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Total Categories: 6
The original title of the Encyclopæedia Britannica incorporated the phrase 'A Dictionary of Arts and Sciences'.
Answer: True
The original title was indeed *Encyclopæedia Britannica, or, A Dictionary of Arts and Sciences, compiled upon a New Plan*, reflecting its comprehensive scope.
The first edition of the Encyclopæedia Britannica was published in London between 1768 and 1771.
Answer: False
The inaugural edition of the Encyclopæedia Britannica was published in Edinburgh, Scotland, spanning the years 1768 to 1771.
The Encyclopæedia Britannica began its publication history as a single, large volume.
Answer: False
The Encyclopæedia Britannica commenced as a multi-volume print publication, originating from serialized installments.
William Smellie, a Scottish printer, was the founder of the Encyclopæedia Britannica.
Answer: False
William Smellie was the principal compiler of the first edition, but the founders and initial printers were Colin Macfarquhar and Andrew Bell.
The third edition of the Encyclopæedia Britannica saw editors begin to manage multiple collaborators instead of compiling articles themselves.
Answer: True
By the third edition, editors began managing numerous collaborators, marking a shift from the direct compilation prevalent in earlier editions.
William Smellie served as the chief editor for the third edition of the Encyclopæedia Britannica.
Answer: False
William Smellie was the principal compiler of the first edition. Editorial roles evolved significantly by the third edition.
The Encyclopæedia Britannica has been in continuous print publication since 1768, making it the longest-running English-language encyclopedia.
Answer: True
With continuous print publication commencing in 1768, the Encyclopæedia Britannica holds the distinction of being the longest-running English-language encyclopedia in print.
What was the original full title of the Encyclopæedia Britannica?
Answer: Encyclopæedia Britannica, or, A Dictionary of Arts and Sciences, compiled upon a New Plan
The original title, *Encyclopæedia Britannica, or, A Dictionary of Arts and Sciences, compiled upon a New Plan*, clearly articulated its foundational purpose as a systematic compilation of knowledge.
In which city was the first edition of the Encyclopæedia Britannica published?
Answer: Edinburgh
The inaugural edition of the Encyclopæedia Britannica was published in Edinburgh, Scotland, spanning the years 1768 to 1771.
Who was responsible for compiling the content of the first edition of the Encyclopæedia Britannica?
Answer: William Smellie
William Smellie, a Scottish encyclopedist, was responsible for compiling nearly the entirety of the content for the first edition of the Encyclopæedia Britannica.
Which Scottish figure is associated with the compilation of the first edition of the Encyclopæedia Britannica?
Answer: William Smellie
William Smellie, a Scottish encyclopedist, was responsible for compiling nearly the entirety of the content for the first edition of the Encyclopæedia Britannica.
How did the editorial role change from the early editions to the third edition of the Encyclopæedia Britannica?
Answer: Editors shifted from compiling articles to managing expert contributors.
By the third edition, editors began managing numerous collaborators, marking a shift from the direct compilation prevalent in earlier editions where editors like William Smellie compiled most articles themselves.
What specific error did George Gleig, chief editor of the 3rd edition, make regarding scientific understanding?
Answer: He attributed gravity to the element of fire.
George Gleig, who served as chief editor for the 3rd edition, erroneously posited that gravity was attributable to the classical element of fire, reflecting a notable deficiency in scientific comprehension.
The 9th edition of the Encyclopæedia Britannica is often referred to as the "Scholar's Edition" due to its high academic quality.
Answer: True
The 9th edition (1875–1889) merited the appellation "Scholar's Edition" owing to its superior scholarly caliber and literary merit.
The 11th edition of the Encyclopæedia Britannica is noted for its simplified language aimed at a mass audience.
Answer: False
Criticism suggests the 11th edition's language was often too technical for lay readers, contrary to being simplified for a mass audience.
Albert Einstein and Marie Curie contributed articles to the Encyclopæedia Britannica.
Answer: True
The Encyclopæedia Britannica has attracted distinguished contributors, including eminent scientists such as Albert Einstein and Marie Curie.
James Clerk Maxwell and Thomas Huxley were key contributors to the 9th edition, particularly in the field of science.
Answer: True
The 9th edition was distinguished by contributions from eminent figures such as James Clerk Maxwell and Thomas Huxley in the scientific domain.
An estimated 500,000 authorized sets of the 9th edition were sold in the United States.
Answer: False
While authorized sets were sold, estimations suggest that around 500,000 unauthorized reproductions, not authorized sets, were circulated in the United States.
