372. What was the origin of the expression “A Sardonic smile”?
Some derive it from the Greek σαιρειν, to grin like a dog; but the second and more probable derivation is that it is from a herb growing in the island of Sardinia (Greek Σαρδω). This herb, the Ranunculus sceleratus, has, when eaten, a contractile power on the muscles of the body, and particularly those of the face, so that those affected by it seem to laugh. It was an old belief that those who eat it would die laughing, hence Homer first, and others after him, call laughter which conceals some noxious design Sardonican. This same plant has a caustic power, so that if the fresh-pulled leaves are laid on the skin, they produce pustules, as if caused by fire.
373. Who was the first circumnavigator of the globe?
Ferdinand Magellan, though he did not survive to return home with his ship, well deserves the title of the “first circumnavigator.” He discovered the strait, which now bears his name, Oct. 20, 1520, the day dedicated in the Catholic calendar to St. Ursula and her eleven thousand virgins, hence he called it “The Strait of the Eleven Thousand Virgins.” The strait was passed Nov. 28; and though he had not quite reached the Spice Islands when he fell in conflict with the people of the isle of Mactan, April 27, 1521, his task was virtually accomplished, as he had before been as far east as the Spice Islands. The expedition, reduced from five ships and two hundred and thirty-six men to one vessel and eighteen men, reached San Lucar, Spain, Sept. 6, 1522, after an absence of three years lacking fourteen days, under the guidance of Juan Sebastian del Cano. This vessel, the Vitoria, was the first to make the circuit of the globe. As a reward Cano was ennobled with the globe on his coat-of-arms, and the motto, “Primus circumdedisti me.”
374. Which is the “City of Oaks”?
This name has been given to Raleigh, the capital of North Carolina, which possesses many fine streets shaded with native oaks. These oaks were wisely spared during the first settlement, and have since attained a giant growth.
375. Why was Gen. Grant sometimes called “Unconditional Surrender” Grant?
The origin of this sobriquet is to be found in the following note:—
Headquarters, Army in the Field,
Camp Near Donelson, Feb. 16, 1862.