Chapter II · Chapter 2

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Its diameter, 3,000 miles, only exceeds the moon's by less than one half, while both Jupiter and Saturn, among their remarkable collections of moons, have each at least one that is considerably larger than the planet Mercury.

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading MERCURY, A WORLD OF TWO FACES AND MANY CONTRASTS Mercury, the first of the other worlds that we are going to consider, fascinates by its grotesqueness, like a piece of Chinese ivory carving, so small is it for its kind and so finished in its eccentric details.

presently existing in fact and not merely potential or possible

From this reading In a little while we shall see how singular Mercury is in many of the particulars of planetary existence, but first of all let us endeavor to obtain a clear idea of the actual size and mass of this strange little planet.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading In a little while we shall see how singular Mercury is in many of the particulars of planetary existence, but first of all let us endeavor to obtain a clear idea of the actual size and mass of this strange little planet.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading Its diameter, 3,000 miles, only exceeds the moon's by less than one half, while both Jupiter and Saturn, among their remarkable collections of moons, have each at least one that is considerably larger than the planet Mercury.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading Compared with the earth it is so diminutive that it looks as if it had been cut out on the pattern of a satellite rather than that of an independent planet.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading MERCURY, A WORLD OF TWO FACES AND MANY CONTRASTS Mercury, the first of the other worlds that we are going to consider, fascinates by its grotesqueness, like a piece of Chinese ivory carving, so small is it for its kind and so finished in its eccentric details.

the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading MERCURY, A WORLD OF TWO FACES AND MANY CONTRASTS Mercury, the first of the other worlds that we are going to consider, fascinates by its grotesqueness, like a piece of Chinese ivory carving, so small is it for its kind and so finished in its eccentric details.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading Compared with the earth it is so diminutive that it looks as if it had been cut out on the pattern of a satellite rather than that of an independent planet.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Its diameter, 3,000 miles, only exceeds the moon's by less than one half, while both Jupiter and Saturn, among their remarkable collections of moons, have each at least one that is considerably larger than the planet Mercury.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading But, insignificant though it be in size, it holds the place of honor, nearest to the sun.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Compared with the earth it is so diminutive that it looks as if it had been cut out on the pattern of a satellite rather than that of an independent planet.

the two together, not just one

From this reading Its diameter, 3,000 miles, only exceeds the moon's by less than one half, while both Jupiter and Saturn, among their remarkable collections of moons, have each at least one that is considerably larger than the planet Mercury.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading In a little while we shall see how singular Mercury is in many of the particulars of planetary existence, but first of all let us endeavor to obtain a clear idea of the actual size and mass of this strange little planet.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading MERCURY, A WORLD OF TWO FACES AND MANY CONTRASTS Mercury, the first of the other worlds that we are going to consider, fascinates by its grotesqueness, like a piece of Chinese ivory carving, so small is it for its kind and so finished in its eccentric details.

a sculpture created by removing material (as wood or ivory or stone) in order to create a desired shape

From this reading MERCURY, A WORLD OF TWO FACES AND MANY CONTRASTS Mercury, the first of the other worlds that we are going to consider, fascinates by its grotesqueness, like a piece of Chinese ivory carving, so small is it for its kind and so finished in its eccentric details.

any of the Sino-Tibetan languages spoken in China; regarded as dialects of a single language (even though they are mutually unintelligible) because they share an ideographic writing system

From this reading MERCURY, A WORLD OF TWO FACES AND MANY CONTRASTS Mercury, the first of the other worlds that we are going to consider, fascinates by its grotesqueness, like a piece of Chinese ivory carving, so small is it for its kind and so finished in its eccentric details.

rid of obstructions

From this reading In a little while we shall see how singular Mercury is in many of the particulars of planetary existence, but first of all let us endeavor to obtain a clear idea of the actual size and mass of this strange little planet.

plural of “collection” — several things grouped together or considered as a whole

