum, L. a genus of plants, comprising 35 species, 7 of which are indigenous : the principal of these is the Luteum, or Yellow Star of Bethlehem, growing in. woods, and m...

Star-Grass

Star-Grass, or Callitriche, L. a genus of plants, consisting of four species, two of which are indigenous, namely : 1. The verna, Vernal Star-grass, Water-Starwort, Water-Fennel, or Star-headed Water-...

Star-Wort

Star-Wort, the Sea, or Aster Tripolium, L. a native perennial, growing in salt-marshes, both on the sea-coast, and in those which are more distant from the shore : it flowers in the months of August a...

Starch

Starch or Amylum, is a preparation from wheat, obtained by steeping the flour of that grain in cold water, then straining it through a cloth, and suffering the farinaceous particles to subs...

Starling

Starling, the Common, or Sturnus vulgaris, L. an useful bird, inhabiting various parts of England. It is about eight inches length, and weighs from 3 to 4 ounces: the plumage is black, spotted with bl...

Stavesacre

Stavesacre, or Delphinium, Staphisagria, L. an exotic plant, growing in the southern parts of Europe, and particularly in Italy, whence its rough, blackish seeds are imported. They possess a disagreea...

Stays

Stays, an article of female dress, which is usually made of canvas or dimity, supported by whale-bone, and laced behind. Few articles are of greater importance to the health and comfort of females ...

Steam

Steam, denotes the visible, moist vapour ascending from hot or boiling liquors; and also from substances containing humidity, which is easily evaporated by a degree of heat, that is insufficient for t...

Steel

Steel, is iron refined in the fire with certain ingredients that render it white, and impart to it a harder and finer grain than that of the original metal. Iron is converted into steel, either by ...

Steel-Yard

Steel-Yard, or Stilyard, is one of the most ancient machines for ascertaining the weight of bodies, by its counterpoise. It is alluded to in the Pentateuch, and to this day used by the Arabs, and all ...

Stickleback

Stickleback, the Common, Banstickle, or Sharpling, Gasterosteus aculeatus, L. a well -known fish, abounding in newly-cut ditches, canals, and other collections of water. It seldom exceeds two or thre...

Stimulants

Stimulants, in medicine, generally denote those subtances, or means, by which the action of certain parts of the body is increased, for instance, the circulation of the blood, or the activity of the m...

Stirrup

Stirrup, a semi-circular machine, manufactured of steel, plated iron, etc. serving to support the foot of the horseman ; as it enables him to mount, and to maintain a due equilibrium, while seated on ...

Stockings

Stockings, are those garments which serve to clothe, or shelter, the legs and feet from cold, and moisture. Stockings are manufactured of silk, cotton, thread, or worsted; being either knit with ne...

Stomach

Stomach is a membranous viscus, serving to receive and digest the various articles of food, conveyed through the mouth and gullet, for the nutrition of the body. It is situated in the e...

Stone

Stone, or Lithiasis, is a con-ion of calcareous matter, form-n different organs of the body, but particularly in the kidnies, uri-nary passage, and biliary duels ; though other parts are not exempt ...

Stones

Stones, in general, are defined to be hard, solid bodies, which are neither soluble in water, nor malleable. They are formed in the progress of time, within the bowels of the earth, by the gradual acc...

Stone-Crop

Stone-Crop, or Sedum, L, a genus of perennial plants, comprising 31 species, 9 being indigenous; of which the following are the most remarkable : 1. The Telephium, or Orpine Stone-crop. See Orp...

Storax

Storax, a fragrant gum-resin, exuding from incisions made in the Common Storax-tree, or Styrax officinalis, L. a native of Italy and the Levant, where it flowers in July. The best storax is obtai...

Stove

Stove, in domestic economy, a contrivance, or apparatus, in which fires are made, with the view of conveying heat throughout houses, churches, or other buildings. One of the most ingenious plans de...

Strains

Strains, in farriery, denote such accidental injuries as sometimes happen to horses, by a violent and unnatural distension or stretching of their muscles or tendons ; in consequence of which, the anim...

Strangles

Strangles, a disorder incident to colt9 and young horses : it becomes evident from a collection of impure humours, that are discharged by the nostrils, or by suppuration from the glands, situated bene...