The 9th edition of the Encyclopæedia Britannica included contributions from prominent scientists like Albert Einstein.
Answer: False
While Albert Einstein was a contributor to later editions, the 9th edition featured scientists such as James Clerk Maxwell and William Thomson (Lord Kelvin).
Which edition of the Encyclopæedia Britannica is often referred to as the "Scholar's Edition"?
Answer: The 9th Edition
The 9th edition (1875–1889) merited the appellation "Scholar's Edition" owing to its superior scholarly caliber and literary merit.
What characterized the 9th edition, earning it the nickname "Scholar's Edition"?
Answer: Its exceptional scholarly quality and literary style.
The 9th edition (1875–1889) merited the appellation "Scholar's Edition" owing to its superior scholarly caliber and literary merit, featuring contributions from preeminent authorities.
The Encyclopæedia Britannica has attracted contributions from various notable figures. Which of the following is mentioned as a contributor?
Answer: Albert Einstein
Throughout its history, the Encyclopæedia Britannica has attracted a distinguished roster of contributors, including luminaries such as Albert Einstein.
The 9th edition of the Encyclopæedia Britannica featured contributions from notable figures in science such as:
Answer: James Clerk Maxwell and William Thomson (Lord Kelvin)
The 9th edition was distinguished by contributions from eminent figures such as James Clerk Maxwell and William Thomson (Lord Kelvin) in the scientific domain.
The policy of "continuous revision" was adopted by the Encyclopæedia Britannica in 1932 to keep content current.
Answer: True
In 1932, the Encyclopæedia Britannica instituted the policy of "continuous revision," entailing the regular reprinting of the encyclopedia with updated content.
The 15th edition of the Encyclopæedia Britannica featured a two-part structure: the *Micropædia* and the *Macropædia*.
Answer: False
The 15th edition featured a tripartite structure: the *Micropædia*, the *Macropædia*, and the *Propædia*.
A general index was first included in the 11th edition of the Encyclopæedia Britannica.
Answer: False
A comprehensive general index was first incorporated into the 7th edition (1830–1842) of the Encyclopæedia Britannica.
Approximately 50% of the Encyclopæedia Britannica's articles are updated annually under the continuous revision policy.
Answer: False
The policy of continuous revision stipulates that at least 10% of articles are subject to annual review, not 50%.
The Encyclopæedia Britannica exclusively uses American English spelling conventions.
Answer: False
The Encyclopæedia Britannica typically adheres to British English orthographic conventions, employing terms such as 'colour' and 'encyclopaedia'.
The *Propædia* volume in the 15th edition served as a detailed index for the *Macropædia*.
Answer: False
The *Propædia* volume functions as a hierarchical outline of knowledge, serving as a guide rather than a detailed index for the *Macropædia*.
The *Macropædia* contains significantly more articles than the *Micropædia*.
Answer: False
The *Micropædia* typically comprises approximately 65,000 articles, whereas the *Macropædia* contains a significantly smaller corpus of around 699 articles.
The Encyclopæedia Britannica generally uses American spelling conventions, such as "color" and "encyclopedia".
Answer: False
The Encyclopæedia Britannica typically adheres to British English orthographic conventions, employing terms such as 'colour' and 'encyclopaedia'.
The "Outline of Knowledge" in the *Propædia* was designed to help readers find specific facts quickly, similar to a dictionary index.
Answer: False
The "Outline of Knowledge" serves as a logical framework for human knowledge, guiding readers in contextualizing subjects rather than providing quick fact retrieval like an index.
The *Micropædia* section of the 15th edition was designed for in-depth study of complex topics.
Answer: False
The *Micropædia* was designed for quick fact verification and as a navigational aid to the more comprehensive entries within the *Macropædia*.
What policy did the Encyclopæedia Britannica adopt in 1932 to ensure its content remained current?
Answer: Continuous revision
In 1932, the Encyclopæedia Britannica instituted the policy of "continuous revision," entailing the regular reprinting of the encyclopedia with updated content.
The 15th edition of the Encyclopæedia Britannica featured a unique three-part structure. Which of the following was NOT part of this structure?
Answer: Index Volume
The 15th edition featured the *Micropædia*, *Macropædia*, and *Propædia*. It notably lacked a separate, comprehensive index volume in its initial structure.
The inclusion of what feature in the 7th edition was a significant development for navigating the encyclopedia's content?