From this reading Its diameter, 3,000 miles, only exceeds the moon's by less than one half, while both Jupiter and Saturn, among their remarkable collections of moons, have each at least one that is considerably larger than the planet Mercury.

past form of “compare” — examine and note the similarities or differences of

From this reading Compared with the earth it is so diminutive that it looks as if it had been cut out on the pattern of a satellite rather than that of an independent planet.

deem to be

From this reading MERCURY, A WORLD OF TWO FACES AND MANY CONTRASTS Mercury, the first of the other worlds that we are going to consider, fascinates by its grotesqueness, like a piece of Chinese ivory carving, so small is it for its kind and so finished in its eccentric details.

to a great extent or degree

From this reading Its diameter, 3,000 miles, only exceeds the moon's by less than one half, while both Jupiter and Saturn, among their remarkable collections of moons, have each at least one that is considerably larger than the planet Mercury.

plural of “contrast” — the opposition or dissimilarity of things that are compared

From this reading MERCURY, A WORLD OF TWO FACES AND MANY CONTRASTS Mercury, the first of the other worlds that we are going to consider, fascinates by its grotesqueness, like a piece of Chinese ivory carving, so small is it for its kind and so finished in its eccentric details.

separate with or as if with an instrument

From this reading Compared with the earth it is so diminutive that it looks as if it had been cut out on the pattern of a satellite rather than that of an independent planet.

true confidential information

From this reading MERCURY, A WORLD OF TWO FACES AND MANY CONTRASTS Mercury, the first of the other worlds that we are going to consider, fascinates by its grotesqueness, like a piece of Chinese ivory carving, so small is it for its kind and so finished in its eccentric details.

the length of a straight line passing through the center of a circle and connecting two points on the circumference

From this reading Its diameter, 3,000 miles, only exceeds the moon's by less than one half, while both Jupiter and Saturn, among their remarkable collections of moons, have each at least one that is considerably larger than the planet Mercury.

very small

From this reading Compared with the earth it is so diminutive that it looks as if it had been cut out on the pattern of a satellite rather than that of an independent planet.

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading Its diameter, 3,000 miles, only exceeds the moon's by less than one half, while both Jupiter and Saturn, among their remarkable collections of moons, have each at least one that is considerably larger than the planet Mercury.

the 3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live on

From this reading Compared with the earth it is so diminutive that it looks as if it had been cut out on the pattern of a satellite rather than that of an independent planet.

conspicuously or grossly unconventional or unusual

From this reading MERCURY, A WORLD OF TWO FACES AND MANY CONTRASTS Mercury, the first of the other worlds that we are going to consider, fascinates by its grotesqueness, like a piece of Chinese ivory carving, so small is it for its kind and so finished in its eccentric details.

a purposeful or industrious undertaking (especially one that requires effort or boldness)

From this reading In a little while we shall see how singular Mercury is in many of the particulars of planetary existence, but first of all let us endeavor to obtain a clear idea of the actual size and mass of this strange little planet.

third-person singular of “exceed” — be greater in scope or size than some standard

From this reading Its diameter, 3,000 miles, only exceeds the moon's by less than one half, while both Jupiter and Saturn, among their remarkable collections of moons, have each at least one that is considerably larger than the planet Mercury.

the state or fact of existing

From this reading In a little while we shall see how singular Mercury is in many of the particulars of planetary existence, but first of all let us endeavor to obtain a clear idea of the actual size and mass of this strange little planet.

plural of “face” — the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading MERCURY, A WORLD OF TWO FACES AND MANY CONTRASTS Mercury, the first of the other worlds that we are going to consider, fascinates by its grotesqueness, like a piece of Chinese ivory carving, so small is it for its kind and so finished in its eccentric details.

third-person singular of “fascinate” — cause to be interested or curious

From this reading MERCURY, A WORLD OF TWO FACES AND MANY CONTRASTS Mercury, the first of the other worlds that we are going to consider, fascinates by its grotesqueness, like a piece of Chinese ivory carving, so small is it for its kind and so finished in its eccentric details.