Straw

Straw, denotes the stalk on which corn grows, and from which it is separated by threshing. Straw is an article of extensive utility in rural and domestic economy. - When chopped or cut small, by ...

Strawberry

Strawberry, or Fragaria, a genus of plants, comprehending three species, two of which are indigenous ; but the principal is the vesca, or Common Strawberry, growing in woods, hedges, and hollow ways; ...

Strawberry-Tree

Strawberry-Tree, or Arbutus, L. a genus of shrubs, consisting of nine species, three of which are indigenous : namely, 1. The Uncdo, or Common Strawberry-tree, which grows on barren lime-stone roc...

Straw-Cutter

Straw-Cutter, or Chaff-cutter, as it is commonly termed, denotes a machine for the purpose of cutting straw, with a view to feed horses and cattle to greater advantage. In the year l797, the Societ...

Sturgeon

Sturgeon, or Accipeuser Sturio, L. a fish, which is sometimes taken in the British rivers ; being, however, generally imported from Russia, or the Baltic sea, as well as from North America : it is pri...

Styptic

Styptic, a term applied to medicines, which serve to stop hemorrhages, or effusions of blood. Various vegetables maybe advantageously employed as external styptics, such as the Agaric, Puff-ball, e...

Sublimate

Sublimate, a chemical pre paration, consisting of Mercury combined with the marine acid. Being extremely corrosive, and the manufacturing of this drug being attended with great danger to health, it is...

Succory

Succory, or Cichorium, L. a genus of three plants, the following of which are the principal ; namely : 1. The IntybuS, Wild Cigho-ry, or Succory, is an indigenous biennial, growing on the borders o...

Suckling

Suckling, is the art of administering the maternal milk to an infant, by the breast. Having already, in the articles Breasts, Milk (vol. iii. p. 202), and Nipples, stated the particulars relative t...

Suet

Suet, is the solid fat secreted in the cellular membrane under the skin, and various parts of the animal body, for instance, in sheep, oxen, etc. but not in the human species. The uses of suet, for...

Suffocation

Suffocation, denotes a suspension of the most important vital function, namely, that of respiring or breathing : without which animal life cannot be supported. This dangerous casualty may arise fro...

Sugar

Sugar, a sweet concrete juice, ned front the Sugar-cane, or Saccharum officinarum, L. a species of reed or cane, which grows in the East and West Indies. According to modern chemists, however, it is a...

Sugar Candy

Sugar Candy, is the essential part of the saccharine matter formed into large crystals, by slowly evaporating the clarified syrup. The whole process is managed in strongly-heated chambers, by th...

Suicide

Suicide, is a term expressing either the crime of self-murder; or it is applied to the person committing such unnatural deed. It is remarkable, that this violation of divine and human law, has prev...

Sulphur

Sulphur, or Brimstone, a hard inflammable mineral, of a yellow colour: it is insoluble in water; destitute of smell, except by friction, or when heated ; and possesses a peculiar, faint taste. - This ...

Sulphur-Wort

Sulphur-Wort, the Common, Hog's Fennel, or Hare-strong, Peucedanum officinale, L. a native perennial, growing in salt-marshes ; producing flowers in the months of June and July. - Both the roots and s...

Sumach-Tree

Sumach-Tree, or Rhus, L. a genus of exotic trees, comprehending 33 species, of which the following are the most remarkable, namely: 1. The Coriaria, or Elm-leaved Sumach, a native of Italy, Spain, ...

Sun

Sun, the brightest and most important luminary, which imparts light to the world, and the presence of which constitutes the day. The genial warmth of the sun, conveyed to the earth by its rays, evi...

Sun Dew

Sun Dew, the Round Leaved, Red-Rot, or Youthwort, Dro-Sera Rotundifolia, L. an indigenous perennial, growing in mossy bogs, and flowering in the months of July and August. The whole of this singula...

Sun-Flower

Sun-Flower, or Helianthus, L. a genus of exotic plants, consist-ing of 14 species, most of which are cultivated in Britain : the principal, however, are : 1. The annuus (corona soils), or Common S...

Sun-Scorched

Sun-Scorched, is a term employed by gardeners, to express a distemper affecting fruit-trees, in consequence of their sudden exposure to the heat of the sun ; so that the fruit becomes withered. T...

