# General Information (D-E)

D Layer
The D Layer is the lowest region of ionised gas in the ionosphere. It exists only during the hours of daylight, at an altitude of about 70 km.

Dacoity
In the Penal Code, dacoity is defined as organised banditry by 5 or more persons. The word derives from the Hindustani word for a robber, dakait.

Dada
The dada is an artistic and literary movement founded in 1915 in Zurich.

Dads Army
Dads Army was a very successful BBC comedy set in a south-coast town in England, about a group of British home guard volunteers during the Second World War led by an arrogant Captain and a camp sergeant.

Dagobas
see "Tope"

Daguerreotype
Daguerreotype was the earliest process of photographic reproduction, and was so called after its inventor Louis Daguerre. A copper plate, polished and silvered, was sensitised by exposure to iodine vapour, and so coated with a fine layer of silver iodide. It was then exposed in a camera, like modern photographic film, but with a longer exposure time. It was afterwards removed and treated with mercury vapour, the mercury attaching itself to those areas which had been most exposed to light and settling there in a density proportionate to the strength of the light.

Dahabiyeh
A dahabiyeh is a broad, shallow-draught vessel with a sharp prow and sails used for conveying passengers on the Nile.

Daily Express
The Daily Express is a tabloid newspaper which was founded in 1900 by Pearson. At the time it strongly supported Chamberlain's tariff reform policy, and today is known for its strongly nationalist right-wing ideas.

Daily Mail
The Daily Mail is a tabloid newspaper. It was founded in 1896 and was the first halfpenny London morning newspaper.

Daily Mirror
The Daily Mirror is a tabloid newspaper. It was founded in 1903 chiefly as a journal for women, and modified in 1904 as a general illustrated newspaper. Today it is known as a sensationalist tabloid supporting the Labour party.

Daily Telegraph
The Daily Telegraph is a broadsheet newspaper which was established in 1855 as a 2d paper by Colonel Sleigh. Several months later it was bought by Levy who reduced the price to 1d. It was a Liberal supporting paper until 1878, then from 1886 it was unionist and raised funds for needy causes. Today it is nicknamed the 'Torygraph' from its strong support of the Conservative party.

Dak
Dak was the east Indian postal service. Properly a dak was a relay of men carrying letters, despatches and the like.

Dakin's Solution
Dakin's Solution is a disinfectant solution containing sodium hydrochlorite, rendered neutral by the addition of boric acid as a buffer. The disinfectant action of the solution is very rapid, but it has the disadvantage of being unstable and does not keep for more than about a week.

Dalapon
Dalapon is a pesticide based on sodium salt. Also known as:
basfapon B, dalapon sodium, 2-dichloropropionic acid, alpha-alpha-dichloropropionic acid,
2-dichlorpropionsaeure natrium, Dowpon, 2-DPA, gramevin, radapon, sodium dalapon,
sodium 2,2-dichloropropionate and unipon.

Dalmatic
A dalmatic is a sleeveless embroidered vestment worn by deacons in the Roman Church and the High Church section of the Anglican Church during the celebration of High Mass and at processions.

Dam
A dam is a structure constructed to hold back water and provide controlled flow for irrigation, storage and generation of electricity.

Damask
Damask is a material of silk, linen, etc., with a raised of flat pattern woven into it, and shading alternately light and dark, according to the angle of view. The name derives from Damascus where in the 12th century silk fabrics of a similar pattern were made.

Damaskeening
Damaskeening is the process of ornamenting iron and steel with designs produced by inlaying or encrusting with another metal such as gold or silver, by etching and the like.

Dammar Gum
Dammar Gum is a naturally occurring gum obtained from coniferous trees that grow in the East Indies and Philippines. Dammar gum is soluble in turpentine and is employed in varnish and lacquers.

Dance
Dance is a rhythmic movement of the body usually performed to music.

Dane-geld
Dane-geld (Danegeld, Danegelt) was a tribute paid to the Danes to stop their ravages in England. It was first raised by Ethelred II in 991, and again in 1003; and was levied after the expulsion of the Danes to pay fleets for clearing the seas of them. The tax was suppressed by Edward the Confessor in 1051; revibed by William I in 1068; and formed part of the revenue of the crown, until it was abolished by Stephen in 1136. The tax was levied on every hide of land (as much as one plough could plough) at a rate first of 1 shilling and later as much as 7 shillings.

Danegeld
see "Dane-geld"

Danegelt
see "Dane-geld"

Dantoin 685
Dantoin 685 is a preservative used in shampoos and deodorants. It contains formaldehyde and N-acetal and is highly toxic. It is also listed as DMDM hydantoin.

Dapsone
Dapsone is a sulphone drug used to treat leprosy.

Darby Steam-Digger
The Darby steam-digger was a light traction engine designed for ploughing fields. It was first exhibited at Carlisle in 1880, and could cultivate one acre an hour to a maximum depth of 14 inches.

Dark Ages
The Dark Ages were the five or six centuries following the fall of the west Roman Empire, after the civilisation of Rome, based on unity and inter-communication had been destroyed by repeated barbarian invasions.

Dark Room
A dark room is a specially darkened studio used for photographic work. As much of the material used in photography is sensitive to light, many operations must be conducted in darkness.

Darlington Pair
A Darlington Pair is an electronic circuit using two transistors with the collectors connected together and the emitter of the first directly coupled to the base of the second. This configuration gives very high gains equal to the gains of the two individual transistors multiplied together.

Data
Data is information, especially that stored in a computer.

DataEase
DataEase is a package for users who hate to program but want to create custom database applications. It is menu-driven yet offers many powerful features available in other systems only through programming. You can set up a system complete with custom menus and help messages. Menus can have different levels of password protection, which adds security to the system. The package allows you to create a multiple-choice list for a particular field, thereby avoiding the need to design a cryptic coding system. It features financial and scientific functions as well as transaction processing. The report writer is based on the SQL query language. This can be difficult for the novice, although prompts help to compensate for this deficiency. Reports can be designed with data-entry screens, which let you specify different criteria for a report each time it is run. A Quick Report facility will do most of the design work, allowing users to add more advanced features. A library of report templates can be stored for future use.

Datatalk
Datatalk is a menu driven communications package that has an underlying command language that allows the user to automate most operations, including file collection, transmission and printing. It can also provide access to a remote PC where any DOS applications can be executed, but with the display and keyboard entry occurring locally. In addition to dumb terminal operation, Datatalk can emulate DEC VT52 and VT100, as well as Viewdata terminals. Unlike other programs on the market, the entire Viewdata character set can be viewed with any colour graphics or Hercules graphics board: no replacement ROM chips are needed. Datatalk can be used with modems that operate at speeds of up to 9600 baud. This package supports auto-dial and auto-answer modems and is packaged preconfigured for a wide variety of them. When emulating a Viewdata terminal, it will, if requested, capture screens for later viewing. It will also convert the graphics characters into normal text so that they can be loaded into other PC software. Up to 128 telephone numbers can be stored in the Datatalk telephone directory. The software will configure the serial port, select the correct terminal emulation, load pre-defined function keys, dial the number and perform automatic log-in. An optional file encryption module, Datacode, is available for users with sensitive data. Datatalk emulates TTY, TVI 920, IBM 3101, ADDS A2, Lear Siegler ADM3A and ADM11, IBM 3101, Newbury 8089, Cifer, DEC VT52, Datatalk, Viewdata and VT100 terminals. It is best suited for accessing Viewdata services, like Prestel. Datatalk has some limitations, for example the VT100 emulation is not as sophisticated as some other products. In particular, it will not scroll horizontally to view all 132 columns on an 80 column screen. The text editor is restricted to 200 lines. When using this product to remotely configure another PC, it will only work with software that inputs and outputs using the BIOS services.

Daturine
Daturine is the poisonous alkaloid found in the thorn-apple.

Day
A day is the time taken for the earth to rotate once on its axis. Astronomically a day is reckoned to begin at noon; for civil purposes, at midnight.

Daylight Saving Time
Daylight Saving Time is a device for the better utilisation of daylight by a temporary abandonment of sun-time in summer. It was first suggested in 1907 by William Willett, and implemented in 1916 in order to procure economy in light and fuel as an Act which provided that all clocks be put forward one hour for a period of about 5.5 months during the summer in England. This emergency measure was perpetuated by an Act of 1925, and adopted by many other European countries.

dBase III Plus
Ashton-Tate's dBase III Plus became an industry standard. The product line, beginning with dBase II (formerly known as Vulcan), which was the first database manager for the personal computer, was built around a powerful, flexible programming language. Many thirdparty vendors have chosen to support the dBase standard and there are a variety of add-on and work-alike products available. dBase III Plus includes The Assistant, a menu-driven program with some relational capabilities that leads you through the maze of dBase procedures using pull-down menus and context-sensitive help. The commands in The Assistant appear on the screen. The Applications Generator is a menu-driven dBase module that brings you through the process of creating a custom program and shows how to design screens, menus, and reports. dBase III Plus includes a Data Catalog to keep track of related files. When you enter "?" you get a list of all files currently available. The menu-driven query facility lets you define and save a filter criteria.

dBase IV
Ashton-Tate's dBase IV was a greatly enhanced version of dBase III Plus and provided more facilities for the power user to develop turnkey applications without the need to write code. The Control Center was an extension of The Assistant in dBase III Plus and was much more powerful. The Control Center let users open and close files, create views and reports, and run programs that provide the novice end-user with easier access to dBase files. Reports, forms, and queries produced through the Control Center generate dBase source code which can be edited. The Query By Example panel of the Control Center displays a visual representation of the data file. By specifying criteria within a view, you can select records, display fields, or combine data from several database files. Without leaving dBase IV, you can run DOS operations such as CHKDSK or DIR through the DOS window. dBase IV can save 47 indexes to a single file. Index files are automatically created with every database file. Each time you open a database file, the associated index file is automatically opened. This is much easier than opening data and index files separately as required in dBase III Plus. The new Application Generator writes all code necessary for incorporating forms, reports, and files into a turnkey application. The dBase/SQL command programming language lets you create, modify, or query databases using SQL commands. You can issue SQL commands from the dot prompt and include SQL procedures within dBase programs. This allows access to dBase files by mainframe and minicomputer users who are familiar with SQL. When dBase IV executes SQL commands, it first translates the code from SQL to actual dBase source code. This translation prevents users from accessing external SQL code. Enhancements to the programming language let you create two dimensional arrays, multichild relationships, and data validation support. A transaction processing procedure creates a transaction log file of changes made to
e files. This helps avoid data loss due to power shortages, inadvertent reboots, and system failures. When used with Ashton-Tate's Chart-Master, the dBase/Chart-Master Bridge let users graph data files. The report and form generator are WYSIWYG, so it is easier to develop forms and reports. The screen painter displays memo fields through a window, and a pseudo compiler increases the speed of all commands issued at the dot prompt up to ten times faster than in dBase III Plus. Memo fields can be searched, copied to and from, and are available for program control. This lets you program dBase IV to perform automatic queries on memo fields. Built-in printer drivers support bold, italics, underlining, superscript, and subscript printing.

