OpenLLM-France/wikimedia huggingface dataset:
# Dictionary of National Biography, 1901 supplement/Dawson, Matthew

​DAWSON, MATTHEW (1820–1898), trainer of racehorses, second son of George Dawson, who trained for Lord Montgomery at Bogside, and for the Earl of Eglinton and other lowland owners, was born at Gullane in Haddingtonshire on 20 Jan. 1820. After a severe apprenticeship under his father he soon attained to positions of trust under racing owners, and in 1859 it was largely owing to his persuasion that the wealthy ironmaster, James Merry, known as 'the Glasgie body,' purchased Lord John Scott's stud for six thousand guineas. As a consequence of this Merry decided to have his horses privately trained at Russley, and over the stable there 'Mat' Dawson presided from 1860 to 1866. In the former year he gained a great success for his master with Thormanby, who won the Derby and cleared 40,000l. in bets, besides the stakes (6,200l.) In 1866 he left Russley and started as a public trainer at Newmarket, where he took Heath House, originally built for his brother, Joseph Dawson, by Lord Stamford. There he trained, for the Duke of Newcastle, Julius, the Cesarewitch winner of 1867; while, among others, the Dukes of Portland and St. Albans, the Marquis of Hastings, and Lord Lascelles intrusted their horses to him. In 1869 he undertook the charge of Lord Falmouth's stud, and after a few years of comparative failure became identified with that nobleman's triumphal career upon the turf. When Lord Falmouth left the turf in January 1884 Dawson joined with 'Fred' Archer [q. v. Suppl.], who had been an apprentice in his stable and eventually married his niece, in presenting his patron with a silver shield inscribed with the winners of two Derbies, three Oaks, three St. Legers, three One Thousand, and three Two Thousand Guineas all trained and ridden by the donors. Thenceforth he attached himself less exclusively to one owner. But he was always ready to exert himself with special zeal on behalf of Lord Rosebery (who had nearly won the Derby with a colt out of Dawson's stable in 1873), and in 1894 he had the satisfaction of training a Derby winner, Ladas, for his appreciative patron. In the following year he retired finally to Exning (he had previously made over the Heath House stable to his nephew, George H. Dawson), but returned after two years to live at Newmarket, where he died on 18 Aug. 1898, leaving an unblemished reputation behind him. By his wife, who died in 1895, he left no issue. His three brothers, Thomas (d. 1880), Joseph (d. 1880), 'the finest stableman that ever entered a loose box,' and John, were all, like himself, trainers. Dawson was a fairly educated and well-read man, and is said to have been not infrequently discovered by his employers deeply immersed in the 'Quarterly Review.' Altogether he 'won' six Derbies, seven St. Legers, and four Gold Cups at Ascot.
[Times, 19 Aug. 1898: Daily Telegraph, 19 Aug. 1898; Field, 20 Aug. 1898; Thormanby's Kings of the Turf, 1898, pp. 323-4 (with portrait); Porter's Kingsclere, 1896, chap, xiii.; Scott and Sebright, by The Druid, p. 251; Black's Jockey Club.]
T. S.
# Dictionary of National Biography, 1901 supplement/Deane, William John

​DEANE, WILLIAM JOHN (1823–1895), theological writer, born on 6 Oct. 1823, was the third son of John Deane of Lymington in Hampshire. He matriculated from Oriel College, Oxford, on 26 Oct. 1823, graduating B.A. in 1847 and M.A. in 1872. He was ordained deacon in 1847 and priest in 1849. He was successively curate of Rugby (1847–9), curate of Wick Rissington in Gloucestershire (1849–52), and rector of South Thoresby in Lincolnshire (1852–3). In 1853 he was presented by the chancellor of the duchy of Lancaster to the rectory of Ashen in Essex, which he retained until his death.
Deane was the author of a number of exegetical works, written in a clear and interesting manner. In 1881 he edited the Greek, Latin, and English texts of the 'Book of Wisdom ' for the Clarendon Press, with critical notes, and in 1891 he published 'Pseudepigraphia,' a well-written description and estimate of the apocryphal books. He died at Ashen on 30 May 1895, leaving a widow, three sons, and three daughters. He was buried on 4 June in Ashen churchyard, under the east window of the chancel. Besides the works already mentioned he published: 1. 'A Catechism of the Holydays as observed by the Church of England,' London, 1850, 18mo ; 3rd edit. 1886, 8vo. 2. 'The Proper Lessons from the Old Testament for Sundays and other Holydays with a Plain Commentary,' London, 1864, 12mo. He also furnished biographies of Abraham, Joshua, Samuel, Saul, and David for Routledge's series of 'Men of the Bible,' and contributed introductions to Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Hosea, Joel, Amos, and Micah in the 'Pulpit Commentary.' In 1850 he edited a volume of 'Lyra Sanctorum' (London, 8vo), and he was a frequent contributor to the 'Thinker.'
[Suffolk and Essex Free Press, 5 June 1895 ; Crockford's Clerical Directory ; Foster's Alumni Oxon. 1715-1886.]
E. I. C.
# Domestic Encyclopædia (1802)/Animal Life

