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Breton, Nicholas

(Encyclopedia)Breton, Nicholas brĕtˈən [key], 1551?–c.1623, English author, a prolific and versatile writer of verse and prose. His best work, written in a lyrical and pastoral vein, appeared in The Arbor of A...

switch

(Encyclopedia)switch, electrical device having two states: on, or closed; and off, or open. Ideally a switch offers a zero impedance to a current when it is closed, and it offers infinite impedance when open. Mecha...

ophthalmoscope

(Encyclopedia)ophthalmoscope ŏfthălˈməskōpˌ [key], instrument used for examining the inner structure of the eye. The device was invented by the German physiologist H. L. F. von Helmholtz in 1851. His model co...

stereophonic sound

(Encyclopedia)stereophonic sound, sound recorded simultaneously through two or more electronic channels. For live recordings, microphones are placed in different positions relative to the sound source. The recorded...

Falconet, Étienne Maurice

(Encyclopedia)Falconet, Étienne Maurice ātyĕnˈ môrēsˈ fälkōnāˈ [key], 1716–91, French sculptor; pupil of Lemoyne. Under Louis XV he became director of sculpture at the Sèvres porcelain factory, where ...

Walker, Herschel Junior

(Encyclopedia)Walker, Herschel Junior, 1962–, American football player, b. Wrightsville, Ga. After winning the 1982 Heisman Trophy, as college football's best player, at the Univ. of Georgia, he played (1983–85...

Rajoelina, Andry

(Encyclopedia)Rajoelina, Andry änˈdrē räjōēlēnˈä [key], 1974–, Malagasy businessman and politician. Rajoelina was a popular disc jockey and built a successful media conglomerate. Elected mayor of Antanan...

Hampson, Thomas

(Encyclopedia)Hampson, Thomas, 1955–, American baritone, b. Elkhart, Ind. An elegant, intelligent, and versatile vocal artist, he has performed in operas, operettas, oratorios, musicals, and recitals. Hampson won...

Isaac, Heinrich

(Encyclopedia)Isaac, Heinrich hīnˈrĭkh ēˈzäk [key], c.1450–1517, Flemish composer. Isaac, a prolific and versatile composer, traveled widely in Europe, serving at the courts of Lorenzo de' Medici and Empero...

Ferrer, José Vicente

(Encyclopedia)Ferrer, José Vicente hōsāˈ vēsānˈtā fərârˈ [key], 1912–92, American actor, director, and producer, b. Santurce, Puerto Rico. Ferrer made his debut in 1935 and in 1940 gained acclaim in Ch...