DBM
dBM is an identifier meaning ''decibels referred to one milliwatt,'' the common reference point for power levels in telecommunications circuits.

dbrief
dbrief by Solution Systems is a custom language editor used for writing dBase compatible code and provides an integrated environment in which to develop applications. dbrief is a custom version of brief. In order to run dbrief you must have a copy of brief. dbrief is flexible and can be modified to fit programming needs. The program can be used to edit memo fields or program files in dBase.

Ddt
Ddt is an insecticide discovered in 1939 by Paul Muller.

De Haeretico Comburendo
De Haeretico Comburendo was a statute of 1401 against the Lollards. By it, a heretic convicted before a spiritual tribunal and refusing to recant was to be burned.

Debusscope
The debusscope is an instrument somewhat similar to a kaleidoscope, useful for devising patterns for calico-printers. It was invented in France around 1860.

Deca-diabolin
Deca-diabolin is an anabolic steroid. It causes increased protein sythesis and amino acid consumption, androgensisis, catabolism, and gluticocototitosis. It is used for sports performance enhancement, relief and recovery from common injuries, rehabilitation, weight control, anti-insomnia, and regulation of sexuality, aggression, and cognition.

Decadurabolin
Decadurabolin is an anabolic steroid. It causes increased protein sythesis and amino acid consumption, androgensisis, catabolism, and gluticocototitosis. It is used for sports performance enhancement, relief and recovery from common injuries, rehabilitation, weight control, anti-insomnia, and regulation of sexuality, aggression, and cognition.

Decahydro-naphthalene
Decahydro-naphthalene is naphthalene which has been completely reduced by catalytic hydrogenation. It is a colourless liquid with a pleasant odour and the formulae C10H18 used as a solvent and cleaning-agent.

Decalin
Decalin was a commercial name for Decahydro-naphthalene.

Decatur Staleys
see "Chicago Bears"

Deceleration
Deceleration is the rate at which a moving body decreases in velocity.

December
December is the twelth month of the year. It was originally the Roman tenth month of the year, hence the name from the Latin decem meaning ten. The British commenced their year on the 25th of December until the reign of William I.

Decennalia
Decennalia were festivals instituted by Augustus in 17 BC, and celebrated by Roman emperors every ten years of their reign with sacrifices, games and largesses.

Decibel
The decibel is the unit of measurement of sound intensity.
In electronics, the decibel is a unit of measurement representing the logarithmic a ratio of two voltages, currents or power levels; used in telecommunications to express transmission loss or gain; defined as one-tenth of a Bel, hence the appropriate notation is dB, shown here.

Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence was made in 1776 by the 13 English colonies in North America breaking away from all allegiance to the British Crown. The Declaration was mainly the work of Thomas Jefferson. Already in December 1775 the Congress had declared itself independent of the English parliament and by this declaration had repudiated allegiance to the Crown.

Declaration of Indulgence
The Declaration of Indulgence in 1687 was a proclamation by James II repealing all religious tests and penal laws against Roman Catholics and Dissenters. The Declaration was republished in 1688 and ordered to be read in the churches. Their refusal to do this led to the trial of the Seven Bishops, who were acquitted.

Declaration of Paris
The Declaration of Paris in 1856 adopted with the Treaty of Paris to establish four principles of international law: 1) Privateering to be abolished; 2) the neutral flag might cover enemy goods except contraband of war; 3) neutral goods, except contraband of war, not to be subject to capture under an enemy's flag; 4) blockades, to be binding, must be effective, i.e. maintained by a sufficient force.

Decoy
Strictly speaking, a decoy is either a tame or artificial duck, so placed as to lure wild ducks within gunshot range. The term is widely applied to any means by which a person or animal is lured into a trap.

Defamation
In law, defamation is a false statement tending to expose another person to hatred, contempt or ridicule, or to injure him in his trade or profession. Mere insult is not sufficient.

Defence of the Realm Acts
The Defence of the Realm Acts (DORA) were a series of Acts passed during and after the Great War in Britain conferring on the King in Council the power to take extra-ordinary measures for the defence of the realm. Perhaps the most unpopular Act was the limitation of the times during which intoxicants could be sold, commonly known as the licensing hours and not relaxed until the 1990s.

Dehydration
In chemistry, dehydration is the removal of water from a substance.

Dehydropiandrosterone
Dehydropiandrosterone is an anabolic steroid. It causes increased protein sythesis and amino acid consumption, androgensisis, catabolism, and gluticocototitosis. It is used for sports performance enhancement, relief and recovery from common injuries, rehabilitation, weight control, anti-insomnia, and regulation of sexuality, aggression, and cognition.

Deimos
Deimos is one of the two moons of mars.

Dekatron
A dekatron is a gas-filled cold-cathode electron tube, having a central anode and ten effective cathodes, used in electronic counting circuits.

Delage
Delage were a make of successful French Grand Prix cars made between 1911 and 1927.

Delatestryl
Delatestryl is an anabolic steroid. It causes increased protein sythesis and amino acid consumption, androgensisis, catabolism, and gluticocototitosis. It is used for sports performance enhancement, relief and recovery from common injuries, rehabilitation, weight control, anti-insomnia, and regulation of sexuality, aggression, and cognition.

Deliquescence
A substance is deliquescent when it has an affinity for water strong enough to absorb it from the atmosphere in large quantities. Typically deliquescent salts are calcium chloride and ammonium nitrate.

Deliquescent
see "Deliquescence"

Delsym
Delsym is a tradename for dextromethorphan hydrochloride

Delta
Delta is the 4th letter of the Greek alphabet. In geography, a delta is an alluvial triangular deposit formed at diverging mouths of a river, the original delta is the island formed at the mouths of the Nile and so named by the Greeks from its resemblance to their letter delta (a triangle).

Delta Metal
Delta Metal is a variety of brass containing 55 percent copper, 41 percent zinc and 4 percent various other metals. It was invented in the 19th century by Dick and the original delta metal contained a small portion of iron. Delta metal was used in Geneva for making watch cases in 1885.

Delta Rays
Delta rays are a stream of electrons moving at a relatively low velocity.

Demerol hydrochloride
see "Meperidine hydrochloride"

Denaturant
A denaturant is a substance added to intoxicating liquids such as alcohol, so that while they are rendered unfit to drink are still usable in industry. However, the theory behind their use fails to appreciate the desperation of some alcoholics, and the drinking of methylated spirits despite being made more dangerous by the addition of toxic denaturants, is still just as widespread, but with even more injury occurring to those who consume it.

Denaturation
In chemistry, denaturation is the process of altering the structure of a protein by physical or chemical means.

Density
Density is the mass of a substance in relation to its volume, and usually expressed as the weight in grams of 1 cubic centimetre. Since volume enters into this dimension, and volume varies with temperature, it is essential that the temperature at which the measurement was taken is revealed when stating the density of a substance.

Dentil
In architecture, a dentil is one of a series of small square projecting blocks in the moulding of a cornice. They were originally employed as a decorative representation of the beam-ends of a wooden roof, the term has been extended to apply to objects made of wood.

Dentistry
Dentistry is a branch of medical science concerned with the care of the teeth, and including the treatment of unsound teeth, the prevention of dental diseases and the manufacture of artificial teeth. Although practised in ancient Egypt, it was not until the 19th century that dentistry became a subject for serious scientific research and considered a branch of medicine.

Denudation
Denudation is a geological term for the wearing away of the earth's surface by the various agents - rain, frost, rivers, glaciers and ocean waves, each agent exhibiting a different kind of erosion.

Deodand
In old English law, deodand was a term denoting anything which had caused the death of a person, accidentally or otherwise, and was thereupon forfeited to the crown to be put to some good use.

Deoxygenation
In chemistry, deoxygenation is the process of removing water from a compound.

Depilatory
A depilatory is a substance which has the power to remove hair other than by cutting it. The term is generally applied to cosmetic hair removers.

Deposition
In geology, deposition is a term applied to the laying-down of material by the various agents, such as wind, rivers, lakes, oceans and glaciers, each deposit exhibiting distinct characteristics.

Derating
Derating is a scheme to encourage agriculture and industry by relieving them of a portion or the whole rates normally payable. the principle was introduced by Winston Churchill in the Budget of 1928 and incorporated in the Local Government (Derating) Act of 1929. The Act relieved agricultural land of the whole, and productive industry of three-quarters, of rates previously levied, and substituted therefor a lump sum government grant, distributed among the local authorities. The effect of derating was obscured by the subsequent industrial depression.

Dermatitis
Dermatitis is a term applied to many kinds of inflammation of the skin.

Derrick
A derrick is a lofty, portable, crane-like structure used on land and water for lifting enormous loads. They were invented in 1857 by Bishop for raising sunken vessels.

Desiccator
A desiccator is an apparatus used mainly in the laboratory, by which substances can be thoroughly freed from water.

Desk
A desk is a flat or sloping table used for reading, writing or drawing, with or without legs. In the Middle Ages a plank was generally used.

