Castor is a star (Alpha Geminorum) of magnitude 1.6, the fainter star of the zodiacal constellationGemini, or the Twins. In 1719 it was discovered to be a visual binary star, with components of magnitudes 2.8 and 2.0 separated by 6 seconds of arc and revolving around each other in about 350 years. Each of these components has been found to be a spectroscopic binary. In addition, a faint companion, separated from the other two by 72 sec of arc, has been discovered. This star is also a spectroscopic binary, the two components of which revolve around each other in about one day. Hence, the entire system of the star Castor contains at least six stars. Its distance is about 45 light- years from the earth. Research Castor
The Companion of Honour is a British order of chivalry, founded by George V in 1917. It is of one class only, and carries no title, but Companions append 'CH' to their names. The number is limited to 65 and the award is made to both men and women. Research Companion of Honour
A conclave is the place where the cardinals assemble for the election of the pope. The term is also applied to the electoral assembly of the cardinals themselves. Pope Gregory X, whose election had been delayed for three years, established in the council at Lyons in 1274 the regulations of the conclave. The cardinals are shut up together in a particular suite of apartments in the palace where the pontiff dies, and they are supposed to have no communication with the outside world during the period of the election. The companion, either lay or clerical, whom the cardinal is allowed to take with him into the conclave during the election of a pope is called a conclavist. The office is one of great delicacy and trust. Research Conclave
The Burnet Companion (Euclidia glyphica) is a moth of the family Noctuidae with a wing span of between 25 and 30 mm found in Europe and Asia. Two generations are produced flying from April to August. Research Burnet Companion
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is an American breed of companiondog produced during the 1920s distinguished from the King Charles Spaniel by the flattened rather than domed appearance of its skull between the eyes and its longer, less compact nose. It is a highly affectionate and sometimes nervous breed of dog making a good companion. Research Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The French Bulldog is a breed of dog originating from the British Bulldog developed in France with upright bat-like ears. A companion breed, the
French Bulldog is intelligent, quiet and requires little exercise. Research French Bulldog
The Griffon Bruxellois (known in America as the Brussels Griffon) is a breed of small companiondog believed to have originated from the Affenpinscher breed. Although there are variations in colouring, the true
Griffon Bruxellois is pure red in colour, the Griffin Belge being a black or black and tan coloured variety. They are an intelligent, easy to train and sensitive breed, originally kept as stable dogs to hunt vermin but became more popular as companion dogs riding in horse-drawn carriages. Research Griffon Bruxellois
The Irish Wolfhound is an ancient Irish breed of large dog, developed prior to the Romans, for hunting Wolves. Standing up to 86 cm tall, the
Irish Wolfhound is the world's tallest breed of dog, but despite its size is also a trustworthy and friendly companion but needs training and plenty of exercise as do all large dogs. Research Irish Wolfhound
The Japanese Chin is a breed of toy dog similar to the Pekingese and the Pug, that originated in China and was taken to Japan around 500 AD by Buddhist monks emigrating from China. Queen Victoria kept the breed and in 1882 the breed reached the USA. They have a silky coat, black or red and white in colour and are a bright and lovable companion. Research Japanese Chin
The Probert Encyclopaedia was designed, edited and programed by
Matt and Leela Probert
Abbreviations
Research Castor
