Polyp

3730

Pomacece

ropeans. The Tahitians, who in Cook's time
mustered 68,000 warriors, are now reduced to
about 15,000; the Maoris have fallen from
perhaps 200,000 to 40,000; the Hawaiians
from 300,000 (?) to less than 50,000; and all
the Polynesians from certainly over 3,000,000
to about 150,000.

Polyp, a name applied to those Ccelenter-
ata in which the body has the form of a
tube, fixed at one end, and bearing a circle
of tentacles round the other or free end. This
form is well exemplified in the common fresh-
water polyp Hydra; but the name is equally
applicable to the individual sea-anemones,
and to the members of a colonial 'coral,' or
other compound hydrozoan,

Polyphemus, in ancient Greek legend, one
of the Cyclopes. He devoured some of the
comrades of Odysseus, who visited his cave
on their return from Troy. Odysseus pre-
sented him with some strong wine, and when
he had fallen into a deep sleep, put out his
eye with a burning pole, and escaped.

Polyphemus Moth, one of the large Am-
erican silkworm moths (Telea polyphemus).
See MOTH.

Polyphonic, a musical term applied to a
form of composition in which two or more
distinct melodies of equal importance are
used conjointly in such a manner that the
union of their notes produces correct chordal
combinations.

Polypodium, a genus of ferns, generally
with sori on the back of the lobes. The spec-
ies are very numerous. P. vulgare is a stiff
fern found on rocks throughout the north-
ern hemisphere.

Polypterus, a genus of fishes which con-
tains but a single species, the bichir (P.
bichir) of the Nile and other rivers of trop-
ical Africa.

Polypus, in surgery, a tumor, frequently
multiple, of various sizes, and with a narrow
neck. The term is generally used for non-
malignant growths on mucous membranes,
found most commonly in the rose, where they
may interfere with respiration. Polypi also
occur in the uterus, mouth, rectum, and other
places. Where they arc of serious importance
they should be removed.

Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn. An
institution in the borough of Brooklyn, New
York City, developed from the Brooklyn
Collegiate and Polytechnic Institute, found-
ed in 1853. The curriculum, at first mainly
preparatory for college and business pursuits,
was enlarged until in 1870 it comprised two

courses of study leading to the bachelor's
degree in art and science. In 1890 the in-
stitute was reorganized and received a col-
lege charter.

Polytechnic Schools, educational institu-
tions in which instruction is afforded in nu-
merous arts and sciences, more particularly
with reference to their practical application.
The first polytechnic school was the Ecole
Polytechniquc, founded by a decree of the
French Convention in 1794. In Germany the
most important industries have been created
by means of the education afforded in these
schools. In France technical education has
been fostered by similar institutions. In Am-
erica, among the more important institutions
are the Massachusetts Institute of Technol-
ogy, Boston; Worcester Polytechnic Institute,
Mass.; Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute at
Troy, N, Y.; Stevens institute at Hoboken,
N. J.; Case School of Applied Science at
Cleveland; Purdue University at Lafayette,
Ind.; Rose Polytechnic Institute at Terre
Haute, Ind.; Armour Institute of Technol-
ogy at Chicago; Iowa State College of Ag-
riculture and Mechanic Arts at Ames, and
the Carnegie Institute at Pittsburgh. Several
important polytechnic .schools form depart-
ments of universities or colleges, such as the
School of Mines, etc. (Columbia University,
New York), Sheffield Scientific School
(Yale), etc.

Polytheism, belief in a plurality of gods,
is a stage in the development of the religious
spirit. In a general sense it may include
naturism and animism. The great nations of
antiquity were generally polytheistic—Assy-
ria, Babylonia, Egypt, Greece, and Rome, as
well as India (Brahmanism), though the last
mentioned shows an underlying pantheism.
Sec REUOTON.

Polyzoa, or Bryozoa, a group of animals
of somewhat obscure affinities. Almost all are
colonial, and although the individuals are
small, the colonies reach a considerable size.
Among the more familiar forms are the sea-
mats (Eliislra)) often abundant on the beach
after storms, and taken for seaweed; the en-
crusting Lcprallat which forms a Jacelike pat-
tern on the fronds of weed; the gelatinous
Alcyonidium. All these are marine, but there
arc also a considerable number of fresh-water
forms. At one time the Polyzoa were classed
with Hydrozoa, but they arc in many res-
pects much more complicated in structure,

Pomaceae, a family of flowering plants
near to the order Rosaccse, which bear fruits