DESQview
DESQview by Quarterdeck Office Systems is a character-based multitasking operating environment that lets you open multiple application windows simultaneously and toggle between applications without losing your place. The product takes full advantage of enhanced expanded memory to allow multitasking.

Deuchars IPA
Deuchars IPA is a light Scottish ale brewed by the Caledonian Brewing Company of Edinburgh.

Deuterium
In chemistry, deuterium is an isotope of hydrogen having twice the mass of ordinary hydrogen.

Deuterogamist
A deuterogamist is someone who marries for a second time.

Deutoxide
A deutoxide is a compound of two atoms of oxygen to one or more of a metal.

Devonian
The Devonian was the sixth geological period, 300,000,000 years ago. It marked the evolution of the insects and amphibians.

Devonshire Colic
Devonshire colic (Painter's colic) is a species of colic caused by the introduction of lead into the system. It derives its name from its frequency amongst the former lead miners of Devon.

Dew
Dew is a precipitation in the form of moisture that collects on the ground after the temperature of the ground has fallen below the dew point temperature of the air in contact with the ground.

Dew-Cup
The dew-cup was the first allowance of beer to harvestmen in England.

Dew-rake
A dew-rake is a fine rake used on lawns.

Dewanny
A dewanny is a court in the East Indies for trying revenue and other civil disorders.

Dextrin
Dextrin is a sticky mixture of water-soluble products, an intermediate stage in the hydrolysis of starch into sugars. It was formerly marketed as an adhesive under the name of "British Gum".

Dextromethorphan hydrochloride
Dextromethorphan hydrochloride (Robitussin Pediatric, Vicks Formula 44, Vicks 44 Pediatric, Benylin DM, Delsym, Pertussin ES) is an orally ingested or injected drug which reduces the brain's cough-center response and mimics codeine's effects without analgesic or additive properties. It is used as a cough medicine to suppresses non-productive coughs.

Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate
Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, also commonly called bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, is a colourless, oily liquid with a slight odour. It was patented in 1933, and is primarily used as one of several plasticizers in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resins for fabricating flexible vinyl products. These PVC resins have been used to manufacture teething rings, pacifiers, soft squeeze toys, balls, shower curtains, raincoats, adhesives, polymeric coatings, components of paper and paperboard, defoaming agents, enclosures for food containers, animal glue, surface lubricants, flexible devices for administering parenteral solutions, and other products that must stay flexible and uninjurious for their lifetime. It is also used to manufacture vinyl gloves used for medical examinations and surgery. As a non-plasticizer, di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate is used as a replacement for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in dielectric fluids for electric capacitors. It is also used as a solvent in erasable ink, an acaricide for use in orchards, an inert ingredient in pesticides, a component of cosmetic products, and a vacuum pump oil; it is used to detect leaks in respirators and to test air filtration systems. Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate is insoluble in water, miscible with mineral oil and hexane, and soluble in most organic solvents. It is easily dissolved in body fluids such as saliva and plasma. Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate is a combustible liquid; it may burn, but does not readily ignite. It produces poisonous gas in a fire. When heated to decomposition, it emits acrid smoke. Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate is also known as bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, bis(2-ethylhexyl)-1,2-benzenedicarboxylate, di(2-ethylhexyl)ortho-phthalate, di-sec-octyl phthalate, 2-ethylhexyl phthalate, NCI-c52733, disec-octyl phthalate, 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, bis (2-ethylhexyl) ester, DOP, DEHP, and octoil.

Diadem
A diadem was a head-band worn by the Romans instead of a crown. They were made of silk or wool, set with precious stones and consecrated to the gods.

Dialect
A dialect is a characteristic manner of speech confined to a particular locality and differing, to a greater or lesser extent, from the standard speech of the country. The distinction between dialect and language is one of expediency rather than science.

Diallyl barbituric acid
Diallyl barbituric acid is a colourless crystalline organic compound used in medicine as a soporific.

Dialogue
Dialogue is a form of literature consisting of a conversation between two or more characters and so having considerable affinities with drama.

Dialysis
Dialysis is a method of chemical analysis, depending upon the different degrees of diffusibility of substances in liquids. It was discovered by Thomas Graham in 1861.

Diammonium Sulphate
see "Ammonium Sulphate"

Dianiabol
Dianiabol is an anabolic steroid. It causes increased protein sythesis and amino acid consumption, androgensisis, catabolism, and gluticocototitosis. It is used for sports performance enhancement, relief and recovery from common injuries, rehabilitation, weight control, anti-insomnia, and regulation of sexuality, aggression, and cognition.

Diastase
Diastase is a substance which occurs in saliva and in the secretions of the pancreas. It is an enzyme which has the power to break down starch with the formation of sugars.

Diathermy
Diathermy is a therapeutic treatment in which heat is produced in body tissues by passing high-frequency electric currents through them.

Diazepam
Diazepam is another name for valium.

Diazo Compounds
Diazo Compounds are a group of organic compounds characterised by the presence of the group -N2-. They are prepared by means of the diazo reaction, which consists in treating a primary aromatic amine with nitrous acid. Salts of this type are used in the production of dyestuffs.

Dichloroethane
1,2-Dichloroethane is a clear, thick man-made liquid that is not found naturally in the environment. It has a pleasant odour and sweet taste. It is used primarily to make vinyl chloride and a number of other solvents that remove grease, glue, and dirt, including trichloroethane, trichloroethylene, perchloroethylene, vinylidene chloride, and ethyleneamines. It is also found in commercial solvents used by industry to clean cloth, remove grease from metal, and break down oils, fats, waxes, resins, and rubber. In the household, 1,2-dichloroethane can be found in some cleaning agents and pesticides; in some adhesives, such as those used to glue wallpaper or carpeting; and in some paint, varnish, and finish removers. It is also added to leaded petrol to prevent engine knock. 1,2-Dichloroethane is used as an insect fumigant for stored grains and in mushroom houses, as a soil fumigant in peach and apple orchards, and as an extractant in certain food processes. 1,2-Dichloroethane is volatile at room temperature; it is flammable and burns with a smoky flame. Small amounts of 1,2-dichlorethane released in water or onto soil can vaporize into the air. It does not remain in the air for very long but can remain in water for possibly more than 40 days. 1,2-Dichloroethane is miscible with alcohol, chloroform, ether, and chlorinated solvents, and soluble in common organic solvents. It is sparingly soluble in water. When heated to decomposition, it produces toxic fumes of hydrochloric acid. Other names for 1,2-dichloroethane are 1,2-ethylene dichloride; aethylenchlorid; alpha, beta-dichloroethane; borer sol; di-chlor-mul-son; dichloro-1,2-ethane; dichloroethylene; Dutch liquid or oil; ethane dichloride; ethane 1,2-dichloride; ethyleen dichloride; ethylene chloride; ethylene dichloride; freon 150; glycol dichloride; and sym-dichlorothane.

Dichloropropane
1,2-Dichloropropane is a colourless liquid belonging to a class of chemicals referred to as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). It is a man-made chemical used only in research and industry. High-purity 1,2-dichloropropane is marketed as a solvent. 1,2-Dichloropropane is also used as an intermediate in the synthesis of carbon tetrachloride, lead scavenger in petrol, textile stain remover, oil and paraffin extractant, scouring compound, and metal degreasing agent, especially prior to electroplating. Prior to the early 1980s, it was used agriculturally as a pesticide for citrus fruits, pineapple, soy beans, cotton, tomatoes, and potatoes. 1,2-Dichloropropane had been sold for consumer use in paint strippers, paint varnish, and furniture finish removers, as a low-cost alternative to methylene chloride, but those uses were discontinued by 1983. By the end of 1983, its use as a solvent for film production was also being phased out. 1,2-Dichloropropane has a chloroform-like odour and evaporates rapidly at room temperature. Degradation in both the atmosphere and groundwater is slow. It is a flammable liquid and produces poisonous gases, including chlorine, in a fire. Containers of the chemical may explode in fire. Vapors form flammable mixtures with air and may travel to a source of ignition and flash back. It is slightly soluble in water. 1,2-dichloropropane is also known as propylene dichloride; propylene chloride; 2,3-dichloropropane; and 1,2-D.

Dichroic Mirror
A Dichroic mirror is a mirror consisting of a glass plate on which is deposited a very thin film of metal. It will transmit light of a particular colour, but reflects light of other colours.

Dichrooscope
The dichrooscope is an optical apparatus invented by professor Dove of Berlin in 1860 for representing the interferences, spectra in coloured lights, polarisation of light etc.

Dicker
A dicker was a British measurement of gloves equal to ten dozen pairs and of hides equal to ten hides.

Didjeridu
A didjeridu is a musical wind instrument developed by the Australian aborigines.

Die-casting
Die-casting is a method of casting metals by forcing them under pressure into moulds of a strong and permanent character capable of repeated use. Die-casting is said to have originated with the advent of printing, which necessitated the production of sharply cast types in large numbers.

Dieldrin
Aldrin and dieldrin are the common names of two insecticides that are closely related chemically. The technical compounds are light tan to brown solids or powders. Aldrin is readily converted to dieldrin in the environment, so these two closely related compounds are considered together by regulatory bodies. Their toxicities do not differ significantly. Aldrin and dieldrin were widely used from the 1950s to the early 1970s. Aldrin has been used as a soil insecticide to control root worms, beetles, and termites. Dieldrin has been used in agriculture for soil and seed treatment and in public health to control disease vectors such as mosquitoes and tsetse flies. Dieldrin has also had veterinary use as a sheep dip and has been used in treatment of wood and mothproofing of woolen products.

Dielectric
Dielectric is the name given to an electric insulating material. The application of an electric field to a dielectric results only in a displacement of electric charge within the material, due to the molecules becoming polarized and orientating themselves in the direction of the electric field.

Dietetics
Dietetics is the study of food in relation to the promotion and maintenance of health. Despite the attempts of some authors to claim it is a new science, it has been known and practised for centuries, and the term dietetics precedes the Second World War.

Diethanolamine
Diethanolamine (DEA) is a detergent.

