Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, "Baconthorpe" to "Bankruptcy" / Volume 3, Part 1, Slice 2

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

27479

Title

Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, "Baconthorpe" to "Bankruptcy" / Volume 3, Part 1, Slice 2

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

This volume of the Eleventh Edition of the Encyclopædia Britannica offers authoritative entries on diverse subjects, ranging from historical figures like John Baconthorpe and Janos Bacsanyi to scientific advancements in bacteriology. It also details legal frameworks regarding bankruptcy across various nations and provides geographical profiles of Irish and American locations. Written with scholarly precision, the text serves as an essential reference for arts, sciences, literature, and general information.

Summary up to 500 words

This selection from the Encyclopædia Britannica, Eleventh Edition, offers a diverse snapshot of late 19th-century knowledge, spanning biography, science, law, and geography. The volume opens with biographical sketches of John Baconthorpe, a 14th-century Carmelite monk and scholar, and Janos Bacsanyi, a Hungarian poet and patriot who faced imprisonment for his anti-Austrian activities. These entries highlight the era's interest in historical figures who challenged religious or political norms. The text then transitions to a detailed scientific exposition on bacteriology. It defines minute organisms known as schizomycetes, discussing their classification, distribution, and historical discovery by figures like Leeuwenhoek and Cohn. The narrative explores the complex phylogeny of bacteria, noting their resemblance to algae and fungi, and their roles as saprophytes or parasites. It details their ubiquity in nature, from soil and water to the air, and their existence in the alimentary canal of animals. Subsequently, the volume shifts to legal and political topics, specifically examining the evolution of ballot laws in the United States during the late 19th century. It highlights the adoption of the Australian ballot system and its variations across different states, such as the party-group system versus the blanket ballot. The text also profiles Irish towns including Ballycastle, Ballymena, and Ballyshannon, detailing their economic trades, historical significance, and local legends, such as the romance of the four children of Lir. The compilation concludes with a comprehensive comparative analysis of bankruptcy legislation. It contrasts systems in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, and the United States. The American system is noted for its requirement of debtor consent, while the French system emphasizes the enduring stigma of unpaid debts. The German code is described as rapid and efficient, and the Italian law restricts bankruptcy to merchants. This selection reflects the intellectual breadth of the time, offering readers a cohesive view of contemporary scientific understanding, legal reforms, and cultural geography.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

Download URL

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/27479.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg27479.epub

Download EPUB

Downloaded at

2026-07-05 16:49 UTC

Categories

• Encyclopedias and dictionaries