(Encyclopedia) alchemyalchemyălˈkəmē [key], ancient art of obscure origin that sought to transform base metals (e.g., lead) into silver and gold; forerunner of the science of chemistry. Some scholars…
(Encyclopedia) Christmas [Christ's Mass], in the Christian calendar, feast of the nativity of Jesus, celebrated in Roman Catholic and Protestant Churches on Dec. 25. In liturgical importance it ranks…
Part IV: 1995-present by Amanda Kudler 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 1995 Sony brings the PlayStation to the U.S. and sells the console for $299. Nintendo…
(Encyclopedia) goldwork, ornaments, jewelry, and vessels created from gold. Such works have figured in almost every stage of civilization as symbols of wealth and power.
During the craft revival of…
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This animation illustrates the process of triggered star formation. First, a massive star in its final death throes explodes or "…
(Encyclopedia) CrotonaCrotonakrōtōˈnə [key], Croton, or KrotonCrotonaboth: krōˈtən [key], ancient city, S Italy, on the east coast of Bruttium (now Calabria), a colony of Magna Graecia founded c.708…
(Encyclopedia) Constantine, Donation of, Lat. Constitutum Constantini, forged document, probably drafted in the 8th cent. It purported to be a grant by Roman Emperor Constantine I of great temporal…
(Encyclopedia) farce, light, comic theatrical piece in which the characters and events are greatly exaggerated to produce broad, absurd humor. Early examples of farce can be found in the comedies of…
(Encyclopedia) ergotergotûrˈgət [key], disease of rye and other cereals caused by the fungus Claviceps purpurea. The cottony, matlike body, or mycelium, of the fungus develops in the ovaries of the…