Answer: A comprehensive index
The incorporation of a comprehensive general index in the 7th edition (1830–1842) represented a pivotal advancement, offering readers a consolidated mechanism for navigating the encyclopedia's extensive content.
What is the approximate annual update rate for articles in the Encyclopæedia Britannica under its continuous revision policy?
Answer: At least 10% of articles
The policy of continuous revision stipulates that a minimum of 10% of articles are subject to annual review and potential updates.
Regarding spelling, the Encyclopæedia Britannica generally prefers:
Answer: British English spelling, like "colour" and "defence".
The Encyclopæedia Britannica typically adheres to British English orthographic conventions, employing terms such as 'colour' and 'encyclopaedia'.
What was the primary function of the *Propædia* volume in the 15th edition?
Answer: To serve as a hierarchical outline of knowledge.
The *Propædia* volume functions as a hierarchical outline of knowledge, facilitating readers' comprehension of subject contexts and guiding them to more comprehensive articles.
Compared to the *Macropædia*, the *Micropædia* section of the 15th edition contained:
Answer: Significantly more articles, which were generally shorter.
The *Micropædia* typically comprises approximately 65,000 articles, predominantly concise in nature, whereas the *Macropædia* contains a significantly smaller corpus of around 699 articles.
The 15th edition's *Micropædia* was primarily intended for:
Answer: Quick fact-checking and guiding readers to deeper articles.
The *Micropædia* was designed for rapid fact verification and as a navigational aid to the more comprehensive entries within the *Macropædia*.
What was the approximate total word count of the *Micropædia* and *Macropædia* combined in the print editions?
Answer: 40 million words
Collectively, the *Micropædia* and *Macropædia* contain approximately 40 million words, underscoring the considerable depth and breadth of information encapsulated within the print editions.
After being acquired by an American firm, the Encyclopæedia Britannica began to significantly lengthen and complicate its articles.
Answer: False
Subsequent to its acquisition by an American consortium, the Encyclopæedia Britannica initiated a process of article condensation and simplification to enhance accessibility.
American businessmen introduced door-to-door sales tactics to market the Encyclopæedia Britannica in the 20th century.
Answer: True
Following the assumption of management by American businessmen, direct marketing and door-to-door sales methodologies were introduced.
The University of Chicago became the sole beneficiary of the Encyclopæedia Britannica after Sears donated it in 1943.
Answer: True
In 1943, Sears transferred ownership to the University of Chicago, which, through its Benton Foundation, managed operations and was the sole beneficiary.
The Encyclopæedia Britannica faced lawsuits from the Federal Trade Commission primarily due to its high pricing strategy.
Answer: False
The company faced FTC lawsuits concerning deceptive practices in sales and advertising, particularly related to door-to-door sales tactics, not primarily pricing.
Marketing for the Encyclopæedia Britannica shifted from targeting scholars to primarily focusing on families with young children by the mid-20th century.
Answer: True
By the mid-20th century, marketing efforts increasingly focused on middle-class families seeking educational resources for their children.
After its sale to an American partnership, the Encyclopæedia Britannica's dedication was solely to the reigning British monarch.
Answer: False
Following its acquisition by an American partnership, the dedication was broadened to encompass both the British monarch and the President of the United States.
Horace Everett Hooper's financial difficulties led to the Encyclopæedia Britannica being managed by Sears Roebuck.
Answer: True
Horace Everett Hooper encountered financial adversity, resulting in the Encyclopæedia Britannica's management by Sears Roebuck commencing in 1920.
How did the Encyclopæedia Britannica adapt its content for the North American market after its acquisition by an American firm?
Answer: The content was shortened and simplified to increase accessibility.
Subsequent to its acquisition by an American consortium, the Encyclopæedia Britannica initiated a process of article condensation and simplification to enhance its accessibility and appeal to a broader demographic within the North American market.
Which of the following sales and marketing strategies was introduced by American businessmen managing the Encyclopæedia Britannica?
Answer: Direct marketing and door-to-door sales
Following the assumption of management by American businessmen, direct marketing and door-to-door sales methodologies were introduced.
What significant role did the University of Chicago play in the history of the Encyclopæedia Britannica?
Answer: It provided working capital and managed operations via the Benton Foundation.
In 1943, Sears transferred ownership to the University of Chicago, which subsequently provided working capital and managed operations through its affiliated Benton Foundation.
What sales tactic, employed heavily in the mid-20th century, led to lawsuits against the Encyclopæedia Britannica by the Federal Trade Commission?