Supper

Supper is the evening refreshment, or the last meal which is usually taken, shortly before retiring to rest. Since late dinners have, within these few years, become fashionable, suppers are in a gr...

Surfeit

Surfeit, in physiology, is an indisposition attended with nausea, and the sensation of a load at the stomach, which are generally occasioned by indolence, and excess in eating or drinking ; thou...

Surfeit Disease

Surfeit Disease, in farriery, a disease chiefly incident to horses : it may be occasioned either by suffering them to drink immoderate portions of cold water, while they are in a profuse perspiration;...

Surgeon

Surgeon, or Chirurgeon, an appellation bestowed on profes-:.sl characters who exercise that branch of the healing art, which chiefly relates to the treatment of external or local affections. In latter...

Suspension by the Cord

Suspensionby the Cord , or Hanging, is either the act of suicide, or that of being suffocated, by means of a rope tied round the neck ; in consequence of which, the vital principle is extinguished. As...

Swallow

Swallow, the Common, or Chimney - Swallow, Hirundo rus-tica, L. a well-known bird of passage, appearing in this country about the middle of April, and generally departing early in October. This bird c...

Swallowing

Swallowing, or Deglutition, is the act of taking any food, whether solid or liquid, down the throat. It succeeds Mastication, and is performed primarily by the tongue, which propel-, the aliment into ...

Swallow-Wort

Swallow-Wort, the Common, or Asclepias alba v. Vincetoxi-cum, L. a hardy exotic plant, which is a native of the south of France, Spain, and Italy. In a fresh state, the root of this vegetable possesse...

Swan

Swan, or Anas cygnus, L. an elegant bird of the goose kind, but much larger, and having a longer neck: there arc two varieties, namely: 1. The ferus, Wild, or Whistling-Swan, a bird of passage, w...

Sward-Cutter

Sward-Cutter, a machine employed for cutting the sward, or surface of the earth, so as to break every clod that might otherwise resist the action of spiked rollers, or any similar implement of agricul...

Swearing

Swearing, a term used to denote either the uttering of impious expressions, or the judicial, and also official invocation of the Deity, to attest the truth of an assertion. The security of oaths in...

Sweat

Sweat, a perceptible moisture, issuing from the pores of the skin, either in consequence of too violent exercise, or from the action of certain medicines, which are hence denominated sudorifics ; thou...

Sweating-Sickness

Sweating-Sickness, an epidemic which raged in England in 1481, and returned seven times between that period and 1551; in which year it proved so fatal, as to carry off 120 inhabitants of Westminster i...

Swimming

Swimming, is the art of floating, or supporting the human body on the surface of water, with a progressive undulating motion. This art is in a manner natural to man (see Amphibious Animals); and,...

Swinging

Swinging, a species of passive exercise, which is performed in certain contrivances, known under the name of swinging machines or cars ; by the undulating motion of which, the body is tossed in an asc...

Swoon

Swoon, or Syncope, is a su den fainting, in which the action of the heart is diminished, or for a time entirely suspended. It is generally preceded by anxiety, difficult respiration ; the pulse being ...

Sycamore-Tree

Sycamore-Tree, or Sycamore Maple; Acer Pseudo-platanus, L. a large and beautiful tree, supposed to be a native of Germany, but reared in Britain, principally for the sake of its elegant appearance in ...

Syllabub

Syllabub, a palatable compound drink, usually prepared by combining three parts of new milk and one of white wine, in which a sufficient portion of sugar has been previously dissolved. Whipt Syllab...

Sympathy

Sympathy denotes an unison or agreement of affections and inclinations ; or a conformity of natural qualities, or temperaments; in consequence of which two persons are mutually attached to each other....

Syrup

Syrup, a solution of sugar, frequently employed as a vehicle for various medicines ; forming a sweet liquor, of a thick consistence, which is made by combining saccharine matter with water, vinegar, o...

Tacamahaca

Tacamahaca, a Gummy Resinous substance, obtained from the Carolina Poplar. The best sort is collected from the fruit of the tree, in gourd-shells : it is somewhat soft and unctuous, of a pale-green, o...

Talc

Talc, a species of fossil, found in England, Bohemia, Spain, etc. comprehending 3 varieties, namely: 1. The Talcite, or Scaly Talc, is dug in small light scales, which adhere to the fingers : it ...