Dietheroscope
The dietheroscope is an appartus for godesy and teaching optics. It was invented by Luvini of Tunis in 1876.

Diethyl phthalate
Diethyl phthalate is a manufactured, colourless, oily liquid with a slight aromatic odour and a bitter taste. It is commonly used to make plastics more flexible, in products such as toothbrushes, automobile parts, tools, toys, and food packaging. It is also used in insecticides, mosquito repellents, aspirin, and cosmetics, including bath preparations, eye shadows, hair sprays, wave sets, nail polish, nail polish remover, nail extenders, detergents, aftershave lotions, and skin care preparations. Diethyl phthalate is used to manufacture celluloid; as a solvent for cellulose acetate in varnishes; as a fixative for perfumes; as a wetting agent; as a camphor substitute; as a diluent in polysulphide dental impression materials; and as a solvent for nitrocellulose and cellulose acetate. It is used as a plasticizer in solid rocket propellants and cellulose ester plastics such as photographic films and sheets, blister packaging, and tape applications. Diethyl phthalate is soluble in alcohol, ether, acetone, benzene, vegetable oils, ketones, esters, aromatic hydrocarbons, and aliphatic solvents. It is compatible with polar polymers and additives over a wide range of compositions. When heated to decomposition, it emits acrid smoke. Diethyl phthalate is also known as 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid diethyl ester; ethyl phthalate; diethyl o-phthalate; o-benzenedicarboxylic acid diethyl ester; diethyl ester phthalic acid; phthalol; DEP; and diethyl-o-phenylenediacetate.

Diethyl-barbituric acid
see "Veronal"

Dieu et mon droit
Dieu et mon droit (God and my right) is the motto of the English royal family. It was first assumed as a motto by Henry VI.

Diffusion
In chemistry, diffusion is the process by which one substance distributes itself uniformly through water.

Diffusionism
Diffusionism is the theory that human culture was spread by degrees by outward expansion from a single source, as opposed to the view that cultures are developed independently and are only diffused when a particular people develops a more or less permanent type of culture which is well in advance of that of neighbouring peoples and becomes impressed upon the latter.

Diflunisal
Diflunisal is a drug used to treat mild to moderate pain and osteoarthritis It has the possible side effects of: dizziness, insomnia, headache, ringing in the ears, nausea, dyspepsia, gastrointestinal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, excess wind, rash and itching.

Digamma
Digamma was an ancient Greek letter, which was already obsolete in classical times, and so called because its form resembled a double gamma. It was pronounced like an English w.

Digested
see "digestion"

Digestion
Digestion is the process of absorbing and distributing substances from ingested food to the body.

Digitalis
Digitalis is a drug derived from foxglove that increases heart efficiency.

Dihydrolone
Dihydrolone is an anabolic steroid. It causes increased protein sythesis and amino acid consumption, androgensisis, catabolism, and gluticocototitosis. It is used for sports performance enhancement, relief and recovery from common injuries, rehabilitation, weight control, anti-insomnia, and regulation of sexuality, aggression, and cognition.

Dihydroxyphenylalanine
Dihydroxyphenylalanine (dopa) is an intermediate in the natural synthesis of adrenaline and of the pigment melanin. In the nervous system, dihydroxyphenylalanine is converted first to dopamine and then to noradrenaline and then to adrenaline.

Dihydroxysuccinic acid
see "Tartaric Acid"

Dilatometer
A dilatometer is an apparatus used to measure changes in volume of solids. The solid is placed in a glass bulb with a capillary tube, and the bulb and part of the tube are filled with a liquid which is without action on the solid. By observing the liquid's position in the tube, changes in the volume of the solid may be measured.

Dilaudid
see "Hydromorphone hydrochloride"

Dimethicone
Dimethicone gives a smooth feel to a cosmetic cream or lotion. Various allergic reactions and internal problems make it questionable as a cosmetic ingredients. Although it's still widely used, many herbal oils, such as vegetable glycerin, can easily replace it.

Dimethyl-xanthine
see "Theobromine"

Dimethylformaldehyde
see "Acetone"

Dimethylmethane diethylsulphone
see "Sulphonal"

Dimity
Dimity is a strong cotton material with raised patterns, usually white, used for curtains and especially bed-curtains during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Dimorphism
Dimorphism is a special case of polymorphism; the state when the same substance can appear in two different crystalline forms. Ice for example can exist as ordinary light ice, or if frozen below minus 20 degrees and subjected to high pressure forms dense ice which is heavier than water.

Dinghy
A dinghy is a small Indian river-boat. The term was adopted for the small row-boat attached to a larger vessel for general purposes and today is used to describe any small row-boat.

Dinitrotoluene
There are no natural sources of Dinitrotoluene (DNT), which is usually manufactured by mixing toluene with nitric acid in the presence of concentrated sulphuric acid. This reaction produces a mixture which consists of approximately 80% of the 2,4-isomer and 20% of the 2,6- isomer. Also produced are small quantities of other DNT isomers. Small concentrations of DNT isomers also occur as by-products in the production of trinitrotoluene (TNT). 2,4-DNT and 2,6-DNT are used primarily as intermediates in the production of flexible polyurethane foams used in the bedding and furniture industry. DNT is also used in the production of munitions and explosives, for which DNT is a gelatinizing and waterproofing agent. It is also used as an intermediate in the manufacture of dyes, and as a purified form, in smokeless gunpowders. 2,4-DNT is a highly reactive chemical and is a dangerous explosion hazard. It is combustible and may burn, but does not readily ignite. Poisonous gas is produced in a fire in which 2,4-DNT is burning. It is slightly soluble in water and soluble in alcohol ether, acetone, or benzene. 2,6-DNT is soluble in alcohol. 2,4-DNT is also known as benzene,1-methyl-2,4-dinitro-; and 2,4-dinitrotoluol. Synonyms for 2,6-DNT are benzene, 2-methyl-1,3- dinitro-; and 2,6-dinitrotoluol.

Diode
A diode is a thermionic valve with two electrodes, or a semi-conductor equivalent. It presents a high resistance one way around and a low resistance the other.

Diphenyl
Diphenyl is an alternative name for Phenyl benzene.

Diphtheria
Diphtheria is a disease produced by the Klebs-Loeffler bacillus. Diphtheria is unusual in that after infection it does not spread in the body, but the bacillus remains at the site of its primary invasion. This site may be the fauces in front of the throat, or the larynx. Very occasionally the bacillus gains access to a wound and gives rise to "wound diphtheria". In any case, the disease multiplies and produces a membrane which in the case of the laryngeal type may produce death by mechanical blockage of the air passage. The chief danger however lies in the toxins discharged by the bacillus which enter the blood system and affect the muscles in particular, giving rise to a danger of heart-attacks.

Diplegia
Diplegia is a medical condition involving paralysis of both arms or both legs.

Diplopia
Diplopia is a medical condition in which the patient is unable to superimpose the images recorded from the two eyes, resulting in double vision. It is almost always casued by an imbalance of the eye muscles which should automatically keep both eyes fixed on the same object.

Dipole aerial
A dipole aerial is an aerial consisting of two straight conductors mounted in line, the connection being made to the two inner ends.

Dipsomania
Dipsomania is a form of alcoholism in which the subject exhibits periods of uncontrolled drinking alternating with periods of relative sobriety.

Diptych
A diptych was a two-leaved tablet of metal, ivory or other material used by the Greeks and Romans. In the early Christian church it was customary to inscribe the names of deceased bishops on diptychs. This practise was extended to include other distinguished persons who had deserved well of the church, and from it arose the calendars and martyrologies of a later period.

Dipyridamole
Dipyridamole is a coronary vasodilator drug used to reduce the frequency and intensity of angina attacks and prevents blood clots after heart surgery.

Directors
Directors is a strong English ale brewed by the Courage brewery.

Disaccharide
A disaccharide is a sugar of which the molecules are made up of two simple sugars, for example sucrose which is composed of glucose and fructose.

Disinfectant
A disinfectant is a substance applied to the outside of the body, or to non-living material in order to kill any micro-organisms which may be present.

Disk Piecharter
Disk Piecharter by Zorn Software is a Windows Filemanager extension that graphically shows disk usage per directory and per file. It allows you to zoom in and out on piechart segments, and enables you to delete whole directory trees (if desired) and shows the effect on free disk space.

Disopyramide
Disopyramide is an antiarrhythmic drug used to correct heart rhythm disorders which it does by delaying nerve impulses to the heart to regulate the heartbeat.

Disorderly House
In law, a Disorderly House is a house where persons meet for unlawful purposes, such as a brothel or gaming-house.

Dispersion
In chemistry, dispersion refers to colloidal particles suspended in a liquid medium.

Displacement
Displacement is the size of a ship as measured by the actual weight of water which it displaces when afloat.

Dissection
Dissection is the process of cutting away and separating parts of a body, whereby its formation and the relationships of its parts can be observed.

Distaff
A distaff is a staff to which flax or any substance to be spun, is fastened.

Distillation
In chemistry, distillation is the evaporation of a liquid and the condensation of it's vapor.

Distributor
In a car, the distributor distributes electrical pulses to the spark plugs.

Diuretic
A diuretic is a medicine which increases the flow of urine by acting on the kidneys either directly or secondarily through the blood or nervous system.

Dixie
The term Dixie refers to the southern states of the USA.

DNT
see "Dinitrotoluene"

Doctor Wind
The Doctor Wind is a prevailing daytime breeze which blows onto the island of Jamaica from the sea.

Dog Days
The dog days are the hottest part of the year in Europe, being part of July and August. Formerly the dog days were specifically the period during which Sirius, the dog-star, rises approximately with the sun.

Domesday Book
The domesday book is a record of the survey conducted in England in 1086 by officials of William the conqueror in order to assess taxes etc.

Dominoes
Dominoes is a game played with 28 rectangular spotted tiles. It originated in Italy in the 18th century.

Donnapine
see "Phenobarbital"

Donnatal
see "Phenobarbital"

Doomsday book
see "domesday book"

Dopa
see "Dihydroxyphenylalanine"

Doppler effect
The Doppler effect is a change in observed wavelength due to relative motion between the source and observer.

