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Authors: Herman Melville
Moby-Dick (Barnes & Noble Classics Series) (89 page)
BOOK: Moby-Dick (Barnes & Noble Classics Series)
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9
(p. 385)
Locke’s head . . . Kant’s:
John Locke (1632-1704) and Immanuel Kant (1724-1804) advocated two different theories about how we learn—whether all through the senses (Locke) or in part through capacities inherent in the mind (Kant).
(p. 385)
Locke’s head . . . Kant’s:
John Locke (1632-1704) and Immanuel Kant (1724-1804) advocated two different theories about how we learn—whether all through the senses (Locke) or in part through capacities inherent in the mind (Kant).
10
(p. 394)
Stoic . . . Platoninan . . . Spinoza:
For Stoicism, see note 2, above. The Greek philosopher Plato (c. 427-348 B.C.) was an idealist. Dutch philosopher Baruch Spinoza (1632-1677) had the pantheistic view that the entire universe constitutes God.
(p. 394)
Stoic . . . Platoninan . . . Spinoza:
For Stoicism, see note 2, above. The Greek philosopher Plato (c. 427-348 B.C.) was an idealist. Dutch philosopher Baruch Spinoza (1632-1677) had the pantheistic view that the entire universe constitutes God.
11
(p. 405)
Physiognomist or Phrenologist:
Johann Kaspar Lavater (1741-1801), Franz Joseph Gall (1758-1828), and Johann Christoph Spurzheim (1776-1832) developed pseudoscientific theories that character could be deduced from expression and the shape of the head.
(p. 405)
Physiognomist or Phrenologist:
Johann Kaspar Lavater (1741-1801), Franz Joseph Gall (1758-1828), and Johann Christoph Spurzheim (1776-1832) developed pseudoscientific theories that character could be deduced from expression and the shape of the head.
12
(p. 423)
St. George and the Dragon:
The patron saint of England, Saint George is said to have slain a dragon. Melville’s tall tale, which turns the dragon into a whale, is a good example of humor through preposterous argument.
(p. 423)
St. George and the Dragon:
The patron saint of England, Saint George is said to have slain a dragon. Melville’s tall tale, which turns the dragon into a whale, is a good example of humor through preposterous argument.
13
(p. 436)
Plato, Pyrrho . . . Jupiter, Dante:
For Plato, see note 10, above. The philosopher Pyrrho (c. 360-270 B.C.) is regarded as the father of skepticism. Jupiter is the Roman name for the Greek Zeus, chief of the gods. The Italian poet Dante Alighieri (1265-1321) was the author of
The Divine Comedy
.
(p. 436)
Plato, Pyrrho . . . Jupiter, Dante:
For Plato, see note 10, above. The philosopher Pyrrho (c. 360-270 B.C.) is regarded as the father of skepticism. Jupiter is the Roman name for the Greek Zeus, chief of the gods. The Italian poet Dante Alighieri (1265-1321) was the author of
The Divine Comedy
.
14
(p. 493)
Cowper . . . Rabelais:
William Cowper (1731-1800) and Edward Young (1683-1765) were English poets; Blaise Pascal (1623-1662), a French mathematician and religious thinker; and Jean Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778), a French philosopher and novelist. All were at times given to somber meditation. François Rabelais (c. 1490-1553) was a humanist and author of
Gargantua and Pantagruel
, popularly known for its baudier passages.
(p. 493)
Cowper . . . Rabelais:
William Cowper (1731-1800) and Edward Young (1683-1765) were English poets; Blaise Pascal (1623-1662), a French mathematician and religious thinker; and Jean Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778), a French philosopher and novelist. All were at times given to somber meditation. François Rabelais (c. 1490-1553) was a humanist and author of
Gargantua and Pantagruel
, popularly known for its baudier passages.
15
(p. 498)
Chapter “ The Doubloon”:
The chapter makes partial use of the zodiac, an ancient astronomical system, used in astrology, in which the sky is divided into twelve equal parts corresponding to periods of the year. Sections are assigned symbols associated with constellations, many of which have animal names. Melville’s stress is on the individuality of interpretation.
