Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, "Bible" to "Bisectrix" / Volume 3, Slice 7

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

34702

Title

Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, "Bible" to "Bisectrix" / Volume 3, Slice 7

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

This comprehensive volume from the Eleventh Edition of Encyclopædia Britannica offers authoritative entries on a vast array of topics, ranging from theology and law to geography and industry. Written by various experts, it serves as an essential reference for general knowledge, historical context, and scientific understanding.

Summary up to 500 words

Volume III, Slice VII of the Eleventh Edition of Encyclopædia Britannica offers a comprehensive survey of theology, law, geography, and industry, anchored by extensive entries on the Bible, English legal history, and the Basque province of Biscay. The article on the Bible provides a critical historical and literary analysis of the Old and New Testaments. It clarifies that the term 'Bible' is originally a plural referring to the sacred books of Christendom. The text details the formation of the Old Testament canon, debunking the popular legend that Ezra closed the canon. Instead, it outlines the tripartite division recognized in Jewish tradition: the Law (Torah), the Prophets, and the Writings (Hagiographa). The entry traces the gradual expansion of biblical literature from early poetic fragments to the completed collections, noting that the Hebrew tripartite structure predates the Talmudic arrangement and was later adapted by Greek translators and the Reformers. Legal entries focus on the Bill of Rights and bills of sale. The Bill of Rights is described as a landmark constitutional act enacted in December 1689, vindicating the rights of subjects against the unconstitutional proceedings of James II. It enumerates specific prohibitions, such as the illegal suspension of laws, the maintenance of a standing army in peacetime, and excessive bail or cruel punishments. The entry on bills of sale explains their evolution from documents assigning personal property to mortgages, detailing the regulatory acts of 1854, 1878, and 1882 designed to prevent fraud and protect creditors. Geographic and industrial entries describe Biscay, a rugged, mineral-rich province in northern Spain known for its Basque culture, iron mining, and shipbuilding. The text highlights the region's diverse landscape, from mountainous slopes to coastal fisheries, and notes its rapid industrialization in the late 19th century. Other topics include the biscuit manufacturing process, which distinguishes between American crackers and British biscuits, and the geometric concept of the bisectrix. The volume also covers historical figures like the Viennese surgeon Billroth and various locations from Bilbao to Bisceglie, presenting a rich tapestry of information for the educated reader of the early 20th century.

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Categories

• Encyclopedias and dictionaries