Chapter Evidence to Excelsior of E by Brewer's Phrase & Fable

Evidence to Excelsior

Evidence (In). Before the eyes of the people; to the front; actually present (Latin). Evidence, meaning testimony in proof of something, has a large number of varieties, as -
   Circumstantial evidence. That based on corroborative incidents.
   Demonstrative evidence. That which can be proved without leaving a doubt.
   Direct evidence. That of an eye-witness.
   External evidence. That derived from history or tradition.
   Internal evidence. That derived from conformity with what is known.
   Material evidence. That which is essential in order to carry proof.
   Moral evidence. That which accords with general experience.
   Presumptive evidence. That which is highly probable.
   Prima facie evidence. That which seems likely, unless it can be explained away.
   Queen's or King's evidence. That of an accessory against his accomplices, under the promise of pardon.
   Secondary evidence. Such as is produced when primary evidence is not to be obtained.
   Self evidence. That derived from the senses; manifest and indubitable.

Evil Communications etc. He who touches pitch must expect to be defiled. A rotten apple will injure its companions. One scabby sheep will infect a whole flock.
   French: Il ne faut qu'une brébis galeuse pour gâter tout un troupeau.
   Latin: Mala vicini pecoris contagia lædent (Virgil). Tunc tua res agitur, paries cum proximus ardet. Mala consortio bonos mores inquinat. Malorum commercio reddimur deteriores. Hic niger est, hunc tu, Romane, caveto (Horace). Uva conspecta livorem ducit ab uva.
   To the same effect is the locution, "C'est une brébis galeuse," and the idea implied is, he must be separated from the flock, or else he will contaminate others.

Evil Eye It was anciently believed that the eyes of some persons darted noxious rays on objects which they glared upon. The first morning glance of such eyes was certain destruction to man or beast, but the destruction was not unfrequently the result of emaciation. Virgil speaks of an evil eye making cattle lean. (See Mascotte, Jettator.)

"Nescio quis teneros oculus mihi fascinat agnos." Ecl. iii. 103.

Evil May Day (1517). So called because of the riots made on that day by the London apprentices, who fell on the French residents. The ringleaders, with fifteen others, were hanged; and four hundred more of the rioters were carried to Westminster with halters round their necks, but were pardoned by "Bluff Harry the King." The Constable of the Tower discharged his cannon on the mob assembled in tumult in Cheapside Way.

Evil Principle (See Ahriman, Arimanes, Asalor .)

Evils "Of two evils, I have chosen the least." (Prior).

Evolution (Darwinian). Darwin's theory is that different forms of animal and vegetable life are due to small variations, and that natural selection is a main agent in bringing them about. If favourable, these variations are perpetuated, if not they die off.
   Spencer's theory is that the present multitude of objects have all sprung from separate atoms originally homogeneous.

"Evolution is the integration of matter and concomitant dissipation of motion, during which the matter passes from an indefinite, incoherent homogeneity to a definite coherent heterogeneity; and during which the retained motion undergoes a parallel transformation." - Spencer: First Principles, part ii. chap. xvii. p. 396.

Evolution its process, according to biologists.
   Part i.
   Assuming the existence of some element, call it protyle (2 syl.), in time we get matter, and motion.
   From matter and motion proceed cohesion and repulsion, and from cohesion and repulsion we get crystals.
   Next comes chemical action into play, from which springs primordial protoplasm, or the protoplasmic clot of purely chemical origin.
   By further development the chlorophyll cell is formed, with its power to assimilate, and this will account for air, water, and minerals.
   By parasitism next comes the proto-bacillus or fungus, living on the green cells.
   And then will follow the protozoön, the first example of animal life.
   Part ii.
   (1) The Amæba is the lowest of known animals, a mollusc, with the sole power of locomotion.
   (2) The Syn-amæba is multicellular, with an organism adapted for sensation, digestion, and the power of reproduction.
   (3) Then will come the Gastrula, an organised being, with an external mouth.
   (4) Next the Hydra or Polyp, which has localised sense-organs and instincts.
   (5) Then the Medusa, with nerves, muscles, and nerve functions.
   (6) Next come worms, which have special sense organs; and
   (7) Then the Himatega, or Sack-worm, which has a rudimentary