Here is another Century Dictionary definition. I have omitted the synonyms for "encyclopedia" in other languages and also the Greek etymology because of difficulties in reproduction here and lack of time to compensate for that, but I should mention that the "cyclo" part of it originates in the idea that the sciences were thought of as forming a circle of some sort and the "paidia" part alludes to the idea of the instruction of youth. This definition is NOT due to Peirce but it is, I think, pertinent here for other reasons. Here it is:
ENCYCLOPEDIA, ENCYCLOPAEDIA . . . 1. The circle of sciences; a general system of instruction in several or all departments of knowledge. And therefore, in this encyclopedie and round of know1edge like the great and exemplary wheels of heaven, we must observe two circles. Sir T. Browne, Vulg. Err., To the Reader. Some by this art have become universally learned in a far larger compass than the old reputed encyclopedy. Boyle. Works, VI. 335. To Systematic Theology belongs also formal Encyclopaedia, or an exhibition of theology as an organic whole, showing the relationship of the different parts, and their proper function and aim. Schaff, Christ and Christianity, p. 5. Specifically--2. A work in which the various topics included under several or all branches of knowledge are treated separately, and usually in alphabetical order. It [a public library] should be rich in hooks of reference, in encyclopaedias, where one may learn without cost of research what things are generally known. For it is far more useful to know these than to know those that are not generally known. Lowell, Books and Libraries. 3. In a narrower sense, a cyclopedia. See cyclopedia, 1. Abbreviated enc., ency., encyc. French Encyclopedia (Encyclop¨die ou Dictionnaire raisonn¨ des sciences, etc.), a celebrated French work in 28 folio volumes (including 11 volumes of plates), the first of which appeared in 1751 and the last in 1765. Five volumes of supplements were issued in 1776-7, and two volumes of index in 1780, the complete work thus consisting of 35 volumes folio. The chief editor was Diderot, who was assisted by D'Alembert, and many of the great contemporary literary men of France (hence called the encyclopedists) contributed to it. From the skeptical character of many of the articles, the work excited the bitterest ecclesiastical enmity, and had no small part in bringing about the state of public opinion which prepared the way for the French revolution. -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.375 / Virus Database: 268.2.4/282 - Release Date: 3/15/2006 --- Message from peirce-l forum to subscriber archive@mail-archive.com