DORA
see "Defence of the Realm Acts"

Doredin
see "Glutethimide"

Dosfolat
Dosfolat is a collection of vitamins used to improve reproduction in biological effluent treatment, and to reduce toxic shock.

Dover's Games
see "Cotswold Games"

Dover's Powder
Dover's Powder was a preparation used in medicine to produce perspiration. It consisted of 1 grain of opium, 1 grain of ipecacuanha and 8 grains of sulphate of potash thoroughly mixed together.

Down's syndrome
Down's syndrome is a chromosomal abnormality.

DrafixCAD Ultra
DrafixCAD Ultra by Foresight Resources, proves that high-quality computer-aided design and drafting do not have to cost a lot. This product includes features that you would expect to find only in much more expensive packages. DrafixCAD Ultra lets you create and manipulate a range of items including lines, arcs, ellipses, and polygons. Each item can possess numerous attributes that can be selected or changed at any time. Lines and arcs can be trimmed, divided, or stretched. Intersections can be rounded or beveled. Symbols can be created, nested, and broken into their individual items. DrafixCAD Ultra allows you to copy, move, rotate, or scale an element, or mirror it about any axis. Elements may be designated by item, group, or region.

Draft-Spring
see "Draught-Spring"

Dragon's Blood
Dragon's Blood is a red resin obtained from the fruits of several East Indian trees. The material is a solid, soluble in alcohol and fatty oils, and used in the manufacture of furniture polishes, for staining marble and in some forms of printing.

Dram
The dram is a unit of the avoirdupois scale equivalent to 1.772 grams.

Drams
see "dram"

Draught-Spring
A draught-spring (draft-spring) is a spring invented by Sir Alexander Gordon and intervening between the tug or trace of a draught animal and the load, whereby a jerking strain upon the animal is avoided. Later draught-springs were fitted between railway carriages to lessen the violence of the jerk communicated to them when the train started moving.

Draughts
Draughts is a game played by two people on a board of 64 alternate black and white squares. Each player has twelve pieces, one set are black and the other red.

Dray
A dray is an ancient form of low cart in which the shafts are elongated to form rails along which a load may be rolled onto the rear of the cart's inclined bed.

Dredger
A dredger is a ship used for picking up rubbish from waterways and removing materials from beneath the surface of the water.

Dress-coat
A dress-coat is a swallow-tailed coat or a coat with narrow pointed tails worn by gentlemen in evening dress.

Dress-guard
A dress-guard was a wing on the side of a carriage entrance to prevent the brushing of a lady's dress against the wheel as she got in or out of the carriage.

Dresser-copper
A dresser-copper is a vessel in which warps or threads are passed through boiling water.

Drift-piece
In shipbuilding a drift-piece was one of the upright or curved pieces of timber that connected the plank-sheer with the gunwale.

Drill
A drill is a machine for boring holes in rock, metal or wood etc. Drill bits were greatly improved from the invention in the 18th century of the twist drill, consisting of a rod of steel with a deep channel cut into it in a spiral, and the end ground off at an obtuse angle to give two cutting edges and a very short point.

Dropsy
Dropsy is an accumulation of serous fluid in the body cavities or tissues. Serum is normally exuded through the walls of the small blood-vessels, part of it being absorbed by the veins and lymphatic vessels and returned to the blood. Dropsy arises when the serum is not absorbed sufficiently or is exuded in abnormal quantities, and is therefore more a symptom of some other disturbance than a disease in itself.

Dry Ice
Dry Ice is a commercial name for solidified carbon dioxide, often used as a coolant. It is called dry ice because as it melts, it gives off a gas rather than a liquid, and so appears dry.

Dry Joint
In electrical terms, a dry joint is a soldered joint which, due to insufficient heating or lack of sufficient flux during the soldering operation, the solder has not adhered to the metals to be joined, thus producing a joint which is weak mechanically and of high electrical resistance.

Dry Rot
Dry Rot is a name given to the fungus Merulius lacrymans which attacks wood in houses. The name derives from the dry appearance of the wood after decay.

Dry-dock
A dry-dock is a dock from which the water may be emptied to allow of convenient and expeditious ship-repairs.

Dulcimer
The dulcimer was a musical instrument consisting of a resonance-board over which wires were stretched, these being struck by hammers held by the performer.

Duma
The Duma was the lower House of the Russian Imperial Parliament. It was created in 1905 by the Constitution granted by Tsar Nicholas II, and replaced in 1917 by the Soviet system.

Dungeon
A dungeon is an underground prison, originally in the keep of a Norman castle.

Durabolin
Durabolin is an anabolic steroid. It causes increased protein sythesis and amino acid consumption, androgensisis, catabolism, and gluticocototitosis. It is used for sports performance enhancement, relief and recovery from common injuries, rehabilitation, weight control, anti-insomnia, and regulation of sexuality, aggression, and cognition.

Duralumin
Duralumin is an alloy of aluminium, copper and magnesium, with traces of other metals. Typically duralumin is comprised of 94.4 percent aluminium, 4.5 percent copper, 0.95 percent magnesium and 0.76 percent manganese. If properly tempered it has an extremely high tensile strength and is used in aircraft construction.

Duramorph
Duramorph is a tradename for morphine sulphate.

Duress
In law, duress is the unlawful constraint or compulsion of a person by physical action or threats.

Dutch East India Company
The Dutch East India Company was a chartered company formed in 1595 and granted a monopoly of trade in the Pacific and Indian Ocean in 1602. It was dissolved in 1798 and its territories taken over by the Dutch Government.

Dutch West India Company
The Dutch West India Company was a chartered company granted a monopoly of trade in the Atlantic Ocean with America and Africa by the Dutch Government in 1621.

DWIM
DWIM is an acronym for Do What I Mean. It is a term used in artificial intelligence for computer self-correcting of errors.

Dye
A dye is a substance applied to material, usually a textile, for decorative purposes, to give it a colour different from that which it originally possessed.

Dyke
A dyke (dike) is a ditch or earthworks. The term is most often applied to earthworks built to reclaim land from the sea or rivers.

Dymethazine
Dymethazine is an anabolic steroid. It causes increased protein sythesis and amino acid consumption, androgensisis, catabolism, and gluticocototitosis. It is used for sports performance enhancement, relief and recovery from common injuries, rehabilitation, weight control, anti-insomnia, and regulation of sexuality, aggression, and cognition.

Dynamics
Dynamics is the branch of mechanics which consists of the study of the motion of matter and its causes.

Dynamite
Dynamite is an explosive consisting of nitroglycerine which has been absorbed into some inert material such as kieselguhr, sawdust or wood pulp. Dynamite was invented by Nobel in 1867.

Dynamometer
A dynamometer is an apparatus for measuring power, or the rate of doing work.

Dyne
Dyne is the unit of force. One dyne is that force which, acting on a mass of one gramme, imparts to it an acceleration of one centimetre per second per second.

Dysmenorrhoea
Dysmenorrhoea is pain with menstrual periods. The pain usually manifests itself in the lower abdomen or the small of the back.

Dyspepsia
Dyspepsia (Indigestion) is a disturbance of the natural processes of digestion, due sometimes to organic disease involving the alimentary canal, but usually to errors in diet or to nervous causes.

Dysphagia
Dysphagia is a medical condition involving difficulty in swallowing. It is a symptom of a blockage or muscle spasm in the throat or gullet.

Dyspnoea
Dyspnoea is the medical condition of difficulty in breathing. Its essential character is that undue effort is required in breathing.

Dysprosium
Dysprosium is a rare metal element with the symbol Dy.

E Layer
The E Layer (Kennelly-Heaviside Layer) is a region of ionised gas in the ionos here, which reflects practically all incident medium frequency radiation, absorbing very little.

Earnest
An earnest is a small sum of money or token given to bind a bargain between two parties.

Earth
The earth is the third planet from the sun.

Earth Metal
The Earth Metals are the metals which in combination with oxygen form alkaline earths. They are calcium, strontium and barium and are never found in an uncombined condition, but oxidise rapidly into lime, strontia and baryta, the alkaline earths.

Easel
An easel is a stand or support for an artist's canvas.

Easement
Easement is a privilege without profit, i.e. a right attached to one piece of land which allows the owner of the land to use the land of another in a particular manner.

East India Company
The East India Company was an incorporated company trading with India and the East Indies. East India Companies were founded in the 17th and 18th centuries by many European countries, the most important being the English East India Company with a close rival in the Dutch East India Company. The English company obtained from Queen Elizabeth I a charter in 1600 conferring the monopoly of trade with the East Indies.

Eastenders
Eastenders is a successful BBC soap-opera about the everday lives of a community in the East End of London in the 1980s and 1990s.

Easy hire
see "Tally System"

Eaves
Eaves are the edges of a roof projecting beyond the walls.

Ebonite
Ebonite is a hard product obtained by fully vulcanising rubber with more than 20 percent of its weight of sulphur. Ebonite is very resistant to corrosion and as an excellent insulator was employed in the electrical industry.

Ebony
Ebony is the heart-wood of various species of Diospyros, trees of the order Ebenacea. It is a heavy, deep black wood used in piano keys and inlaying.

Ecarte
Ecarte is a card game for two players, first played in Paris in the 19th century. A deck of 32 cards is used, all the cards below 7 being removed. The ace ranks between the 10 and the jack. Spectators are allowed to bet on the game.

Echinus
An echinus is the rounded moulding in the capital of a Doric column.

Echo Sounding
Echo Sounding is measurement of the depth of the ocean by directing a sonic or ultrasonic pressure wave vertically downward and determining the time taken before the echo is received.

Eclampsia
Eclampsia is the name given to the sudden convulsive seizures sometimes occuring in pregnant women as a result of Bright's disease.

Eclipse
An eclipse is the passage of a celestial body through the shadow of another.

Ecology
Ecology is the study of the relationship between plants and the places in which they grow. The term is becoming used to describe the opposition to man-made pollution and destruction of nature, hence an ecologist today is thought of more as an environmental campaigner than a botanist.