* related portals: Zoology.
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Edition of 1802.
​ANIMAL LIFE is that organized principle which distinguishes animals from vegetables, and is susceptible of sensation and reflection.
​Various conjectures have, at different periods, and by eminent philosophers, been held respecting the nature and origin of this important principle, but it still remains involved in obscurity. In a late Dissertation, addressed to the President and Fellows of the College of Physicians, Dr. Beattie resolves it into that inherent tendency to approximation and cohesion, in some parts of matter, and that resilition and elasticity in others, the source of which is yet undiscovered, and which is not deducible from any material, secondary cause. As it was found that no animal could exist when suddenly deprived of large quantities of blood, it was inferred that this fluid was the vital principle; an opinion, indeed, which was much strengthened by the injunction of the Mosaic Law, not to eat meat in which there was blood, "that being the life." A late celebrated anatomist adopted this opinion, and boldly declared that the blood was alive. By some physiologists it has been conjectured, that the electric fluid is the source and principle of animal life: on the contrary, modern chemists maintain that it is conveyed by that elastic elementary gas, termed oxygen, or vital air, which, according to their notions, is the true principle of vitality.
Without entering into a minute investigation of these theories, it will be sufficient to state a few of the leading circumstances which accompany the progress towards animation.
Heat is a material agent in the production and continuation of life, as is beautifully illustrated in the incubation, or hatching of an egg; the progress of which towards maturity, is nearly as follows:—On the first day, no perceptible alteration takes place; on the second, the treadle changes to a pale yellow colour; and every following day it becomes yellower, till at length it grows red, and afterwards of a deep blood-colour, which soon thickens to a firmer substance; this speedily assumes a form, which, when it thickens into life, is nourished by the yolk, and laid in the white as in a bed provided for its accommodation; thus it continues increasing, till it grows too large for its narrow bounds, when it bursts tire walls of its prison, and comes forth a perfect animal.
# Domestic Encyclopædia (1802)/Angling

* related portals: Angling.
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Edition of 1802.
​ANGLING, among sportsmen, is the art of fishing with a rod, to which are fitted a line, hook, and bait. The season for this amusement commences about the month of June, and the proper hours are, at the dawn of day, and about three o'clock in the afternoon; at which times the fish, in ponds and small rivers, are accustomed to feed. Easterly winds afford but little sport to the angler; for those blowing from the south, are the most conducive to his purpose; and a warm, but lowring day, is of all others the most propitious. A cloudy day following a bright moon-light night, is always an auspicious omen; as the fish do not love to seek for food in the moon-shine, and are, therefore, always hungry the next morning. The observation of small fish, confined in a jar, either refusing or taking food, affords a good criterion of the most convenient season.
Upon taking his stand, the angler should shelter himself under some tree or bush, or remain at least so far from the brink of the water, that he may just discern his float; as the fish are timorous, and easily frightened away. The rod must be preserved in a moderate state, neither too dry nor too moist, as in these cases it will be either brittle or rotten. Various baits are used; such as worms, artificial flies, paste made of boiled cheese, beat up with powdered quick-lime, &c.; when these last are employed, it will be proper to cement them with a little tow, and rub them over with honey. The best method of using the fly, is down the current of the stream; and half a dozen trials will be sufficient to determine, whether the fish will take or refuse the bait.—With respect to the habitations most congenial to particular kinds of fish, it deserves to be noticed, that bream are to be found in the deepest and most quiet places; eels, under the banks of rivers; perch and roach, in a pure, swift stream; chub, in deep, shaded holes; and trout, in clear, rapid brooks. Situations abounding in weeds, or old stumps of trees, often harbour numbers of fish, which bite freely; but there is great hazard of breaking the line, or entangling the hook. The openings of sluices and mill-dams always invite them up the current, to seek for the food which is conveyed with the stream; and angling in these places is generally successful.—See Fishing.
# Domestic Encyclopædia (1802)/Anethum Fœniculum