Answer: Deceptive door-to-door sales practices
Post-1920, the Encyclopæedia Britannica's sales model predominantly relied on door-to-door agents employing aggressive or deceptive tactics, leading to FTC litigation.
How did the marketing focus for the Encyclopæedia Britannica shift by the mid-20th century?
Answer: From general adult readers to middle-class families seeking educational tools for children.
By the mid-20th century, marketing efforts increasingly focused on middle-class families seeking educational resources for their offspring, shifting from the initial target audience of adults and an educated stratum.
How did the Encyclopæedia Britannica leverage its brand as a premium product during the 20th century?
Answer: By emphasizing its long history and reputation for prestige.
The Encyclopæedia Britannica cultivated a premium brand identity by capitalizing on its extensive history and established reputation, seeking to attract purchasers who valued its perceived authority and prestige.
The Encyclopæedia Britannica's dedication changed from solely honoring the British monarch to including the US President after:
Answer: It was sold to an American partnership.
Following its acquisition by an American partnership, the dedication was broadened to encompass both the British monarch and the President of the United States, signifying its expanded international purview.
Microsoft Encarta was a primary digital competitor to the Encyclopæedia Britannica in the 21st century.
Answer: True
Microsoft Encarta emerged as a formidable competitor within the digital encyclopedia landscape during the 21st century.
The last printed edition of the Encyclopæedia Britannica was released in 2012.
Answer: False
The final print edition of the Encyclopæedia Britannica was released in 2010; the announcement to cease print publication was made in 2012.
The Encyclopæedia Britannica responded to digital competition by developing versions on CD-ROM, DVD, and the web.
Answer: True
To maintain competitive viability, the Encyclopæedia Britannica developed electronic iterations distributed via CD-ROM, DVD, and the internet.
Microsoft Encarta was primarily a print-based competitor to the Encyclopæedia Britannica.
Answer: False
Microsoft Encarta was a significant competitor primarily within the digital encyclopedia market, especially in CD/DVD-ROM formats.
The Encyclopæedia Britannica's website allows articles to be accessed freely if they are linked from an external site.
Answer: True
Commencing in early 2007, *Britannica* implemented a policy of providing free access to articles hyperlinked from external sources to increase visibility.
The "Britannica Checked" stamp indicates that content on the Britannica website is user-generated and has not been professionally vetted.
Answer: False
The "Britannica Checked" designation signifies that content has undergone rigorous vetting and received approval from the encyclopedia's professional editorial staff.
The Encyclopæedia Britannica's decision to cease printing was driven by a desire to reduce its environmental footprint.
Answer: False
The principal impetus for transitioning to an exclusively online format was the diminishing demand for print encyclopedias and adapting to evolving information consumption paradigms.
The *Britannica All New Children's Encyclopedia* released in 2020 was the first children's encyclopedia published by Britannica since 1984.
Answer: True
The *Britannica All New Children's Encyclopedia* (2020) marked Britannica's first children's encyclopedia publication since 1984.
The *Britannica Ultimate Reference Suite* DVD typically contains fewer than 10,000 articles.
Answer: False
The *Britannica Ultimate Reference Suite* DVD typically encompasses in excess of 100,000 articles.
The Encyclopæedia Britannica's decision to cease printing was primarily a response to declining demand and competition from digital sources.
Answer: True
The principal impetus for transitioning to an exclusively online format was the diminishing demand for print encyclopedias, driven by competition from digital sources.
"Britannica.com Incorporated" was established in 1999 to manage the print publication of the encyclopedia.
Answer: False
"Britannica.com Incorporated" was established in 1999 to spearhead the development of digital iterations of the *Britannica*, not print publication.
The Encyclopæedia Britannica's print run ended because the company decided to focus entirely on its digital future.
Answer: True
The cessation of print publication was a strategic decision to concentrate resources on its exclusively online iteration and focus on its digital future.
Which of the following was a major digital competitor to the Encyclopæedia Britannica in the 21st century?
Answer: Encarta
Microsoft Encarta emerged as a formidable competitor within the digital encyclopedia landscape during the 21st century.
When did the Encyclopæedia Britannica cease printing physical copies?
Answer: 2010
The final print edition of the Encyclopæedia Britannica was released in 2010, with the cessation of print publication announced in 2012.
How did the Encyclopæedia Britannica attempt to stay competitive against digital rivals like Wikipedia?
Answer: By developing electronic versions and emphasizing its brand reputation.