Ecstasy
Ecstasy is an illegal drug synthesised from nutmeg oil and that reduces serotonin in the brain.

Ectoderm
see "Germ layer"

Eczema
Eczema is an inflammatory skin disease.

EDAAS
EDAAS is an expert system that uses its knowledge of both the Toxic Substances Control Act (USA) and criteria for classifying information as confidential to help information specialists decide which information about the manufacturing and distribution of toxic chemicals must be released to the public and which information may be withheld for proprietary purposes. EDAAS was developed for the Environmental Protection Agency in the USA using FORTRAN.

Eddy Current
Eddy currents (Foucault currents) are electric currents induced in a conductor by a varying magnetic field, for instance, in the core of an inductor or transformer.

Effervescence
Effervescence is the rapid escape of gas from a liquid, usually due to chemical action.

Efflorescence
In chemistry, efflorescence is the spontaneous loss of water by a substance when exposed to air.

Effort
Effort is strenuous exertion.

Egg
An egg is a body specially developed in the females of animals which when impregnated by a male sperm develops into the young of the animal.

Eisteddfod
Eisteddfod is a Bardic Congress held periodically in Wales for the encouragement and development of Welsh music and literature. Its origins date back to pre-Christian times, though the first recorded Eisteddfod was held in the 6th century.

Ejectment
Ejectment was a common law action, abolished in 1852, to recover possession of land and damages for the wrongful withholding of it.

Electric current
Electric current is the movement of electric charge. In a conductor the current consists of a drift of electrons towards the positive pole of the applied electric field. In an electrolyte or in a gas it consists of the migration of positive ions towards the negative electrode and of negative ions and/or electrons towards the positive electrode.

Electrode
An electrode is a conductor by which an electric current enters or leaves an electrolyte or an electron tube. The positive electrode is called the anode and the negative electrode is called the cathode.

Electrolysis
In chemistry, electrolysis is the decomposition of a chemical compound by an electrical current.

Electrolyte
In chemistry, electrolyte is a substance which will conduct an electrical current when in solution or melted

Electron
In chemistry, an electron is an atomic particle carrying a unit charge of negative electricity, having a mass of 1/1837 of that of a proton.

Electrophoresis
In chemistry, electrophoresis is the migration of colloidal particles dispersed in a fluid, under the influence of an electric field.

Electrostatic
Electrostatic refers to the phenomena produced solely by electric charges or fields, and not combined with magnetic effects.

Electrostriction
Electrostriction is small changes in the dimensions of a dielectric when placed in an electric field.

Electrovalence
In chemistry, electrovalence is the valence as determined by the electrons lost or gained by the elements reacting to form a compound.

Electrum
Electrum is a naturally occurring alloy of gold and silver. The gold content varies but is usually around 65 - 80 percent. Other metals, such as copper, bismuth or palladium are also sometimes present. In Ancient Greece the term electrum was given to an alloy of gold and silver containing 80 percent gold.

Elegit
Elegit is a legal writ ordering the seizure of a debtor's land in order to satisfy a judgment debt.

Elegy
Elegy is a form of poetry of a mournful and reflective character, particularly a mourning song for a departed friend.

Element
An element is a substance that cannot be split chemically into simpler substances.

Elements
see "element"

Elephantiasis
Elephantiasis is a disease characterized by inflammation of the fibrous connective tissue, leading to excessive swelling of the leg, scrotum, arm or breast and more rarely other parts of the body. It is caused by the parasitic worm Filaria which blocks the lymph vessels, and at the same time causes irritation of the skin.

Eleusinian Mysteries
The Eleusinian Mysteries were Greek initiation ceremonies connected with the worship of Demeter, believed to have been first performed at Eleusis.

Elgin marbles
The Elgin marbles are a collection of ancient Greek sculptures assembled by the 7th earl of Elgin and brought to England in 1812

Ell
The ell was an English unit of measurement for cloth fixed at 45 inches by Henry I in 1101. The French ell (or aune) was 46.79 inches in length. The Swiss aune is 47.25 inches.

EMACS
EMACS is a programmable computer text editor with an entire LISP system inside it. It was originally written by Richard Stallman in TECO under ITS at the MIT AI lab; AI Memo 554 described it as "an advanced, self-documenting, customizable, extensible real-time display editor". It has since been reimplemented any number of times, by various hackers, and versions exist which run under most major operating systems. Perhaps the most widely used version, also written by Stallman and now called "GNU EMACS" or GNUMACS, runs principally under UNIX. It includes facilities to run compilation subprocesses and send and receive mail. Other variants include GOSMACS, CCA EMACS, UniPress EMACS, Montgomery EMACS, jove, epsilon, and MicroEMACS.

Emanation
Emanation is a theological doctrine which regards individuals as outpourings of the divine essence. It denies the personality of both God and man.

Emancipation Act
The Emancipation Act abolished slavery throughout the British colonies on August 28th 1833. 20 million pounds was paid as compensation to slave-owners.

Embalming
Embalming is the preparation of dead bodies so that they will not decay. The ancient Egyptians were especially expert and manny mummies are still preserved.

Embassy
An embassy is an ambassador's residence.

Ember Days
Ember Days are the Wednsday, Friday and Saturday following September 14th, December 13th, the first Sunday of Lent and Whitsunday, set apart in the Roman Catholic Church and the Church of England for prayer, especially for those about to be ordained.

Embezzlement
In law, embezzlement is the theft by a clerk or servant of money or goods received by him on behalf of his employer. It differs from larceny in that the original receiving of the property was lawful.

Emblements
Emblements is the right of an agricultural tenant, whose lease lapses before harvest, to enter the land and gather crops.

Embolic gangrene
see "Gangrene"

Embossing
Embossing is the art of producing a design on paper, cardboard, metal, leather &c., by forcing or stamping out appropriate portions of the under-side to give a raised effect.

Embracery
In law, embracery is the misdemeanour of attempting to influence a juryman to favour one side< otherwise than by evidence and argument given in open court. A juryman allowing himself to be corrupted is equally guilty of embracery.

Embrasure
Embrasures are the spaces or openings between two merlons (solid portions) of a battlement.

Embroidery
Embroidery is the art of ornamenting woven fabric into designs in needle-work. Embroidery differs from tapestry in that the design is stitched on the top of a woven material, whereas in tapestry the design is woven into it.

Embryo
An embryo is the offspring of an animal before it has been born or emerged from its egg.

Embryology
Embryology is the study of the development of embryos of animals and plants, from egg-cells or ova. Since the ova of most organisms do not develope before fertilisation, the study of embryology begins with fertilisation, and follows the subsequent changes of the fertilised ovum, and the conditios influencing its development.

Emetic
An emetic is a drug used to cause vomitting.

Emetine
Emetine is an alkaloid obtained from the dried roots of Psychotria ipecacuanha, a Brazilian plant. Emetine is a white powder employed in the treatment of amoebic dysentery and also as an anthelmintic.

Emigration
Emigration is the departure from one's native country in order to take up permanent residence in another.

Eminent Domain
Eminent Domain is the right of the State to use private property for public purposes, particularly in war-time.

Emollient
An emollient is a substance, usually a cream or ointment, used for softening, smoothing and moisturising inflamed or dry skin.

Emphysema
Emphysema is an abnormal presence of air in certain parts of the body. Generally however the term is restricted to a peculiar affection of the lungs, exhibited in two forms, vesicular emphysema, dilation or rupture of the air-sacs, and interlobular emphysema, infiltration of air into the connective tissue beneath the pleura.

Empire
An Empire is a large state or federation of states extending over a wide geographical area, and usually developed by the absorption of other peoples and countries. Empires are nearly always built up by the virile conquering and colonising expansion of a single State, but subsequently the individual provinces gradually attain independence.

Empire Day
Empire Day (originally Victoria Day) was an annual festival inaugurated in 1902 to celebrate on May 24th the achievement of the British Empire and Queen Victoria's Birthday.

Empire Pool
The Empire Pool at Wembley, London, was opened in 1934 for the Empire Games swimming and diving events. The pool was closed after the 1948 Olympic Games and converted into a sports arena for various events including ice pantomimes.

Empiricism
Empiricism is the theory that personal experience is the source of all knowledge and that the mind was originally an absolute blank. The theory originated with Heraclitus and was characteristic of Greek speculative thought.

Employment Exchange
The British government established an office called the Employment Exchange in 1909 for the purpose of introducing unemployed men to vacancies notified by employers. In 1912 the office took on the additional role of administering unemployment insurance. Today, the office is known as the Department of Employment and the Employment Exchanges are called Job Centres.

Empyema
Empyema is a pathological term describing a collection of pus in a cavity, especially applied to pus in the pleural cavity of the lung.

Emulsion
An emulsion is an extremely fine dispersion of a liquid throughout another liquid with which it is immiscible. Industrial emulsions include margarine, and paint. Within the natural world, the most common emulsion is blood.

Encephalin
Encephalin is a naturally occurring chemical produced by nerve cells in the brain that has the same effect as morphine or other derivatives of opium, acting as a natural painkiller. Unlike morphine, encephalins are quickly degraded by the body, so there is no build-up of tolerance to them, and hence no addiction. Encephalins are a variety of peptides, as are endorphins, which have similar effects.

Encephalitis Lethargica
Encephalitis Lethargica (sleepy sickness) is a disease believed to be due to a virus infection of the brain. The onset is sudden and takes the form of a chill. After a short period of recovery there is usually some disturbance of vision associated with palsy of the eye muscles. This is followed by muscular weakness and sudden mood swings followed by lethargy and possible death.

Encyclical
An encyclical is a circular letter on ecclesiastic affairs written in Latin and addressed by the Pope to all the clergy and faithful of the Roman Catholic Church. The first was issued by Benedict XIV in 1740, but encyclicals only became common in the 19th century.