Edition of 1802.
​Anethum Fœniculum, L. See Common Fennel.
# Domestic Encyclopædia (1802)/Animal Economy

Edition of 1802.
​ANIMAL ECONOMY, in its more extensive sense, implies an accurate and physiological knowledge of the use, structure, and component parts of all animal bodies; but is here intended, to signify only such a view of the human system, as may afford the means of preserving health, and promoting the useful purposes of life.
The enjoyment of "a sound mind" in a healthy body, being the greatest of earthly blessings, a portion of the time and industry of every rational being ought to be employed in the acquisition of so desirable a state. For this purpose, nothing is more essential than a proper knowledge of the various branches of animal economy, by the assistance of which we are not only enabled to preserve ourselves in perfect health, but to remove, and frequently to obviate the attack of many disorders to which we are liable, and which, from our ignorance and mismanagement, might otherwise be productive of the most fatal consequences.
Animal economy, therefore, ought certainly to form part of a liberal education. It is not, however, necessary, nor is it convenient, that all persons should be minutely instructed in the more abstract and difficult branches of medical or anatomical science; but an acquaintance with such familiar and practical parts as are of general use and application, should never be superseded by other less serviceable pursuits.
Hence we have been induced to explain and analyze, in this work, many subjects, though apparently remote from its original design, yet so intimately connected with the physical prosperity of the individual, that an omission of such articles would be irreconcilable to our chief aim—that of exploding hurtful prejudices, and communicating useful information. Of this nature and tendency, are the articles, Abdomen, Abortion, Abscesses, Air, Amputation, Aneurism, and many others in the sequel of this Encyclopædia.
# Domestic Encyclopædia (1802)/Animal

* related portals: Zoology.
* sister projects: Wikipedia article, Commons category, quotes, definition, course, taxonomy, Wikidata item.
Edition of 1802.
​ANIMAL, in natural history, signifies an organized, living body, capable of voluntary motion, and endowed with sensation.
The most powerful instinct of animals is, that of self-preservation, and the propagation of the species: in order to promote the purpose for which they are created, both nature and art afford various, and frequently singular expedients. In this place, however, we cannot enter into the particulars, which will be treated of under the different heads of Appetite, Nourishment, Sleep, &c. The two last mentioned sources usually supply those powers which have been wasted by hunger and thirst, motion, perspiration, &c. We observe, on many occasions, the most admirable contrivances of the inferior creation, instinctively displayed; for instance, in the hexagonal cells of bees, and the architectural habitations of the beaver. Man, indeed, is the only ​animal which is possessed of no artificial instinct, or motives of actions performed by mechanical impulse; but, to compensate for this apparent deficiency, Providence has endowed him with reason, a faculty which elevates him far above all other created beings, and enables him to render himself master of the earth.
With respect to the division of animals into different classes, we refer to the article Animal Kingdom.
# Domestic Encyclopædia (1802)/Animal Flower

