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Any methodical action of the hand, or of the hand with instruments, on the human body, to produce a curative or remedial effect, as in amputation, etc. Calculus of operations. See under Calculus.

One who performs some act upon the human body by means of the hand, or with instruments.

A large brass wind instrument, formerly used in the orchestra and in military bands, having a loud tone, deep pitch, and a compass of three octaves; -- now generally supplanted by bass and contrabass tubas. Moore (Encyc. of Music).

An instrument devised by Helmholtz for measuring the size of a reflected image on the convex surface of the cornea and lens of the eye, by which their curvature can be ascertained.

An instrument for viewing the interior of the eye, particularly the retina. Light is thrown into the eye by a mirror (usually concave) and the interior is then examined with or without the aid of a lens. -- Oph*thal`mo*scop"ic, a.

An instrument with a revolving wheel for measuring a curved line, as on a map.

An instrument for measuring the limits of distincts vision in different individuals, and thus determiming the proper focal length of a lens for correcting imperfect sight. Brande & C.

ed for the measurement of angles in optical experiments. -- Optical square, a surveyor's instrument with reflectors for laying off right angles.

One who deals in optical glasses and instruments.

An instrument for measuring the distance of distinct vision, mainly for the selection of eveglasses.

tions, afterward by the Romans to persons of distinction, and by the moderns to a band of instrumental musicians.

angement of music for an orchestra; orchestral treatment of a composition; -- called also instrumentation.

A large music box imitating a variety of orchestral instruments.

An instrument or medium by which some important action is performed, or an important end accomplished; as, legislatures, courts, armies, taxgatherers, etc., are organs of government.

Instrumental; acting as instruments of nature or of art to a certain destined function or end. [R.] Those organic arts which enable men to discourse and write perspicuously. Milton.

An organ or instrument; hence, a method by which philosophical or scientific investigation may be conducted; -- a term adopted from the Aristotelian writers by Lord Bacon, as the title ("Novum Organon") of part of his treatise on philosophical method. Sir. W. Hamilton.

A wind instrument of music in use among the Spaniards.

An old instrument of the lute or cittern kind. [Spelt also orpheoreon.]

An instrument designed to show the condition of the superficial portions of the eye.

An instrument for measuring the angle through which a ship rolls or pitches at sea.