Encyclopaedia
The word Encyclopaedia (Encyclopedia) was first defined in Sir Thomas Elyot's Latin Dictionary (1538) as "that lernynge whiche comprehendeth all lyberall science and studies." It was first used as the title of a book by Johann Heinrich Alsted in 1608, by which time it had acquired its modern meaning of a book covering every branch of human knowledge. The term is also, however, applied to a work confined to some particular branch of knowledge. The distinction between an encyclopaedia and a dictionary is that the former explains subjects and the latter explains words.

Encyclopaedia Britannica
The Encyclopaedia Britannica was first published as three volumes in 1771, and the second enlarged edition was published in 1778 and has been republished ever since to become one of the most famous encyclopaedias of all time.

Endoderm
see "Germ layer"

Endosperm
Endosperm is the nutritive tissue in plant seeds which feeds the growing embryo.

Endothermic reaction
In chemistry, an endothermic reaction is a chemical change in which heat is absorbed.

Endowment Insurance
Endowment Insurance is a form of insurance whereby, in return for regular contributions, a fixed sum is payable at death or at a certain age when the insured person ceases to pay premiums.

Energy
In physics, the term energy refers to an object's capacity to do work. This capacity is related to the strength of the flow of electrons in the object, or, in the case of potential energy, the amount of energy stored in the object. Thus, a powerful object such as the sun expels an enormous flow of electrons as solar energy, and a single atom of hydrogen contains the pathetic energy of a single electron orbiting its nucleus.

English
English is a term used to denote someone or something from England.

Engraving
Engraving is the art of cutting a design on a hard substance, such as wood or metal.

Enigmarelle
Enigmarelle was the first robot. It was an automaton constructed of 365 different parts, and actuated by electricity. The figure rode a bicycle, wrote its name on a blackboard and performed other tasks similar to a human being. Enigmarelle was exhibited at the London Hippodrome in June 1905.

Enjambement
Enjambement is the arranging of sentences and clauses in verse so that their ends do not coincide with the ends of the lines. It was introduced in order to give fluency and ease to verses.

Enneastyle
An Enneastyle is a Greek temple or other building having nine columns at the front.

Enoltestovis
Enoltestovis is an anabolic steroid. It causes increased protein sythesis and amino acid consumption, androgensisis, catabolism, and gluticocototitosis. It is used for sports performance enhancement, relief and recovery from common injuries, rehabilitation, weight control, anti-insomnia, and regulation of sexuality, aggression, and cognition.

Ensign
An ensign is a flag or banner used in the Army and Navy. The British naval ensign is red, white or blue, with a small Union Jack in the upper corner. The red ensign is flown by the Merchant fleet, the blue by the Royal Navy Reserve and the white, which includes a red St George's cross by the Royal Navy.

Entail
Entail is a system of land tenure which was introduced by the statute De Donis in 1285, and by which the holder has only a life interest in the land, which passes on his death to his heirs.

Entente Cordiale
The Entente Cordiale was the semi-formal alliance between England and France before the Great War. The alliance was first sought by France in 1903 seeking that in the event of a conflict with Germany, England would be at least neutral. In 1904 an agreement was signed whereby France had a free hand in Morocco and England a free hand in Egypt.

Enteric Fever
Enteric Fever is a term for typhoid fever and paratyphoid indicative of the intestinal lesions met with in that disease.

Enteritis
Enteritis is a convenient term for disorders of the bowel in which there is inflammation of the lining of the bowel wall. Varieties of enteritis include; dysentery, mucous colitis, typhoid fever and paratyphoid fever.

Enterokinase
Enterokinase is a hormone manufactured in the wall of the intestine and causes the pancreas to secrete when it is received.

Entomology
Entomology is the branch of zoology dealing with insects. It was started as a science in 1705 by the publication of Ray's ''Methodus Insectorum''.

Entree
An entree is a complete dish consisting of meat, poultry or fish with vegetable and a sauce. It is served before the ''roast'' course in a formal menu and may be either hot or cold.

Entrepot Trade
Entrepot Trade is the trade in one centre in the goods of other countries.

Envelope
Envelopes for letters were first mentioned by Jonathan Swift in 1726, and came into general use with the introduction of the penny post in 1840.

Enzyme
An enzyme is a biological catalyst that is not itself destroyed in the conversion process. Enzymes convert organic compounds into simpler substances and are formed by micro-organisms and cells.

Eocene
The Eocene was the fourteenth geological period, 50,000,000 years ago.

Eocene System
The Eocene System is the oldest of the four geological systems into which the Tertiary era is divided.

Eosin
Eosin is the potassium or sodium salt of tetrabromo-flourescein. It is a red substance which possesses brilliant flourescence in alkaline solution. It is used in acid solution as a red dye for wool and silk and is also used in red ink.

Epaulette
An epaulette is an ornamental fringed tab or badge worn on the shoulder as a distinguishing mark of rank. A gold epaulette was worn by British Naval officers in 1759 following the French adoption in 1759. Epaulettes were used on both army and navy uniforms during the 19th century, but were abandoned by the British Army in 1855.

Ephedrine
Ephedrine is a central nervous system stimulant used as a bronchodilator for individuals who have been diagnosed with mild asthma.

Ephod
Ephod was a term applied to some part of the dress of Jewish high-priests, and used in the Old Testament where it appears to have several meanings.

Epic
An epic is a poetical narrative of heroic achievements. It is largely dramatic in character, but embraces a greater area and admits many incidents, each of which might serve as a dramatic plot. In an epic the personality of the narrator is made much more obvious than is that of the author of a drama.

Epidemic
An epidemic is a disease which affects a large number of people in a particular locality at one time. As a rule it is infectious, but may affect its victims independently. Epidemics were frequent in the Middle Ages before sanitation and considered inevitable.

Epigram
An epigram is a short witty or poignant poem used as an inscription on a tomb, monument or altar.

Epigraph
An epigraph is an inscription carved on a stone, statue or coin.

Epigraphy
Epigraphy is the study of ancient inscriptions incised on some hard material, such as wood, stone or metal, as distinct from palaeography which is the study of ancient manuscripts written on papyrus, parchment or a similar material.

Epilogue
Epilogue is a term usually applied in English literature to a speech or short poem addressed to the spectators by one of the actors at the close of a play. It may also be the additional chapter of a book, after the tale proper has finished.

Episcopacy
Episcopacy is a form of Church government whereby churches are grouped together in dioceses under the authority of a bishop.

Epistaxis
Epistaxis is a technical term for bleeding from the nose.

Epitaph
An epitaph is a short composition in verse or prose, nominally for the tomb of a deceased person and generally setting forth his or her virtues and the survivors' regrets.

Epithalamium
An epithalamium is a nuptual song at marriages.

Epithany
Epithany is a church festival held on January 6th. It was originally held to commemorate the baptism of Jesus, but now some churches celebrate it as the visit of the three wise men to Jesus.

Epsom Salts
Epsom Salts is the popular name for hydrated magnesium sulphate, MgSO4.7H2O. It is used medicinally as a cathartic, and is also used for weighting textiles.

Equilibrium
In chemistry, equilibrium is a state existing in a reversible reaction when the rates of the forward and reverse reactions are equal and the concentrations of the reactants and products are equal.

Equipose
Equipose is an anabolic steroid. It causes increased protein sythesis and amino acid consumption, androgensisis, catabolism, and gluticocototitosis. It is used for sports performance enhancement, relief and recovery from common injuries, rehabilitation, weight control, anti-insomnia, and regulation of sexuality, aggression, and cognition.

Erbium
Erbium is a metal element with the symbol Er.

Erg
Erg is the c.g.s. unit of work or energy, equal to the work done when a force of one dyne acts through a distance of one centimetre.

Ergonomics
Ergonomics is a discipline treating the consideration of human factors in design of the working environment and its components; intended to promote productivity and safety in the tools people work with.

Ergosterol
Ergosterol is a naturally occurring higher alcohol which upon irradiation with ultra-violet light changes into Vitamin D.

Erinoid
see "Galalith"

Erratics
Erratics are rocks transported by the action of ice during the Quaternary Glacial Period, often for considerable distances. They help in determining the extent of the ice-sheets and the direction of their movement.

Erse
Erse is a variant of the word Irish and is a designation given to the ancient Celtic languages of the Scottish Highlands and Ireland, but more usually confined to that of Ireland.

Erysipelas
Erysipelas is a contagious disease due to the invasion of the tissues by the streptococcus germ, producing fever and a local redness of the skin. The inflammation of the skin may spread to deeper tissues, producing widespread necrosis and other complications occurring such as pneumonia, nephritis or meningitis.

Erythrityl Tetranitrate
Erythrityl Tetranitrate is an anti-anginal drug used to reduce the frequency and severity of angina attacks.

Erythropoietin
Erythropoietin is a polypeptide hormone present in vertebrates and secreted mainly by the kidneys but also by other organs including the liver. It stimulates the proliferation and maturation of erythrocytes in red bone marrow.

Escalator
An escalator is a moving stairway used to transport passengers between two different levels, such as floors of a building or the street and the platforms of an underground station. The first escalator was designed and patented by Seeburger and subsequently developed by the Otis Elevator Company in the USA and by Waygood-Otis Ltd in Britain. The escalator was first demonstrated to the public at the Paris Exhibition in 1900.

Eschatology
Eschatology is the study of the doctrines of the life hereafter and of the expected second coming of Jesus.

Escheat
In feudal tenure, escheat is a reversion of land to the lord, for want of a tenant qualified to perform the services.

Espalier
An espalier is a wooden framework on which fruit-trees or creepers are trained.

Esperanto
Esperanto is an artificial key-language designed as a means of international communication. It was invented by Dr Zamenhof, who first produced his system in 1887 by publication of ''An International Language, by Dr. Esperanto''. The leading characteristics of Esperanto are its simplicity of construction, the facility by which it may be acquired, and the practical ease and euphony of its pronunciation. The alphabet is composed of 28 letters each having an invariable sound. The vocabulary consists of about 900 roots selected from the most familiar languages.

Essay
Essay is a literary term which was originally applied to a draft or rough copy, and hence, by the modesty of the author, to an unpretentious but complete composition. It is now used to mean a prose composition of moderate length, limited to a single subject.