Edition of 1802.
​ANIMAL FLOWER (Actinia Sociata) from its supposed property of stinging, was formerly called Sea-Nettle, or Sea-Anemone, but by late English writers has received its present name. This singular animal was found in some of the islands which were ceded to this country in the late treaty of peace with France. It is of a tender, fleshy substance, which consists of many tubular bodies, gently swelling towards the upper part, and terminating like a bulb, or very small onion: its only orifice is in the centre of the uppermost part, surrounded with rows of tentacles or claws which, when contracted, appear like circles of beads. This opening is capable of great extension, and it is amazing to see what large fish some of them can swallow, such as muscles, crabs, &c. When the animal has scratched out the fish, it throws back the shells through the same passage. From this aperture likewise, it produces its young ones alive, already furnished with little claws, which they extend in search of food, as soon as they are fixed. At low water, they are found on the rocky coasts of Sussex and Cornwall, attached in the shallows to some solid substance, by a broad base, like a sucker. This base is worthy of notice—the knobs observable on it, are formed into several parts, by its insinuating itself into the inequalities of rocks, or grasping pieces of shells, part of which frequently remain in it, covered with the fleshy substance. By its assistance, they are enabled to preserve themselves from the violence of the waves, and withstand the fury of a storm. Animal flowers very much resemble the exterior leaves of the anemone, and their limbs are not unlike its shag, or inner part. They are said to possess, in an extraordinary degree, the power of re-production, so that to multiply them at pleasure, nothing more is necessary than to cut a single one into several pieces.
# Domestic Encyclopædia (1802)/Animal Food

Edition of 1802.
​ANIMAL FOOD. See Food.
# Domestic Encyclopædia (1802)/Tick

Edition of 1802.
​Tick. See Sheep, p. 60, of the present volume.
# Domestic Encyclopædia (1802)/Tillage

Edition of 1802.
​TILLAGE, in agriculture and gardening, denotes the different methods of moving the ground, by means of a plough, spade, or other implement, to a certain depth, so as to bring the soil to the surface, and to turn the upper part downwards; in consequence of which, the earth is less liable to be exhausted by the growth of weeds or useless plants.
The proper time for this operation, varies according to the nature of the soil: thus, in horticulture, hot and dry ground should be tilled, either immediately before or after rain; but, if the weather be very dry, it ought not to be stirred, unless it be speedily irrigated: in the contrary case, when the earth is strong, moist, and cold, it will be useful to employ the spade, &c. diaring the hottest weather.
In agriculture, the cold, moist, clayey, or stiff soils, generally require to be tilled three times, namely, in the spring, in summer, and at seed-time, for wheat; and four times, for barley.
The great advantages arising from tillage, consist, 1. In the pulverization of the soil, so that its nature may eventually be changed, and the toughest clay be rendered as light or friable as common earth; and, 2. In eradicating noxious weeds, by exposing their roots and stalks to the joint action of the air, moisture, and heat, by which they are converted into manure. On these principles, indeed, the new, or horse-hoeing huslandry, chiefly depends; and, though perhaps some agriculturists may have extolled rather too highly, the benefits derived from frequent stirring of the ground, yet it cannot be denied, that such practice greatly contributes to the improvement of the soil, especially when combined with the judicious application of manures.
Having already, at some length, described the various modes of cultivating the soil, the reader will ​revert to the articles, Drilling, Harrow, Hoe, Plough, Spade, &c.
# Domestic Encyclopædia (1802)/Time

Edition of 1802.
​TIME, in general, denotes either the succession of natural phenomena, occurring in the universe; or, according to Mr. Locke, it is a mode of duration which is marked by certain periods or measures, but principally by the motion and ​revolution of the sun: some philosophers, however, have lately defined time to be the duration of a thing, the existence of which is neither without beginning nor end.
Consistently with our plan, we cannot enter into any speculative disquisitions respecting the nature of time: we shall, therefore, only remark, that it has been divided into astronomical and civil; the former being regulated entirely by the motion of the celestial bodies; while the latter division comprehends the astronomical time adapted to the purposes of civil life; and is distinguished by years, months, days, hours, minutes, and seconds.
Few reflections are of greater importance than those on the transitory nature of time; which is perhaps the only thing in the world, that is absolutely irrecoverable: hence, we are often surprized at the conduct of those who, under the mistaken notion of killing time, contrive and pursue every species of dissipation, in order to suppress the occasional warning of their degraded understandings, to stifle the remaining sense of their duties, and in a manner to forget themselves as rational agents, who are appointed to fulfil certain purposes, by which they might distinguish themselves from the brute creation. Nevertheless, a moderate participation in the amusements of the day, or the enjoyment of select company, is highly commendable; but, when such indulgence exceeds the limits of prudence, it not only deserves severe censure, but is ultimately attended with bitter remorse.
# Domestic Encyclopædia (1802)/Thyme

