A military dictionary

by William Duane

Pure mathematics have one peculiar advantage, that they occasion no disputes among wrangling disputants, as in other branches of knowlege; and the reason is, because the definitions of the terms are premised, and every one that reads a proposition has the same idea of every part of it. Hence it is easy to put an end to all mathematical controversies, by shewing, that our adversary has not stuck to his definitions, or has not laid down true premises, or else that he has drawn false conclusions from true principles; and, in case we are able to do neither of these, we must acknowlege the truth of what he has proved.

It is true, that in mixed mathematics, where we reason mathematically upon physical subjects, we cannot give such just definitions as the geometricians; we must therefore rest content with descriptions; and they will be of the same use as definitions, provided we are consistent with ourselves, and always mean the same thing by those terms we have once explained.

Dr. Barrow gives a most elegant description of the excellence and usefulness of mathematical knowlege, in his inaugural oration upon being appointed professor of mathematics at Cambridge.

The mathematics, he observes, effectually exercise, not vainly delude, nor vexatiously torment studious minds with obscure subtleties; but plainly demonstrate every thing within their reach, draw certain conclusions, instruct by profitable rules, and unfold pleasant questions. These disciplines likewise enure and corroborate the mind to constant diligence in study; they wholly deliver us from a credulous simplicity, most strongly fortify us against the vanity of scepticism, effectually restrain us from a rash presumption, most easily incline us to a due assent, perfectly subject us to the government of right reason. While the mind is abstracted and elevated from sensible matter, distinctly views pure forms, conceives the beauty of ideas, and investigates the harmony of proportions; the manners themselves are sensibly corrected and improved, the affections composed and rectified, the fancy calmed and settled, and the understanding raised and excited to nobler contemplations.

MATRAS, Fr. a sort of dart which was anciently used, and which was not sufficiently pointed to occasion any thing more than a bruise.

MATRON, a woman, generally the wife of some well behaved and good soldier, who is employed to assist in the regimental hospital. She is under the direction of the surgeon, by whom she is originally appointed to the situation. See [Nurse].

MATROSSES, are properly assistants to the gunner, being soldiers in the British regiments of artillery, and next to them: they assist in loading, firing, and spunging the great guns. They carry firelocks, and march along with the guns and store-waggons, both as a guard, and to give their assistance on every emergency.

MATTER of Deed, in law, denotes something to be proved by witnesses, in contradistinction from matter of record, which may be proved by some process, &c. appearing in any court of record.

Matter, in a military sense, especially with regard to courts-martial, consists of the specific charges which are brought against a prisoner, and to which the president and members most strictly confine themselves. It has been very properly observed, in a small pamphlet upon martial law, that unacquainted with the serious consequence of a strict attention to the minutiæ of form in criminal proceedings, general courts-martial have looked upon the first swearing in of the court, as a sufficient authority to warrant their proceeding on the trial of a variety of offences; whereas, in propriety, the court should be sworn afresh at the commencement of every new prosecution: for though, as judges, (in the manner of a court of common law) once swearing would be sufficient; yet, as jurors, who are sworn on every different trial, though identically the same men, so are the members of general courts-martial to be considered, when a new criminal and fresh matter are brought before them. Lest, however, an established, and therefore an undisputed practice, should have acquired a force still difficult to be eradicated, we shall endeavor to point out those reasons which induce us to maintain this opinion. In the oath which is taken by each of the several members of a general court-martial, the words matter and prisoner, are cautiously inserted. These words, therefore, being absolutely confined to a single matter, and a single prisoner, and matters and prisoners not being subjected to their jurisdiction, how is it possible that men, with propriety, can proceed upon a trial which they are not warranted by law to decide upon? Were the obligation in the Articles of War decisive as to the trial of all matters, and all persons, and in all cases; or were the court possessed of the authority of extending the meaning of the oath, once swearing would undoubtedly be sufficient; but, as in every respect, the contrary is evident, as the very words of the oath express that “they shall well and truly try and determine according to their evidence, in the matter before them, &c.” How can it be otherwise than an unwarrantable irregularity in them, to proceed upon the trial of offenders, who, in the eye of the law, are not amenable to their authority? For, if the first prisoner to be tried, has a right to challenge an officer, who may be appointed to sit on an investigation of his offence, as a member of a court of enquiry, or who may be liable to any exceptions, why shall not the second and third prisoner be entitled to the same merciful indulgence? See Thoughts on Martial Law, pages 25, 26, 27, 28.

Combustible Matter, and Matter of composition. All solids and fluids are so called which are of an inflammable nature themselves, and can communicate fire to other substances.