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Noah Webster's 1828 American Dictionary

February 10, 2012

Project::Noah

It is not only important, but, in a degree necessary, that the people of this country, should have an American Dictionary of the English language; for, although the body of the language is the same as in England, and it is desirable to perpetuate that sameness, yet some differences must exist. Language is the expression of ideas; and if the people of one country cannot preserve an identity of ideas, they cannot retain an identity of language.

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1828 Definition

AB'SENCE, n. [L. absens, from absum, abesse, to be away; ab and sum.]

1. A state of being at a distance in place, or not in company. It is used to denote any distance indefinitely, either in the same town, or country, or in a foreign country; and primarily supposes a prior presence. "Speak well of one in his absence."

2. Want; destitution; implying no previous presence. "In the absence of conventional law."

3. In law, non-appearance; a not being in court to answer.

4. Heedlessness; inattention to things present. Absence of mind is the attention of the mind to a subject which does not occupy the rest of the company, and which draws the mind from things or objects which are present, to others distant or foreign.

1913 Definition

Absence (absence)
n.	((?))
Ab"sence
[F., fr. L. absentia. See Absent.]

A state of being absent or withdrawn from a place or from companionship; -- opposed to presence.

Not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence.
Phil. ii. 12.

Want; destitution; withdrawal.

"In the absence of conventional law." Kent.

Inattention to things present; abstraction (of mind); as, absence of mind.

"Reflecting on the little absences and distractions of mankind." Addison.

To conquer that abstraction which is called absence.
Landor.

Noah Says...

In correcting public evils, great reliance is placed on schools. But learning and sciences have no material effect in subduing ambition and selfishness, reconciling parties or subjecting private interest to the influence of a ruling preference of public good.

On Suffrage (unpublished)

Snorkeling in Bocas del Toro

Some of the best snorkeling spots in Bocas del Toro are Crawl Key, The Garden, Old Point, Hospital Point and Starfish Beach.

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Project::Noah

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The foundation for American Heritage Access [AHA] strives to capture the essence of American culture with an intent to make early American manuscripts accessible to modern society. We believe that the successful future of this country is dependent on honoring and respecting its past. In order to achieve this ideal, several projects will be introduced and executed. The first initiatives of Project::Noah will involve the accessibility of the 1828 American dictionary.

Vision::Reprint

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The first vision, Vision::Reprint, has an intent to make a modern printing of the first dictionary of the American language available to the public for under $25. The first task, Task::Access, involves the digitizing of the original 1828 dictionary. The dictionary is available in microfilm (American Culture Series, Reel 335.6-336.1, Michigan University Microfilms) at many universities. To digitize the microfilm as a batch process requires a special scanner.

Vision::Redesign

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The second vision, Vision::Redesign, has an intent to improve the current online accessibility to the 1828 dictionary. Beyond the Task::XML, other tasks related to this Vision::Redesign include identifying features and functionality for this new website. In addition, plugins will be discussed and created to make the dictionary accessible in other ways: iPhone, Google widget, Firefox Add-on, etc.

Vision::Recapture

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The third vision, Vision::Recapture, has an intent to evoke the importance of Noah Webster in our American Heritage. This vision will manifest itself in a commissioned painting of Noah Webster. The process involved will require the input from concerned Americans. The final commission painting will be derived from initial sketches and digital compositions. Feedback from the community is essential for this vision's success throughout the entire process.

February 10, 2012