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 BISCHOFSWERDA BISHOP 663 comparative and pathological anatomy at Bonn, in 1843 of physiology, and in 1844 of anatomy at Giessen, where he founded a physiological institute and an anatomical museum ; and since 1855 he has been professor at the university of Munich. In the trial of Count Gorlitz in 1850 he demonstrated the impossibility of spontaneous combustion. His most important contribution to embryology is Der Beweis der von der Begattung unabhangigen periodi- schen Reifung und Losluiung der Eier der S&ugethiere und der Menschen (Giessen, 1844). His other works include Entwicleelungsge- schichte des Kanineheneies (1843), which re- ceived an academical prize, des Hundeeies (1844), des Meersehweinchens (1852), and des Eehes (1854). His intercourse with Liebig led to his publication of Der Harnstoff ah Mass des Stoffwechsels (1853) ; and in conjunction with his then assistant, Dr. Voit, Die Gesetze der Erniilirung des Fleisehfressers (1859). Among his most recent works are Die Oross- hirnwindungen des Henschen mil Berileksich- tigung ihrer Entwickelung bei dem Fotus und ihrer Anordnung bei den Affen (1866; new ed., 1868), and Ueber die Versehiedenheit in der Schadelbildung des Gorilla, Chimpanse, und Orang-Utang (1867). BISCHOFSWERDA, a city of Saxony, on the river Wesenitz, 19 m. E. N. E. of Dresden; pop. in 1867, 4, 102, chiefly employed in the manufacture of cloths and the preparation of granite building stones. On a neighboring summit is the castle* of St. John, which was finished in 1856. Bischofswerda was raised to a city by Benno, bishop of Meissen, in 1076. It has suft'ered several conflagrations, one of which was by the Hussites in 1429, and an- other in an engagement between the French and Russians in 1813. BISCHH EILER, or BisthwlUer, a town of Al- sace, Germany, situated on the Moder, 14 m. N. N. E. of Strasbnrg; pop. in 1871, 9,231. It was formerly fortified, but was dismantled in 1706. Near Bischweiler is situated the rich iron mine of Mittelhardt. Woollen, linen, oil, soap, and earthenware are manufactured. BISHOP (Sax. biscop, from Gr. eiriaxoiros, a superintendent), in the Greek, Latin, and An- glican churches, the title given to those who are of the highest order of the priesthood, to the successors of the 12 apostles, in distinction from the priests, who are the successors of the 70 disciples. In the Methodist Episcopal and Moravian churches, and in the Protestant churches of Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, it is the title given to the highest officers in the ministry, who are not, however, regard- ed as a distinct order. The name was bor- rowed by the first Christians from the lan- guages of Greece and Rome, in which it desig- nated a civil magistrate. Thus, Cicero was at one time episcopus orce Campania. In the New Testament the words bishop and presbyter, or priest, are sometimes interchanged, as in Acts xx. 17, 28; and St. John, in his last two epis- tles, adopts the title of priest. Yet, as main- tained by Roman Catholic writers, it does not follow because the names priest and bishop were then applied indiiferently, that there ex- isted no distinction between the episcopate and the priesthood. " There might have been confusion in the names," says St. Thomas, " but not in the character." Bishops in the Roman Catholic church are regarded as offi- cers appointed by the Holy Spirit to govern the church. The authority which they exer- cise belongs to their character, and comes from God himself, while the jurisdiction of the priests emanates only from a bishop, and can be exercised only under his direction. At first the bishops were elected by the clergy and people of the diocese, but on account of the tumults inseparable from popular assem- blies, various councils, from that of Laodicea in the 4th century to that of the Lateran in 1215, restrained and suppressed the electoral rights of the laity. Charlemagne and other of the northern kings appointed the bishops of their own kingdoms by their own authority. The pope, unwilling that bishops should be depen- dent upon princes, brought it about that the canons hi cathedral churches should have the election of their bishops, which elections were usually confirmed at Rome. At present the mode of choosing bishops varies in different countries. They are elected in some countries by cathedral canons ; in others they are nom- inated by the crown or governments. In all cases the names designated are sent to Rome for confirmation, and the person chosen is appointed to his see by letters apostolic. Ac- cording to the decrees of the council of Trent, the candidate for this order must be of legiti- mate birth, 30 years old, well reputed for learn- ing and morality, usually a native of the coun- try in which his bishopric lies, and acceptable to the political government thereof. Within three months from his confirmation he receives the rite of consecration, which is performed in the cathedral of the new bishop, according to the directions of the pontifical, by three bish- ops appointed for that purpose. The candidate takes the ancient oath of allegiance to the pope and the oath of civil allegiance, subscribes to the confession of faith, receives the insignia of his office, is anointed and solemnly enthroned, and concludes the ceremony with pronouncing the benediction. His insignia are a mitre, the symbol of power ; a crosier, in allusion to his shepherd's duties ; a finger ring (annulus pasto- ralis), a sign of his marriage with the church ; a cross on the breast, distinctive gloves and san- dals, and an official robe. The functions of the bishop embrace all the rites and offices of the Christian religion. He administers five sacra- ments in common with priests, and two others, those of confirmation and ordination, are his peculiar prerogatives. He examines and approves or condemns the works published in his diocese concerning religion, and takes part in the general councils convoked by