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position that no fact or truth, however worthy of confidence, can be established on philosophical grounds; critical investigation or inquiry, as opposed to the positive assumption or assertion of certain principles.

Any terrestrial isopod crustacean of the genus Porcellio and allied genera; a sow bug.

Tending to induce sleep; soporiferous; somniferous; as, a sleepy drink or potion. Chaucer.

Inviting slumber; soporiferous. "Pensive in the slumberous shade." Pope.

Full of moisture; wet; soppy.

A perennial herb (Gypsophila Struthium) the root of which is used in Spain as a substitute for soap.

That branch of philosophy which treats of the constitution, phenomena, and development of human society; social science. H. Spencer.

tes, the Grecian sage and teacher. (b. c. 469-399), or to his manner of teaching and philosophizing.

The philosophy or the method of Socrates.

sque, esp. a student of the higher branches of theology in a mosque school. [Written also sophta.]

An order of lowly organized Mollusca belonging to the Isopleura. A narrow groove takes the place of the foot of other gastropods.

Causing or inducing sleep; soporific; dormitive; as, a somniferous potion. Walton.

to the Shrew family (Soricidæ); like a shrew in form or habits; as, the soricine bat (Glossophaga soricina).

See Cyclamen. -- Sow bug, or Sowbug (Zoöl.), any one of numerous species of terrestrial Isopoda belonging to Oniscus, Porcellio, and allied genera of the family Oniscidæ. They feed chiefly on decaying vegetable substances. -- Sow thistle Etym: [AS. sugepistel] (Bot.), a composite plant (Sonchus oleraceus) said to be…

Fig.: Abounding with difficulties or annoyances. The spiny deserts of scholastic philosophy. Bp. Warburton. Spiny lobster. (Zoöl.) Same as Rock lobster, under Rock. See also Lobster.

ry light; starry flame. Do not Christians and Heathens, Jews and Gentiles, poets and philosophers, unite in allowing the starry influence Sir W. Scott.

orporeal things follow from those manifest principles, would be a very great step in philosophy. Sir I. Newton.

A disciple of the philosopher Zeno; one of a Greek sect which held that men should be free from passion, unmoved by joy or grief, and should submit without complaint to unavoidable necessity, by which all things are governed.

The primitive mouth and esophagus of the embryo of annelids and arthropods.

of the infection. De Foe. Occult qualities put a stop to the improvement of natural philosophy. Sir I. Newton. It is a great step toward the mastery of our desires to give this stop to them. Locke.