Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, "Helmont, Jean" to "Hernosand" / Volume 13, Slice 3

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

39435

Title

Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, "Helmont, Jean" to "Hernosand" / Volume 13, Slice 3

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

This volume from the Eleventh Edition of the Encyclopædia Britannica offers concise, authoritative entries on a diverse range of subjects, from the Belgian chemist Jean Baptiste van Helmont to the Swedish seaport of Hernösand. Written by various contributors, the text blends historical fact, scientific observation, and geographical detail in a clear, encyclopedic style.

Summary up to 500 words

This volume of the Eleventh Edition of the Encyclopædia Britannica offers a diverse cross-section of early 20th-century knowledge, spanning chemistry, geography, genealogy, literature, and medicine. The collection begins with an in-depth profile of Jean Baptiste van Helmont (1577–1644), a pivotal Belgian figure who bridged the gap between alchemy and modern science. Van Helmont is credited with inventing the term 'gas' and identifying carbon dioxide, while his quantitative experiments on plant growth challenged prevailing theories of nutrition. However, his work was a complex blend of rigorous observation and mystical belief in supernatural agencies like the 'archeus,' which he thought directed bodily functions. Geographical entries provide concise overviews of locations such as Helmstedt in Germany, noted for its Renaissance university and historical significance; the Helmund river in Afghanistan, a vital waterway for irrigation and trade; and Hernösand in Sweden, a seaport distinguished as the first town in Europe to be illuminated by electricity in 1885. The volume dedicates significant space to the Herbert family of Wales and England, tracing their intricate lineage from the 14th century through various peerages. This section highlights the family's political roles and the genealogical complexities arising from their patriarchal household customs, which often blurred the lines between legitimate and illegitimate heirs. Literary contributions are represented by biographies of George Herbert (1593–1633), the celebrated Anglican poet whose collection *The Temple* is renowned for its sincere devotion and musical quality, and Henry William Herbert (1807–1858), a novelist and sportsman who wrote under the pseudonym 'Frank Forester.' The latter's works on hunting and fishing were highly popular, though his personal life was marked by debt and dissipation. The volume also includes a detailed medical treatise on hernias, reflecting the era's surgical understanding. It explains the anatomy of the condition, distinguishing between reducible, irreducible, and strangulated types. The text emphasizes the dangers of strangulation, which can lead to bowel mortification and death, and advocates for prompt surgical intervention over the use of trusses, marking a shift toward modern radical treatment. Through these varied entries, the volume aims to provide comprehensive, factual knowledge across the arts, sciences, and literature.

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Categories

• Encyclopedias and dictionaries