(p. 498)
Chapter “ The Doubloon”:
The chapter makes partial use of the zodiac, an ancient astronomical system, used in astrology, in which the sky is divided into twelve equal parts corresponding to periods of the year. Sections are assigned symbols associated with constellations, many of which have animal names. Melville’s stress is on the individuality of interpretation.
DICTIONARY OF SEA TERMS
ll
ll
Aback.
The situation of the sails when the wind presses their surfaces against the mast, and tends to force the vessel astern.
The situation of the sails when the wind presses their surfaces against the mast, and tends to force the vessel astern.
Abaft.
Toward the stern of a vessel.
Toward the stern of a vessel.
About.
On the other tack.
On the other tack.
Abreast.
Alongside of. Side by side.
Alongside of. Side by side.
A-cock-bill.
The situation of the yards when they are topped up at an angle with the deck. The situation of an anchor when it hangs to the cathead by the ring only.
The situation of the yards when they are topped up at an angle with the deck. The situation of an anchor when it hangs to the cathead by the ring only.
Adrift.
Broken from moorings or fasts. Without fasts.
Broken from moorings or fasts. Without fasts.
Aft—After.
Near the stern.
Near the stern.
Aground.
Touching the bottom.
Touching the bottom.
A-lee.
The situation of the helm when it is put in the opposite direction from that in which the wind blows.
The situation of the helm when it is put in the opposite direction from that in which the wind blows.
All-aback.
When all the sails are aback.
When all the sails are aback.
All hands.
The whole crew.
The whole crew.
Amain.
Suddenly. At once.
Suddenly. At once.
An-end.
When a mast is perpendicular to the deck.
When a mast is perpendicular to the deck.
Apron.
A piece of timber fixed behind the lower part of the stern, just above the fore end of the keel. A covering to the vent or lock of a cannon.
A piece of timber fixed behind the lower part of the stern, just above the fore end of the keel. A covering to the vent or lock of a cannon.
Arm. Yard-arm.
The extremity of a yard. Also, the lower part of an anchor, crossing the shank and terminating in the flukes.
The extremity of a yard. Also, the lower part of an anchor, crossing the shank and terminating in the flukes.
Athwart.
Across.
Athwart-ships.
Across the line of the vessel’s keel.
Athwart-hawse.
Across the direction of a vessel’s head. Across her cable.
Across.
Athwart-ships.
Across the line of the vessel’s keel.
Athwart-hawse.
Across the direction of a vessel’s head. Across her cable.
Avast, or ’Vast.
An order to stop; as, “Avast heaving!”
An order to stop; as, “Avast heaving!”
A-weather.
The situation of the helm when it is put in the direction from which the wind blows.
The situation of the helm when it is put in the direction from which the wind blows.
A-weigh.
The situation of the anchor when it is raised clear of the ground. The same as a-trip.
The situation of the anchor when it is raised clear of the ground. The same as a-trip.
Back.
To back a sail,
is to throw it aback.
To back a sail,
is to throw it aback.
Backstays.
Stays running from a masthead to the vessel’s side, slanting a little aft. (See
Stays
.)
Stays running from a masthead to the vessel’s side, slanting a little aft. (See
Stays
.)
Balance-reef.
A reef in a spanker or fore-and-aft mainsail, which runs from the outer head-earing, diagonally, to the tack. It is the closest reef, and makes the sail triangular, or nearly so.
A reef in a spanker or fore-and-aft mainsail, which runs from the outer head-earing, diagonally, to the tack. It is the closest reef, and makes the sail triangular, or nearly so.
Bale.
To bale a boat
, is to throw water out of her.
To bale a boat
, is to throw water out of her.
Ballast.
Heavy material, as iron, lead, or stone, placed in the bottom of the hold, to keep a vessel from upsetting.
To freshen ballast
, is to shift it. Coarse gravel is called
shingle ballast.
Heavy material, as iron, lead, or stone, placed in the bottom of the hold, to keep a vessel from upsetting.
To freshen ballast
, is to shift it. Coarse gravel is called
shingle ballast.
Bank.
A boat is
double banked
when two oars, one opposite the other, are pulled by men seated on the same thwart.
A boat is
double banked
when two oars, one opposite the other, are pulled by men seated on the same thwart.
Bare-poles.
The condition of a ship when she has no sail set.
The condition of a ship when she has no sail set.
