Ichnæ, or Ischnæ. A Greek city in the north of Mesopotamia, founded by the Macedonians; was the scene of the first battle between Crassus and the Parthians, in which the former gained the victory. According to Appian, the Parthians soon after defeated the Romans near the same spot.
Ichnography. The plan or representation of the length and breadth of a fortification, the distinct parts of which are marked out either on the ground itself, or on paper. A plan upon the correct principles of ichnography represents a work as it would appear if it were leveled to its foundations, and shows only the expanse of ground on which it had been erected. The science does not represent either the elevation or the different parts belonging to a fortification. This properly comes under the title “profile,” which does not, however, include length.
Iconium (now Konieh). A town of Asia Minor, situated on the shores of the Lake Trogitis, about 120 miles inland from the Mediterranean. In ancient times it was famous as the capital of Lycaonia, and from 1087 to 1229 it was the seat of a Seljuk sultanate. In December, 1832, a battle was fought here, in which Ibrahim Pasha completely defeated the Turkish army.
Idaho. A Territory of the United States, bounded on the north by the British possessions, on the east by Montana and Dakota, and on the south by Nevada and Utah. It was organized in 1863, and has frequently been the scene of Indian troubles.
Idsted. A village of Selswick. A battle was fought here in 1850, between the Danes and Schleswig-Holsteiners, in which the latter were defeated.
Ignition (Lat. ignis, “fire”). The act of setting fire to, or of taking fire; as opposed to combustion or burning, which is a consequence of ignition. By ignition of gunpowder is understood the setting on fire of a particular point of the charge.
Ilerda (now Lerida). A town of the Ilergetes, in Hispania Tarraconensis, situated on a height above the river Sicoris (now Segre). It was afterwards a Roman colony, but in the time of Ausonius had ceased to be a place of importance. It was here that Africanus and Petreius, the legates of Pompey, were defeated by Cæsar, 49 B.C.
Illinois. One of the Central States of the United States, in the valley of the Upper Mississippi, and one of the most fertile in the Union, having scarcely any soil which is uncultivable. It was originally settled by the French, but fell into the hands of the English in 1763, becoming the property of the United States at the Revolution. It was organized as a State December 3, 1818, and during the civil war was a staunch supporter of the Union.
Illinois Indians. A confederacy of Indian tribes, mostly of Algonkin stock, who formerly inhabited the State now known by their name. Very few relics of these tribes now exist.
Illustrious. Conferring lustre or honor; brilliant; renowned; as, illustrious deeds or titles.