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lkaloid generated by the processes of decomposition in dead animal bodies, and thought by some to be the cause of the poisonous effects produced by the bodies. See Ptomaine.

A comparatively rare element related to zinc, and occurring in some zinc ores. It is a white metal, both ductile and malleable. Symbol Cd. Atomic weight 111.8. It was discovered by Stromeyer in 1817, who named it from its association with zinc or zinc ore. Cadmium yellow, a compound of cadmium and sulphur, of an intens…

An outer framework of timber, inclosing something within it; as the cage of a staircase. Gwilt.

A disease frequently induced by remaining for some time in an atmosphere of high pressure, as in caissons, diving bells, etc. It is characterized by neuralgic pains and paralytic symptoms. It is variously explained, most probably as due to congestion of internal organs with subsequent stasis of the blood.…

A genus of aroideous plants, of which some species are cultivated for their immense leaves (which are often curiously blotched with white and red), and others (in Polynesia) for food.

general form of plants of the modern Equiseta (the Horsetail or Scouring Rush family) but sometimes attaining the height of trees, and having the stem more or less woody within. See Acrogen, and Asterophyllite.

A foul vein, like chalcedony, in some precious stones.

ting a substance, or rendering it friable by the action of heat, esp. by the expulsion of some volatile matter, as when carbonic and acid is expelled from carbonate of calcium in the burning of limestone in order to make lime.

itted; adapted; suited. The only danger that attends multiplicity of publication is, that some of them may be calculated to injure rather than benefit society. Goldsmith. The minister, on the other hand, had never gone through an experience calculated to lead him beyond the scope of generally received laws. Hawthorne.…

called differentials. The problems are primarily of this form: to find how the change in some variable quantity alters at each instant the value of a quantity dependent upon it. -- Exponential calculus, that part of algebra which treats of exponents. -- Imaginary calculus, a method of investigating the relations of…

A hydrous sulphate of copper and lead, found in some parts of Caledonia or Scotland.

in tropics; esp. to a form of furious delirium accompanied by fever, among sailors, which sometimes led the affected person to imagine the sea to be a green field, and to throw himself into it.

The young of the cow, or of the Bovine family of quadrupeds. Also, the young of some other mammals, as of the elephant, rhinoceros, hippopotamus, and whale.

etonic cycle exceeded 19 years by about a quarter of a day, and exceeded 235 lunations by something more.

religious character; -- often used of a divine summons; as, to be called to the ministry; sometimes, to invite; as, to call a minister to be the pastor of a church. Paul . . . called to be an apostle Rom. i. 1. The Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. Acts xiii. 2.…

of one who calls; a crying aloud, esp. in order to summon, or to attact the attention of, some one.

oned to the notes of the scale, and played by keys arranged like those of an organ. It is sometimes attached to steamboat boilers.

A somewhat riotous parade, accompanied with the blowing of tin horus, and other discordant noises; also, a burlesque serenade; a charivari. [U. S.]

agitation or excitement; to still or soothe, as the mind or passions. Passions which seem somewhat calmed.

at and combustion were formerly ascribed; -- not now used in scientific nomenclature, but sometimes used as a general term for heat. Caloric expands all bodies. Henry.