Part 221

Side"-chain` the`o*ry. (Physiol. Chem.) A theory proposed by Ehrlich as a chemical explanation of immunity phenomena. In brief outline it is as follows: Animal cells and bacteria are complex aggregations of molecules, which are themselves complex. Complex molecules react with one another through certain of their side chains, but only when these side chains have a definite correspondence in structure (this account for the specific action of antitoxins).

Side"flash` (?), n. (Elec.) A disruptive discharge between a conductor traversed by an oscillatory current of high frequency (as lightning) and neighboring masses of metal, or between different parts of the same conductor.

Side line. 1. (a) A line pert. or attached to the side of a thing. (b) Specif., a line for hobbling an animal by connecting the fore and the hind feet of the same side.

2. (a) A line of goods sold in addition to one's principal articles of trade; a course of business pursued aside from one's regular occupation. (b) A secondary road; esp., a byroad at right angles to a main road. [Canada]

Side"-slip`, v. i. See Skid, below.

Side slip. See Skid, below.

Side"track` (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Sidetracked (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Sidetracking.] 1. (Railroads) To transfer to a siding from a main line of track.

2. Hence, fig., to divert or reduce to a position or condition that is relatively secondary or subordinate in activity, importance, effectiveness, or the like; to switch off; to turn aside, as from a purpose. [Colloq.]

Such a project was, in fact, sidetracked in favor of the census of school children.

Pop. Sci. Monthly.

Sie"mens-Mar"tin steel (?). See Open-hearth steel, under Open.

Si"lenc*er (?), n. One that silences; specif.: (a) The muffler of an internal-combustion engine. (b) Any of various devices to silence the humming noise of telegraph wires. (c) A device for silencing the report of a firearm shooting its projectiles singly, as a tubular attachment for the muzzle having circular plates that permit the passage of the projectile but impart a rotary motion to, and thus retard, the exploding gases.

Silk"-stock`ing, a. Wearing silk stockings (which among men were formerly worn chiefly by the luxurious or aristocratic); hence, elegantly dressed; aristocratic; luxurious; - - chiefly applied to men, often by way of reproach.

will find their levees crowded with silk- stocking gentry, but no yeomanry; an army of officers without soldiers.

Jefferson.

Si*lun"dum (?), n. [Trade name] A form of silicon carbide, produced in the electric furnace, possessing great hardness, and high electrical resistance, and not subject to oxidation below 2880° F., or 1600° C.

Sil"ver cer*tif"i*cate. A certificate issued by a government that there has been deposited with it silver to a specified amount, payable to the bearer on demand. In the United States and its possessions, it is issued against the deposit of silver coin, and is not legal tender, but is receivable for customs, taxes, and all public dues.

Sil"ver*ite (?), n. One who favors the use or establishment of silver as a monetary standard; -- so called by those who favor the gold standard. [Colloq. or Cant]

Silver State. Nevada; -- a nickname alluding to its silver mines.

Sil"vics (?), n. 1. The science treating of the life of trees in the forest.

2. Habit or behavior of a forest tree.

Si"mon-pure" (?), a. Genuine; true; real; authentic; -- a term alluding to the comedy character Simon Pure, who is impersonated by another and is obliged to prove himself to be the "real Simon Pure."

||Sind"i (?), n. [Ar. Sind, fr. Sind Indian, Skr. sindhu river, sea, the river Indus, the country along the Indus. Cf. Indian, Hindoo.] (Ethnol.) A native of Sind, India, esp. one of the native Hindoo stock.

Sin"gle-foot`, v. i. To proceed by means of the single-foot, as a horse or other quadruped. -- Sin"gle-foot`er, n.

Sin"gle-sur"faced (?), a. Having one surface; -- said specif. of aëroplanes or aërocurves that are covered with fabric, etc., on only one side.

Sin"gle tax`. (Pol. Econ.) A tax levied upon land alone, irrespective of improvements, -- advocated by certain economists as the sole source of public revenue.

Whatever may be thought of Henry George's single- tax theory as a whole, there can be little question that a relatively higher assessment of ground rent, with corresponding relief for those who have made improvements, is a much-needed reform.

A. T. Hadley.