To maintain competitive viability, the Encyclopæedia Britannica developed electronic iterations and leveraged its brand prestige, while acknowledging Wikipedia as a formidable competitor.
What does the "Britannica Checked" stamp signify on the Britannica website?
Answer: The content has been professionally vetted by Britannica staff.
The "Britannica Checked" designation signifies that content has undergone rigorous vetting and received approval from the encyclopedia's professional editorial staff.
The Encyclopæedia Britannica's decision to cease print publication was primarily a response to:
Answer: Adapting to changing information consumption and market trends.
The cessation of print publication was a strategic adaptation to contemporary trends, prioritizing its future via digital distribution due to diminishing demand for print encyclopedias.
The Encyclopæedia Britannica's strategy of making articles freely available if hyperlinked from an external site (since 2007) was intended to:
Answer: Increase the visibility and accessibility of its content.
This strategic initiative was intended to augment the visibility and accessibility of its content, while non-subscribing users continued to encounter pop-up advertisements.
The Encyclopæedia Britannica's shift to an online-only focus was primarily driven by:
Answer: Adapting to changing information consumption and market trends.
The shift to an exclusively online format was primarily driven by adapting to changing information consumption and market trends, including the diminishing demand for print encyclopedias.
The *Britannica Insights* Google Chrome extension aims to:
Answer: Provide snippets of Britannica information alongside Google Search results.
The "Britannica Insights" Google Chrome extension presents concise excerpts from Britannica Online concurrently with Google Search results, providing immediate, pertinent information.
The initial 15th edition was widely praised for its user-friendly reorganization and inclusion of a comprehensive index.
Answer: False
The initial 15th edition encountered considerable criticism regarding its structural reorganization, including the omission of a distinct index.
George L. Burr praised the early 20th-century trend of encyclopedias relying heavily on editorial energy over specialized knowledge.
Answer: False
Historian George L. Burr criticized this trend, suggesting it represented an "Americanizing" tendency that diminished scholarly value.
Wikipedia's editorial model relies on known authors and expert staff, similar to the traditional Encyclopæedia Britannica model.
Answer: False
Wikipedia's model is open and peer-produced with varying expertise, contrasting with Britannica's reliance on credentialed authors and professional staff.
The 2005 *Nature* journal study found Wikipedia to be significantly more accurate than the Encyclopæedia Britannica.
Answer: False
The 2005 *Nature* study found the Encyclopæedia Britannica had fewer errors per article, though both had a comparable number of serious errors.
Criticism regarding the digital *Britannica*'s disc content included a bias towards United States audiences.
Answer: True
Analogous to *Encarta*, the digital iteration of *Britannica* faced criticism for exhibiting a bias favoring United States audiences.
The Encyclopæedia Britannica contested the methodology of the 2005 *Nature* journal study on accuracy.
Answer: True
In response to the 2005 *Nature* study, the Encyclopæedia Britannica characterized it as "fatally flawed" and requested a retraction due to methodological concerns.
Bibliographies in the *Macropædia* were often criticized for being more up-to-date than the articles themselves.
Answer: False
The bibliographies appended to the *Macropædia* articles faced criticism for lagging behind the currency of the articles themselves.
The initial 15th edition of the Encyclopæedia Britannica faced criticism for several reasons. Which of the following was a major point of contention?
Answer: It lacked a separate, comprehensive index.
The initial 15th edition encountered considerable criticism regarding its structural reorganization, notably including the omission of a distinct index.
What criticism did historian George L. Burr level against some contributors in the early 20th century?
Answer: They relied too heavily on editorial direction rather than specialized knowledge.
Historian George L. Burr criticized certain contributors for their "temerity" in addressing diverse fields without adequate authority, suggesting a reliance on editorial initiative over specialized expertise.
The 2005 study published in *Nature* comparing Wikipedia and Encyclopæedia Britannica found that:
Answer: Britannica was slightly more accurate overall, though both had comparable serious errors.
The 2005 *Nature* study concluded that the Encyclopæedia Britannica exhibited fewer errors per article than Wikipedia, though both sources presented a comparable number of critical inaccuracies.
What was the main criticism regarding the coverage of Christianity compared to other religions in the Encyclopæedia Britannica?
Answer: Coverage of Christianity was disproportionately large compared to other religions.
The Encyclopæedia Britannica allocated considerably more coverage to Christianity than to the majority of other religious traditions, comprising nearly half of all religion-focused entries.