Edition of 1802.
​THYME, or Thymus, L. genus of spicy plants, comprising 17 species, of which the following are the principal, namely:
1. The serpyllum, Common, Wild, or Mother-of-thyme, an indigenous perennial, growing on heaths and mountainous places, where it flowers in July and August.—This plant possesses a grateful aromatic odour, and a warm, pungent taste: its dried leaves, when infused in boiling water, serve as an agreeable substitute for tea: the essential oil obtained from this herb is so acrid, that farriers employ it as a caustic.—A little cotton wool moistened with it, and put into the hollow of an aching tooth, frequently mitigates the most excruciating pain.—Bees eagerly visit the aromatic leaves of wild thyme, which is likewise eaten by sheep and goats, but refused by hogs.—There is another variety of this species, cultivated in gardens, and called the Lemon-thyme, which has broader leaves, and a more pleasant flavour.
2. The Acinos, Wild Basil, or Basil Thyme, grows on dry hills, in chalky and gravelly situations; flowering from June to August.—This odoriferous plant is much frequented by bees, which collect honey from its flowers.
3. The vulgaris, or Garden-Thyme, is originally a native of the southern parts of Europe, but is now generally cultivated in British gardens. It may be ​propagated either by the seed, by off-sets from the roots, or by slips, planted in light, rich, and well-prepared soils: its aromatic leaves are employed in broths, and for other culinary purposes.—In its medicinal properties, this species is one of the most powerful aromatic plants; and its essential oil is often sold in the shops, as a substitute for that of Marjoram.
# Domestic Encyclopædia (1802)/Thrush, in Horses

Edition of 1802.
​Thrush, in Horses. See Frush.
# Domestic Encyclopædia (1802)/Tide

Edition of 1802.
​TIDE, denotes the rising and falling of sea-water; a phenomenon which is observable on all the shores of the ocean: it is also termed the flux and re-flux, or the alternate ebb and flow.
The water of the sea flows for about six hours from south to north; during which period it gradually swells, so that it enters the mouths of rivers, and counteracts the natural current from their sources. It then remains stationary for about a quarter of an hour; after which it ebbs for six hours; a similar pause of 15 minutes takes place, when it flows, and ebbs alternately. Thus, the tide rises and falls once in the space of 12 hours and 48 minutes, which period constitutes a lunar day; as the moon passes the meridian of the earth about 48 minutes later, each succeeding day. The motion of the tides is farther influenced by the moon: hence, if that luminary be in the first and third quarters, or when it is new and full, they are high and swift, being then called spring-tides: on the contrary, when the moon is in the second and last quarters, they neither rise so high, nor flow with such rapidity; and are therefore termed neap-tides.
Various theories have been formed, to account for the phenomena of tides; the ancients attributing them to the sun; while some modern inquirers ascribe them to the liquefaction of the ice and snow, in the polar regions; but they are now generally understood to depend on the principle of gravitation.
In the 1st vol. of the Repertory of Arts, &c. we meet with an account of a Tide-wheel, that may be adapted to any kind of mill; and which was invented by Mr. Robert Leslie. As a mere description of its constituent parts would convey but an inadequate idea of its mechanism, the curious reader will resort to the work above cited; where the whole contrivance is illustrated with an engraving. We shall, therefore, only remark, that such wheel, if intended for mills, is by the inventor stated to be preferable to all others turned by the tide; for its velocity is not only greater and more uniform, but a similar quantity of water also constantly acts on the wheel, which is so constructed, as to turn the same way, both with the ebb and flow, and in a more simple manner than any hitherto contrived. Thus, it moves horizontally, while the generality of tide-wheels revolve vertically; and the perpendicular shaft may be carried to such a height, as to admit the spur-wheel, or any other piece of mechanism, to be wholly above the surface of the water.—Lastly, it is asserted to be less expensive than other wheels of a similar construction, and may be advantageously employed for raising water; its velocity being fully sufficient, without any cog-wheels, or wallowers.