Bark, or Barque.
A three-masted vessel, having her fore and main masts rigged like a ship’s, and her mizzen mast like the main mast of a schooner, with no sail upon it but a spanker, and gaff topsail.
A three-masted vessel, having her fore and main masts rigged like a ship’s, and her mizzen mast like the main mast of a schooner, with no sail upon it but a spanker, and gaff topsail.
Battens.
Thin strips of wood put around the hatches, to keep the tarpaulin down. Also, put upon rigging to keep it from chafing. A large batten widened at the end, and put upon rigging, is called a
scotchman
.
Thin strips of wood put around the hatches, to keep the tarpaulin down. Also, put upon rigging to keep it from chafing. A large batten widened at the end, and put upon rigging, is called a
scotchman
.
Beams.
Strong pieces of timber stretching across the vessel, to support the decks.
Strong pieces of timber stretching across the vessel, to support the decks.
On the weather or lee beam
, is in a direction to windward or leeward, at right angles with the keel.
, is in a direction to windward or leeward, at right angles with the keel.
On beam-ends.
The situation of a vessel when turned over so that her beams are inclined toward the vertical.
The situation of a vessel when turned over so that her beams are inclined toward the vertical.
Bear.
An object
bears
so and so, when it is in such a direction from the person looking.
An object
bears
so and so, when it is in such a direction from the person looking.
To bear down
upon a vessel, is to approach her from the windward.
upon a vessel, is to approach her from the windward.
To bear up,
is to put the helm up and keep a vessel off from her course, and move her to leeward.
is to put the helm up and keep a vessel off from her course, and move her to leeward.
To bear away,
is the same as to
bear up
; being applied to the vessel instead of to the tiller.
is the same as to
bear up
; being applied to the vessel instead of to the tiller.
To bear-a-hand.
To make haste.
To make haste.
Beating.
Going toward the direction of the wind, by alternate tacks.
Going toward the direction of the wind, by alternate tacks.
Becket.
A piece of rope placed so as to confine a spar or another rope. A handle made of rope, in the form of a circle, (as the handle of a chest,) is called a
becket
.
A piece of rope placed so as to confine a spar or another rope. A handle made of rope, in the form of a circle, (as the handle of a chest,) is called a
becket
.
Belay.
To make a rope fast by turns round a pin or coil, without hitching or seizing it.
To make a rope fast by turns round a pin or coil, without hitching or seizing it.
Bend.
To make fast.
To make fast.
To bend a sail,
is to make it fast to the yard.
is to make it fast to the yard.
To bend a cable,
is to make it fast to the anchor.
is to make it fast to the anchor.
A bend,
is a knot by which one rope is made fast to another.
is a knot by which one rope is made fast to another.
Berth.
The place where a vessel lies. The place in which a man sleeps.
The place where a vessel lies. The place in which a man sleeps.
Bibbs.
Pieces of timber bolted to the hounds of a mast, to support the trestle-trees.
Pieces of timber bolted to the hounds of a mast, to support the trestle-trees.
Bight.
The double part of a rope when it is folded; in contradistinction from the ends. Any part of a rope may be called the bight, except the ends. Also, a bend in the shore, making a small bay or inlet.
The double part of a rope when it is folded; in contradistinction from the ends. Any part of a rope may be called the bight, except the ends. Also, a bend in the shore, making a small bay or inlet.
Bilge.
That part of the floor of a ship upon which she would rest if aground; being the part near the keel which is more in a horizontal than a perpendicular line.
That part of the floor of a ship upon which she would rest if aground; being the part near the keel which is more in a horizontal than a perpendicular line.
Bilge water.
Water which settles in the bilge.
Water which settles in the bilge.
Bilge.
The largest circumference of a cask.
The largest circumference of a cask.
Binnacle.
A box near the helm, containing the compass.
A box near the helm, containing the compass.
Bitts.
Perpendicular pieces of timber going through the deck, placed to secure anything to. The cables are fastened to them, if there is no windlass. There are also
bitts
to secure the windlass, and on each side of the heel of the bowsprit.
Perpendicular pieces of timber going through the deck, placed to secure anything to. The cables are fastened to them, if there is no windlass. There are also
bitts
to secure the windlass, and on each side of the heel of the bowsprit.
