Glossary
C
cholera
A severe infection of the small intestine commonly contracted through eating or drinking contaminated food or water. Causes severe vomiting and diarrhoea, leading to dehydration, which can be fatal.
chromatography
A method of separating the different components of a chemical mixture. This allows a person to identify what components were in the mixture
chromosomes
The basic elements of DNA - carriers of genetic information.
chronograph - timer
Timepieces used to register the time of an event or graphically register specific time intervals, such as for the duration of events.
chronometer
An accurate timepiece.
chronoscope
Electronic device for measuring extremely short intervals of time with great accuracy, such as for determining the velocity of projectiles.
churchwarden pipe
tobacco pipes with long stems, measuring up to and over 40 cm
cinchona
The dried bark of any of the Cinchona trees. Used to stimulate the appetite, prevent bleeding and, in the past, to treat malaria.
cinchonine
One of the compounds derived from the bark of various species of cinchona trees, used in several medical practices including anti-malarial treatments.
circulation
The system of movement of the blood through the heart and blood vessels around the body.
circumcision
Surgical removal of the foreskin around the penis. Usually for religious or ethical reasons, but may also be done for medical reasons.
circumcision knife
A knife used to perform circumcision.
clamp
An instrument for compression of a structure
Claude glass - optical drawing aid
Device consisting of a black glass mirror of convex form in a carrying case. Used by landscape artists who observed their scene through the mirror, which would provide a picturesque aesthetic of a subtle gradation of tones. It is named after the artist Claude Lorrain (1600-1682) who is synonymous with this artistic movement.
cleft lip
A condition occurring in the womb where the palate and lip do not fuse completely.
clergy stole
a priest's silk vestment worn over the shoulders and hanging down to the knee or below.
clinical chemistry
The study of health, disease and drugs at a chemical, molecular and cellular model.
clinical diagnosis
A diagnosis given based on the signs and symptoms of a disease.
clitoridectomy knife
Knife used for the removal of the clitoris (clitoridectomy), more often a therapeutic rather than medical procedure.
cloning
A process where cells are produced asexually (neither male, nor female) and are genetically identical to the parent cell from which they are produced.