Essential Oil
The essential oils (ethereal oils, volatile oils) are a group of naturally occurring pleasant-smelling liquids of vegetable origin.

Estate
An estate is a portion of land in the possession of a single person or corporation.

Ester
Ester is an organic compound formed by the reaction between alcohol and acid with the elimination of water.

Estuary
In geography, an estuary is the broad mouth of a river which is affected by the tides, or more strictly, the region where sea and fresh water meet.

Etch
see "Etching"

Etching
Etching is a process of putting a drawing or design onto a surface, usually metal, by corroding or scratching away the top surface so as to form the lines of the design.

Ethanal
see "Acetaldehyde"

Ethane
Ethane is a paraffin hydrocarbon. It is a colourless, odourless gas used as a fuel in the form of natural gas.

Ethanoic acid
Ethanoic acid is an organic fatty acid.

Ethanol
Ethanol is the chemical name for alcohol.

Ethchlorvynol
see "1-chloro-3-ethyl-1-penten-4 yn-3-ol"

Ethene
Ethene is an alkene hydrocarbon gas.

Ether
Ether is an anaesthetic. It has the formulae (c2h5)2o.

Ether
see "Ethyl ether"

Ethereal oil
see "Essential Oil"

Ethernet
Ethernet was originally the trade name for a LAN developed by Xerox Corporation and later supported by Digital Equipment Corporation, Intel Corporation and Hewlett-Packard. It is now standardised as IEEE specification 802.3 .

Ethnology
Ethnology is the science dealing with the inter-relatedness of the human family in terms of the physical appearance, customs, culture, art, economics etc.

Ethyl Acetate
Ethyl Acetate (acetic ether) is a colourless liquid with a characteristic fruity odour prepared by the esterification of ethyl alcohol with acetic acid. It is used as a solvent and as a flavouring agent.

Ethyl acrylate
Ethyl acrylate is a colourless, flammable liquid with a penetrating acrid odour. It is used primarily as an intermediate in the production of emulsion-based polymers, including those used in textile treatment, surface coatings, paper treatment, polishes, adhesives, leather treatment, and other emulsion-based polymers. Ethyl acrylate is also used in the production of other polymers, including solvent-based surface coatings. Ethyl acrylate is soluble in ethanol, ether, and chloroform and is slightly soluble in water. It is incompatible or reactive with oxidizers, peroxides, polymerizers, strong alkalis, moisture, and chlorosulfonic acid. It polymerizes readily unless an inhibitor such as hydroquinone is added. When heated to decomposition, ethyl acrylate emits smoke and acrid fumes. Ethyl acrylate is also known as acrylic acid ethyl ester, ethyl propenoate, ethoxycarbonylethylene, ethyl-2-propenoate, and NCI-C50384.

Ethyl ether
Ethyl ether (ether) is a solvent used as a general anesthetic (where it is known as gas) It is a central nervous system depressant and induces general anesthesia (analgesia, amnesia, loss of consciousness, inhibition of sensory and automatic reflexes, and skeletal muscle relaxation).

Ethyl fluid
Ethyl fluid is a mixture consisting principally of tetra-ethyl lead which was formerly added to petrol as an anti-knocking agent.

Ethyleen dichloride
see "Dichloroethane"

Ethylene
Ethylene is a gaseous hydrocarbon with the formulae C2H4. It contains one double bond and is the simplest example of an unsaturated compound.

Ethylene Glycol
Ethylene Glycol is a sweet syrupy liquid miscible with water and employed as an anti-freeze mixture in motor-car radiators and also as a solvent.

Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether
Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether is a glycol ether used in hydraulic fluids, as a coupling agent for water-based coatings, in vinyl and acrylic paints and varnishes, and as a solvent for varnishes, enamels, spray lacquers, dry cleaning compounds, textiles, and cosmetics. Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether is a colourless liquid with a mild, rancid, ether-like odour. It is soluble in most organic solvents and mineral oil. It mixes with acetone, benzene, carbon tetrachloride, ethyl ether, n-heptane and water; it is miscible with many ketones, ethers, alcohols, aromatic paraffin, and halogenated hydrocarbons. Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether is also known as ethylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether.

Ethylene glycol monoethyl ether
Ethylene glycol monoethyl ether is a glycol ether used in varnish removers, lacquers, and as a solvent for printing inks, duplicating fluids, and epoxy. Ethylene glycol monoethyl ether is a colourless liquid with a sweet, mild odour and slightly bitter taste. It is miscible in all proportions of acetone, benzene, carbon tetrachloride, ethyl ether, methanol, and water. It dissolves many oils, resins, and waxes.

ethyl aldehyde
see "Acetaldehyde"

Etruscan Language
The Etruscan language was spoken by the people of ancient Eturia which corresponds to the modern Tuscany.

Etymology
Etymology is the science of the origin and relationship of words.

Eucaine
Eucaine is a synthetic local anaesthetic with a chemical structure similar to that of cocaine.

Euchre
Euchre is a card game usually for 2, 3 or 4 players played with a piquest pack of 32 cards, omitting all below 7, and with an extra card or joker used which ranks as the highest trump.

Eudiometer
An eudiometer is a chemical apparatus introduced by Priestley consisting of a raduated glass tube with one end closed. By submerging the open end of the tube under water and introducing a known volume of gas, the change in volume that occurs in the reaction between the two gases can be measured. The eudiometer was first used in the estimation of the amount of oxygen in the air.

Eugenics
Eugenics is the science of selective breeding to control physical and mental characteristics.

Euphonium
The euphonium is a musical instrument of the saxhorn family. The bass saxhorn in B flat used in brass and military bands.

Euphuism
Euphuism is an affected style of language which was prevalent during the time of Elizabeth I and arose from ''Euphues; the Anatomy of Wit'' by John Lyly published in 1581.

Eureka
Eureka from Borland International is a computer program that can solve any linear or nonlinear equation and is designed for the person who frequently works with variables and unknowns in the business and scientific world. Eureka's structured environment is perfect for the professional or technical person who may not have a broad understanding of numerical analysis techniques. After you enter an equation using Eureka's text editor, select the Solve command and Eureka will determine the values of the variables in equations. Eureka solves the problem, graphs the solution, and creates a report including assumptions, graphs, and solutions. Eureka solves inequalities and performs automatic conversions for units of measure. The product includes built-in trigonometric, logarithmic, exponential, statistical, and financial functions. Eureka contains a powerful on-screen calculator that performs all one-variable arithmetic functions quickly and simply as if you were working with a scientific hand-held calculator. Eureka's separate windows are dedicated to certain commands, making it easy to write, edit, and solve equations interactively. The full-screen editor, which is identical to those in SideKick and Turbo Pascal, uses standard ASCII syntax and editing commands. You can import equation files from other ASCII editors. Eureka is well equipped to handle optimisation or linear programming problems. You can solve a system of equations based on certain constraints, such as maximising profits, creating the optimal product mix or creating the most efficient work schedule. Eureka includes a number of sample problems that range from determining probabilities in a card game to calculating payments on a car loan. There are specialised accounting functions that financial analysts will find useful for money-management.

Eurhythmics
Eurhythmics is a system of mental and physical culture invented by Jacques Dalcroze, based on the interpretation of music by means of rhythmical movements of the body and limbs. A carefully graded series of exercises aims at producing an intellectual appreciation of rhythm, combined with perfect physical control, enabling the head and limbs to be moved independently of one another, and so to express several separate rhythms simultaneously.

European
see "Europe"

Europium
Europium is a rare metal element with the symbol Eu.

Euskara
see "Basque"

Evil May Day
Evil May Day was the 1st of May, 1517 when apprentices rioted in London, directing their aggression against foreigners, particularly the French. The rioters were headed by Lincoln, who, with fifteen others was hanged. 400 more rioters were bound with ropes and halters around their necks and carried to Westminster, where they cried ''mercy mercy'' and were all pardoned by the king, Henry VIII.

Evipan
Evipan is an anaesthetic which was discovered in the 1930s. It is the sodium salt of N-methyl-cyclo-hexenyl-methyl-barbituric acid and was administered by intravenous injection providing surgical anaesthesia for around 20 minutes.

Examine
Examine by Aquila Software is a fast and versatile text search utility that can search both text and binary files using either ordinary words or GREP-like regular expressions, the UNIX searching utility, for more sophisticated searches. Searches can be across multiple drives over networks or can be restricted to a single directory with the option of searching subdirectories if so desired. Files can be viewed either with their associated application or with the program's own fully configurable internal viewer.

ExamineZip
ExamineZip by Aquila Software is a PC utility that searches for files and text within files stored in ZIP archives created with PKZIP. File searches can use DOS wild-cards while text searches can use either ordinary words or GREP-like regular expressions. Each search can be across multiple drives over networks or can be restricted to a single directory. The program can also be used as a fully functional UNZIP utility where the contents of an archive can be listed, viewed, tested or extracted to disk. Pkunzip is not required.

Excellency
Excellency is a title of honour. It was first assumed by Charlemagne in the 9th century. Today it is applied to all ambassadors.

Exchequer
The exchequer (or Treasury) is a government department dealing with State finance. It was introduced by the Normans.

Exchequer Court
The Exchequer Court was established during the reign of Henry I to deal with questions of finance. It later took upon itself judicial business. The equity business of the Exchequer was transferred to the Court of Chancery in 1842, and in 1873 became the Exchequer division of the High Court of Justice.

Excise
Excise is a tax on the production of goods. It was first levied in Britain in 1643 on wines, beers, tobacco etc. to raise funds to support the army against Charles I.

Exequatur
An exequatur is a document issued by the Head of a State, granting recognition to a foreign consul appointed thereto.

Exothermic reaction
In chemistry, exothermic reaction is a chemical change in which heat is liberated.

Extensometer
An extensometer is an apparatus employed for measuring the strain produced in material when stressed.

Extradition
Extradition is the delivery of a person accused or convicted of a crime to the State on whose territory the crime was committed, by the State on whose territory the criminal happens to be.

Copyright 1997,1998 Servile Software Enquiries to Matthew Probert

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