Page:The New International Encyclopædia 1st ed. v. 19.djvu/306

* THRUSH. 258 THUCYDIDES. distributed over the whole of North America, but breeds mainly north of the United States. There are several varieties recognized by names, as in the preceding species, and, like that also, the Pacific Coast form is considered typical, while the bird occurring in the eastern part of the continent is counted a variety. Thus the olive-backed thrush of the East is the sub-species 8wainsonii and the hermit thrush of the same region is the subspecies Piillasii. The latter is one of the most renowned songsters of America, although, on account of its northern breeding grounds and retiring habits, few persons hear it. While some regard the notes as not essentially superior to those of the wood-thrush, most writers on bird music agree that for "purity and sweetness of tone and exquisite modulation" the hermit is unequaled. The nest and eggs are very similar to those of the veerj'. The thrushes of the Old World are ninuerous and well-known birds, of which several are common in Great Britain, as the song-thrush or 'mavis,' the mistle-thrush, blackbird, ouzel, field- fare, and redwing (qq.v. ). The name thrush is sometimes given to birds of other families, which are exceptional song- sters. Thus in the United States the thrasher (q.v. ), one of the finest singers we have, is often called 'brown thrush,' although more near- ly a wren. On the other hand, various members of the family are known by other names, as the bluebird, robin redbreast, stonechat, and various small Oriental genera. The Turdinae, characterized by the fact that the young are constantly spotted, although they may become coneolorous when adult, is only one of the five subfamilies into which the great thrush family (Turdidse) is divided. The other Bubfamilies are the Myiodectinae, a small group of brownish flj'catcher-like birds ; the Sylviinje, or Old World warblers (see Warbler) ; the Polioptiliuie, or gnat-catchers and wren-tits (qq.v. ) ; and the Miminae, or American mocking- birds, including the incomparable mocking-bird of our Southern States. It should be added that some ornithologists object to this widely inclusive use of the family name. Consult au- thorities cited under Bird. See Colored Plate of Song Birds. THRUSH (dialectic Swed. triisk, Swed. torsk, tongue-thrush ; perhaps connected with torr, OHG. durri, Ger. diirr, Goth. 'ai'irsus, AS. pyrre, dry, and ultimately with Eng. thirst ). An inflammation and ulceration of the sensitive surfaces within the frog of horses' feet, giving rise to a fetid discharge, constituting unsound- ness, and usually causing lameness. Want of cleanliness is the chief cause. The disease is most common in draught horses. The term thrush is often applied to foot-and-mouth disease (q.v.). THRUSH; Sprue: Inf.vntile Sore Mouth. A disease of early infancy, characterized by the presence of small, roundish, white specks or patches on the lining membrane of the cavity of the mouth and throat, on the surface of the tongue, the angles of the lips, etc. These patches, which are termed aphthw, look like minute drops of tallow or fragments of curd, and are formed by elevated portions of epithelium covering a drop of serous fluid; and as the dead epithelium falls off. a red, usually a raw, surface is left ex- posed. The cause is a fungus, the Oidium (or Saccharomyces) albicans, which combines with cast-off epithelial cells and with food (milk) to form the spong}', fragile membrane. In thrusli crops of these little patches commonlj' succeed one another. These spots render the mouth hot and tender, in consequence of which the act of sucking is accompanied by difliculty and pain. In association with these local sj'niptoms are in- dications of general constitutional disturbance, such as feverishness, drowsiness, sickness, flatu- lence, colicky pains, diarrhoea, etc. The stools are green and slimy, and not unfrequently acrid, as may be inferred from redness of the anus being a common symptom. The vomited matters are also green, and have a strongly acid smell, as also has the breath. The complaint some- times seems to be the result of improper diet, if the child is being brought up by hand, or of un- wholesome milk from a diseased or intemperate nurse; of bad ventilation, etc.; but in some cases the cause of the disease is not evident. The disorder usually lasts eight or ten days, and is attended with danger only when the local affec- tion becomes gangrenous. In older children thrush is an indication of more serious import, appearing in those who are already ill. Nu- trition is then still further impaired and the membrane may be a very unfavorable symptom. The treatment is absolute cleanliness of the nursing bottle and nipple, cleansing of the child's mouth with boracic acid and glycerin or a 50 per cent, solution of borax in water, or a weak solution of potassium permanganate. The diet must be corrected, and sugar must -be withdrawn entirely. THUCYDIDES, thu-sld'i-dez (Lat., from Gk. eovKv5l5Tis, rhoukydides) ( ?-c.399 B.C.). A fa- mous Greek historian, son of Olorus and Hegesipyle, born in the Attic deme Halimus. The date of his birth is unknown, but was cer- tainly not earlier than B.C. 470 nor later than 454. Conservative opinion now favors a date near the latter year. By descent he belonged to an ancient aristocratic famil.v on one side, and on the other was connected with a line of Thracian princes. From this Thracian side of his family he possessed gold mines in Thrace opposite the island of Thasos. He was well educated; tradition saj's that he was the pupil of Antiphon and Anaxagoras. In politics he favored the aristo- cratic party, but his views are all marked by moderation and fairness. When the Peloponne- sian War broke out, Thucydides was of an age to enable him to discern the importance of the contest and to form plans for recording its course and result. In 424 he was appointed to command a portion of the fleet off the Thracian coast, and in the same year he failed to ar- rive in time to relieve Amphipniis, which was be- sieged by Brasidas. For this failure he was con- demned to death for treason, but left Athens and lived the next twenty years in exile. This period he spent partly on his estates in Thrace and partl.y without doubt in examination of the scenes of the war in Italy and Sicily. He also resided for a time at the Court of King Archelaus in Macedonia. After the defeat of the Athenians and the restoration of the democracy in 403, Thucvdides was recalled from exile. His death apparently took place about 399. Thueydides's history, which covers twenty-one years of the Peloponnesian War, was not completed by him ;