Tallow

Tallow, is the fat of certain animals, properly boiled and clarified. It may be procured from almost every creature, excepting worms and insects; though the best and largest quantities are obtained fr...

Tamarind-Tree

Tamarind-Tree, or Tamorindus Indica, L. a native of the East and West Indies, of America, Arabia, and Egypt, where it attains the height of 30 or 40feet. The fruit of this tree resembles a bean-pod...

Tanning

Tanning, is the art of pre paring leather from raw skins and hides, so as to render it more pliant and durable. The processes employed for this purpose, are various ; every tanner adopting some pec...

Tansy

Tansy, the Common, or Tanacetum Vulgare, L. an indigenous perennial, growing in elevated meadows and pastures, on the batiks of rivers, and in swampy situations ; flowering in the month of June. Th...

Tape-Worm

Tape-Worm, or Taenia, is one of the most tormenting worms, breeding in the bowels of the lower animals, as well as of mankind, and consisting of several species, namely; the armed and unarmed ; the lo...

Tar

Tar, a thick, black, unctuous matter, extracted from old pine and fir trees, by their combustion in a close, smothering heat; (see vol. iii. p. 384). It may also be procured from pit-coal; and for suc...

Tarragon

Tarragon, or Artemisia dra-cunculus, L. is a hardy exotic plant, growing in France, as well as in the warmer climates of Europe; and which is cultivated in Britain for culinary uses. It may be propaga...

Tarras

Tarras, Terras, or Traas, a species of argillaceous earth, found in Germany, and Sweden, whence it is annually imported ; being subject to the duty of 6 1/2d. per bushel. It is of a pale-yellowish col...

Tartar

Tartar, a concrete saline matter, which separates from wines, after they have undergone complete fermentation: it adheres to the top and sides of the cask, in red or whitish-grey crystals, according t...

Taste

Taste, in the animal economy, is one of the five senses, or that faculty which enables all organized beings to discern the various impressions produced by different substances on the tongue and the pa...

Tea-Tree

Tea-Tree, or Thea, L. a genus of shrubs consisting of two species ; namely, 1. the Bohea, or Black Tea; and, 2. the viridis, or Green Tea; both of which are natives of China and Japan, where they atta...

Teal

Teal, the Common, ox Anas creca, L. a bird of passage, frequenting lakes, ponds, and fenny places : it is about 14 inches in length, has a green spot on the wings, and is marked with a white line, bot...

Teasel

Teasel, or Dipsacus, L. a genus of plants exhibiting five species : three are indigenous; but the principal is the fullonum (more properly sativus), Manured, or Fuller's Teasel. It is raised from seed...

Teeth

Teeth, a set of bones, situated in the upper and lower jaws, for the purpose of mastication: in adults, there are 32 in number, or 10 in each jaw-bone. The teeth are of various size, being arrange...

Telescope

Telescope, one of the most useful optical instruments, consisting of a long tube furnished with several glasses, for the purpose of viewng distant objects. - This term is mostly applied to the larger ...

Temperance

Temperance, strictly speaking, denotes the virtuous practice of those, who restrain their sensual appetites : it is, however, generally used to express moderation, in which sense it is indiscriminatel...

Tench

Tench, or Cyprinus tinca, L. a British fish which delights in still waters; being seldom found in rivers. Its back is of a dusky colour; the head, sides, and belly, of a greenish cast, beautifully var...

Tendons

Tendons, or Sinews, in the animal frame, are ligaments, by which the motion of the joints is performed. The principal affections of tendinous parts, proceed from external violence, by which they ma...

Tennis

Tennis, a play requiring muscular exertion, and at which a ball is driven, by means of a racket. This game is of French origin, and was introduced into Britain in the 17th century: it is performed ...

Terrier

Terrier, or Canis terrarius, a variety of the dog-kind, which is of different colours, being sometimes spotted, though generally of a liver, or black hue : its body seldom exceeds 18 inches in length,...

Terror

Terror, or the apprehension of an evil which we are unable to prevent, is one of the most destructive passions inherent in mankind. Persons of weak nerves, and those who possess a high degree of se...

Theatre

Theatre, signifies the place in which spectacles, or dramatic representations, arc exhibited. The drama was originally invented in Greece; whence the rules of it have been gradually dispersed ove...