Search

Search results

Displaying 181 - 190

Tux, the Linux Penguin

The Question: How did a penguin come to be the mascot for the Linux operating system? The Answer: The short answer is that Linus Torvalds, founder of Linux, likes penguins, and he said so when…

tetraethyl lead

(Encyclopedia) tetraethyl leadtetraethyl leadtĕtˌrəĕthˈəl [key], (C2H5)4Pb, viscous, colorless, poisonous liquid. It is an organometallic compound prepared by reacting ethyl chloride with a sodium-…

hydrogen sulfide

(Encyclopedia) hydrogen sulfide, chemical compound, H2S, a colorless, extremely poisonous gas that has a very disagreeable odor, much like that of rotten eggs. It is slightly soluble in water and is…

hydrotherapy

(Encyclopedia) hydrotherapy, use of water in the treatment of illness or injury. Although the medicinal and hygienic value of water was recognized by the early Greeks, hydrotherapy attained its…

Wolff, Christian von

(Encyclopedia) Wolff or Wolf, Christian vonWolff or Wolf, Christian vonkrĭsˈtyän fən vôlf [key], 1679–1754, German philosopher. One of the first to use the German language instead of Latin, he…

ACIDS

FIND OUT MOREThe sour taste of food such as lemons is due to acids. Acids in food are weak, but they can sting if they touch a cut on your skin. Strong acids, such as sulphuric acid in car…

War of 1812

War of 1812 British interference with American trade, impressment of American seamen, and “War Hawks” drive for western expansion lead to war. American attacks on Canada foiled; U.S. Commodore…

First U.S. Satellite

The first successful U.S. satellite, Explorer I, was launched into Earth orbit by the Army on Jan. 31, 1958, at Cape Canaveral, Florida, four months after Russia orbited Sputnik. The 18-pound…

2009 Pulitzer Prize Winners

Awards ranging from journalism to fiction to music Related Links Joseph Pulitzer Biography Book, Magazine,…

Jack Johnson

Born: Mar. 31, 1878Boxer controversial heavyweight champion (1908-15) and 1st black to hold title; defeated Tommy Burns for crown at age 30; fled to Europe in 1913 after Mann Act conviction; lost…