Diana-monkey (Cercopithēcus Diana), a species of monkey found in West Africa, and so named from the crescent-shaped band on the forehead resembling the crescent moon, which was the symbol of Diana. Another characteristic feature is the possession of a pointed white beard.
Diana of Poitiers, Duchess of Valentinois, born in 1499. She was the mistress of King Henry II of France, and descended from the noble family of Poitiers, in Dauphiny. At an early age she married the Grand-Seneschal of Normandy, Louis de Brézé, became a widow at thirty-one, and some time after the mistress of the young Duke of Orleans. On his accession to the throne in 1547, as Henry II, Diana continued to exercise an absolute empire over him till his death in 1559. After that event she retired to her castle of Anet, where she died in 1566.—Cf. Capefigue, Diane de Poitiers.
Diapa´son, in music, the concord of the first and last notes of an octave. The word is also used for the most important foundation-stops of an organ. They are of several kinds, as open diapason, stopped diapason, double diapason. The French use the term as equivalent to pitch in music.
Di´aper, a kind of textile fabric much used for towels and napkins, and formed either of linen or cotton, or a mixture of the two, upon the surface of which a flowered or figured pattern is produced by a peculiar mode of twilling.—As a term in ornamentation diaper is applied to a surface covered with a flowered pattern sculptured in low relief, or to a similar pattern in painting or gilding covering a panel or flat surface.
Diaphanoscope, (1) an apparatus by means of which transparent positive photographs may be viewed. The name is also given to (2) an instrument employed in obstetrical surgery; electric light, contained in a glass tube or bulb, is introduced into the female internal organs, and, thus illumined, their condition can be examined through the translucent walls of the abdomen.
Diaphoret´ics (Gr. diaphorein, to carry through) are agents used in medical practice to produce perspiration. The Turkish bath, hydropathic treatment, diluent drinks, &c., are employed for this purpose. The degree of perspiration produced is more than normal, but less than in sweating. See Sudorifics.
Diaphragm (dī´a-fram), in anatomy, a muscular membrane placed transversely in the trunk, and dividing the chest from the abdominal cavity. In its natural situation the diaphragm is convex on the upper side and concave on its lower, but when the lungs are filled with air it becomes almost flat. It is the principal agent in respiration, particularly in inspiration. A complete diaphragm is found only in Mammalia.
Diarbek´ir, a town in Armenia, formerly in Asiatic Turkey, capital of the vilayet of same name, on a high bank overlooking the Tigris, and surrounded by a lofty massive wall. It has manufactures of iron- and copper-ware, leather, silk, woollen, and cotton goods, and a considerable trade. Pop. about 38,000.—The province of Diarbekir has an area of 14,480 sq. miles, and a pop. of 471,500.
Diarrhœ´a is morbidly frequent evacuation of the bowels. Several forms are recognized. Choleraic diarrhœa; this form is acute, and is marked by great frequency, with serous stools, and accompanied by vomiting and collapse. Critical diarrhœa occurs at the crisis of a disease. Lienteric diarrhœa is marked by the passage of fluid stools containing scraps of undigested food. Mucous diarrhœa is marked by the presence of mucous in the stools. Summer diarrhœa occurs chiefly among young children and infants, most frequently in late summer. It is usually acute in type and associated with marked prostration. In epidemic form it may give rise to a high mortality in crowded districts and in