Bitter, or Bitter-end.
That part of the cable which is abaft the bitts.
That part of the cable which is abaft the bitts.
Block.
A piece of wood with sheaves, or wheels, in it, through which the running rigging passes, to add to the purchase.
A piece of wood with sheaves, or wheels, in it, through which the running rigging passes, to add to the purchase.
Bluff.
A bluff-bowed
or
bluff-headed
vessel is one which is full and square forward.
A bluff-bowed
or
bluff-headed
vessel is one which is full and square forward.
Boat-hook.
An iron hook with a long staff, held in the hand, by which a boat is kept fast to a wharf, or vessel.
An iron hook with a long staff, held in the hand, by which a boat is kept fast to a wharf, or vessel.
Bobstays.
Used to confine the bowsprit down to the stem or cut-water.
Used to confine the bowsprit down to the stem or cut-water.
Bolsters.
Pieces of soft wood, covered with canvass, placed on the trestle-trees, for the eyes of the rigging to rest upon.
Pieces of soft wood, covered with canvass, placed on the trestle-trees, for the eyes of the rigging to rest upon.
Bolt-rope.
The rope which goes round a sail, and to which the canvass is sewed.
The rope which goes round a sail, and to which the canvass is sewed.
Boom.
A spar used to extend the foot of a fore-and-aft sail or studding-sail.
A spar used to extend the foot of a fore-and-aft sail or studding-sail.
Boom-irons.
Iron rings on the yards, through which the studdingsail booms traverse.
Iron rings on the yards, through which the studdingsail booms traverse.
Bound.
Wind-bound.
When a vessel is kept in port by a head wind.
Wind-bound.
When a vessel is kept in port by a head wind.
Bow.
The rounded part of a vessel, forward.
The rounded part of a vessel, forward.
Bowline.
(Pronounced
bo-lin.
) A rope leading forward from the leech of a square sail, to keep the leech well out when sailing close-hauled. A vessel is said to be
on a bowline,
or
on a taut bowline,
when she is close-hauled.
(Pronounced
bo-lin.
) A rope leading forward from the leech of a square sail, to keep the leech well out when sailing close-hauled. A vessel is said to be
on a bowline,
or
on a taut bowline,
when she is close-hauled.
Bowline-bridle.
The span on the leech of the sail to which the bowline is toggled.
The span on the leech of the sail to which the bowline is toggled.
Bowse.
To pull upon a tackle.
To pull upon a tackle.
Bowsprit.
(Pronounced
bo-sprit.
) A large and strong spar, standing from the bows of a vessel.
(Pronounced
bo-sprit.
) A large and strong spar, standing from the bows of a vessel.
Box-hauling.
Wearing a vessel by backing the head sails.
Wearing a vessel by backing the head sails.
Box.
To box the compass,
is to repeat the thirty-two points of the compass in order.
To box the compass,
is to repeat the thirty-two points of the compass in order.
Brace.
A rope by which a yard is turned about.
A rope by which a yard is turned about.
To brace a yard,
is to turn it about horizontally.
is to turn it about horizontally.
To brace up,
is to lay the yard more fore-and-aft.
is to lay the yard more fore-and-aft.
To brace in,
is to lay it nearer square.
is to lay it nearer square.
To brace aback.
(See
Aback.
)
(See
Aback.
)
To brace to,
is to brace the head yards a little aback, in tacking or wearing.
is to brace the head yards a little aback, in tacking or wearing.
Brails.
Ropes by which the foot or lower corners of fore-and-aft sails are hauled up.
Ropes by which the foot or lower corners of fore-and-aft sails are hauled up.
Brake.
The handle of a ship’s pump.
The handle of a ship’s pump.
Break.
To break bulk,
is to begin to unload.
To break bulk,
is to begin to unload.
To break ground,
is to lift the anchor from the bottom.
is to lift the anchor from the bottom.
To break shear,
is when a vessel, at anchor, in tending, is forced the wrong way by the wind or current, so that she does not lie so well for keeping herself clear of her anchor.
is when a vessel, at anchor, in tending, is forced the wrong way by the wind or current, so that she does not lie so well for keeping herself clear of her anchor.
Breaker.
A small cask containing water.
A small cask containing water.
Breast-fast.
A rope used to confine a vessel sideways to a wharf, or to some other vessel.
A rope used to confine a vessel sideways to a wharf, or to some other vessel.
Bridle.
Spans of rope attached to the leeches of square sails, to which the bowlines are made fast.
Bridle-port.
The foremost port, used for stowing the anchors.
Spans of rope attached to the leeches of square sails, to which the bowlines are made fast.
Bridle-port.
The foremost port, used for stowing the anchors.
Brig.
A square-rigged vessel, with two masts. An
hermaphrodite brig
has a brig’s foremast and a schooner’s mainmast.
A square-rigged vessel, with two masts. An
hermaphrodite brig
has a brig’s foremast and a schooner’s mainmast.
Broach-to.
To fall off so much, when going free, as to bring the wind round on the other quarter and take the sails aback.
To fall off so much, when going free, as to bring the wind round on the other quarter and take the sails aback.
Broadside.
The whole side of a vessel.
The whole side of a vessel.
Broken-backed.
The state of a vessel when she is so loosened as to droop at each end.
The state of a vessel when she is so loosened as to droop at each end.
Bucklers.
Blocks of wood made to fit in the hawse-holes, or holes in the half-ports, when at sea. Those in the hawse-holes are sometimes called
hawse-blocks.
Blocks of wood made to fit in the hawse-holes, or holes in the half-ports, when at sea. Those in the hawse-holes are sometimes called
hawse-blocks.
Bulk head.
Temporary partitions of boards to separate different parts of a vessel.
Temporary partitions of boards to separate different parts of a vessel.
Bull.
A sailor’s term for a small keg, holding a gallon or two.
A sailor’s term for a small keg, holding a gallon or two.
Bull’s eye.
A small piece of stout wood with a hole in the centre for a stay or rope to reeve through, without any sheave, and with a groove round it for the strap, which is usually of iron. Also, a piece of thick glass inserted in the deck to let light below.
A small piece of stout wood with a hole in the centre for a stay or rope to reeve through, without any sheave, and with a groove round it for the strap, which is usually of iron. Also, a piece of thick glass inserted in the deck to let light below.
Bulwarks.
The wood work round a vessel, above her deck, consisting of boards fastened to stanchions and timber-heads.
The wood work round a vessel, above her deck, consisting of boards fastened to stanchions and timber-heads.
Bum-boats.
Boats which lie alongside a vessel in port with provisions and fruit to sell.
Boats which lie alongside a vessel in port with provisions and fruit to sell.
Bunt.
The middle of a sail.
The middle of a sail.
Buntlines.
Ropes used for hauling up the body of a sail.
Ropes used for hauling up the body of a sail.
Burton.
A tackle, rove in a particular manner.
A tackle, rove in a particular manner.
A single Spanish burton
has three single blocks, or two single blocks and a hook in the bight of one of the running parts.
has three single blocks, or two single blocks and a hook in the bight of one of the running parts.
A double Spanish burton
has three double blocks.
has three double blocks.
Butt.
The end of a plank where it unites with the end of another.
The end of a plank where it unites with the end of another.
Scuttle-butt.
A cask with a hole cut in its bilge, and kept on deck to hold water for daily use.
A cask with a hole cut in its bilge, and kept on deck to hold water for daily use.
Cabin.
The after part of a vessel, in which the officers live.
The after part of a vessel, in which the officers live.
Cable.
A large, strong rope, made fast to the anchor, by which the vessel is secured. It is usually 120 fathoms in length.
A large, strong rope, made fast to the anchor, by which the vessel is secured. It is usually 120 fathoms in length.
Cap.
A thick, strong block of wood with two holes through it, one square and the other round, used to confine together the head of one mast and the lower part of the mast next above it.
A thick, strong block of wood with two holes through it, one square and the other round, used to confine together the head of one mast and the lower part of the mast next above it.
Capstan.
A machine placed perpendicularly in the deck, and used for a strong purchase in heaving or hoisting. Men-of-war weigh their anchors by capstans. Merchant vessels use a windlass.
A machine placed perpendicularly in the deck, and used for a strong purchase in heaving or hoisting. Men-of-war weigh their anchors by capstans. Merchant vessels use a windlass.
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