(of materials or goods) brought to the desired final state

From this reading MERCURY, A WORLD OF TWO FACES AND MANY CONTRASTS Mercury, the first of the other worlds that we are going to consider, fascinates by its grotesqueness, like a piece of Chinese ivory carving, so small is it for its kind and so finished in its eccentric details.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading MERCURY, A WORLD OF TWO FACES AND MANY CONTRASTS Mercury, the first of the other worlds that we are going to consider, fascinates by its grotesqueness, like a piece of Chinese ivory carving, so small is it for its kind and so finished in its eccentric details.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading MERCURY, A WORLD OF TWO FACES AND MANY CONTRASTS Mercury, the first of the other worlds that we are going to consider, fascinates by its grotesqueness, like a piece of Chinese ivory carving, so small is it for its kind and so finished in its eccentric details.

the act of departing

From this reading MERCURY, A WORLD OF TWO FACES AND MANY CONTRASTS Mercury, the first of the other worlds that we are going to consider, fascinates by its grotesqueness, like a piece of Chinese ivory carving, so small is it for its kind and so finished in its eccentric details.

ludicrous or incongruous unnaturalness or distortion

From this reading MERCURY, A WORLD OF TWO FACES AND MANY CONTRASTS Mercury, the first of the other worlds that we are going to consider, fascinates by its grotesqueness, like a piece of Chinese ivory carving, so small is it for its kind and so finished in its eccentric details.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading Compared with the earth it is so diminutive that it looks as if it had been cut out on the pattern of a satellite rather than that of an independent planet.

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading Its diameter, 3,000 miles, only exceeds the moon's by less than one half, while both Jupiter and Saturn, among their remarkable collections of moons, have each at least one that is considerably larger than the planet Mercury.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Its diameter, 3,000 miles, only exceeds the moon's by less than one half, while both Jupiter and Saturn, among their remarkable collections of moons, have each at least one that is considerably larger than the planet Mercury.

plural of “hold” — the act of grasping

From this reading But, insignificant though it be in size, it holds the place of honor, nearest to the sun.

a tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction

From this reading But, insignificant though it be in size, it holds the place of honor, nearest to the sun.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading In a little while we shall see how singular Mercury is in many of the particulars of planetary existence, but first of all let us endeavor to obtain a clear idea of the actual size and mass of this strange little planet.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading In a little while we shall see how singular Mercury is in many of the particulars of planetary existence, but first of all let us endeavor to obtain a clear idea of the actual size and mass of this strange little planet.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading Compared with the earth it is so diminutive that it looks as if it had been cut out on the pattern of a satellite rather than that of an independent planet.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading MERCURY, A WORLD OF TWO FACES AND MANY CONTRASTS Mercury, the first of the other worlds that we are going to consider, fascinates by its grotesqueness, like a piece of Chinese ivory carving, so small is it for its kind and so finished in its eccentric details.

free from external control and constraint

From this reading Compared with the earth it is so diminutive that it looks as if it had been cut out on the pattern of a satellite rather than that of an independent planet.

signifying nothing

From this reading But, insignificant though it be in size, it holds the place of honor, nearest to the sun.

the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading MERCURY, A WORLD OF TWO FACES AND MANY CONTRASTS Mercury, the first of the other worlds that we are going to consider, fascinates by its grotesqueness, like a piece of Chinese ivory carving, so small is it for its kind and so finished in its eccentric details.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading MERCURY, A WORLD OF TWO FACES AND MANY CONTRASTS Mercury, the first of the other worlds that we are going to consider, fascinates by its grotesqueness, like a piece of Chinese ivory carving, so small is it for its kind and so finished in its eccentric details.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading MERCURY, A WORLD OF TWO FACES AND MANY CONTRASTS Mercury, the first of the other worlds that we are going to consider, fascinates by its grotesqueness, like a piece of Chinese ivory carving, so small is it for its kind and so finished in its eccentric details.

a hard smooth ivory colored dentine that makes up most of the tusks of elephants and walruses

From this reading MERCURY, A WORLD OF TWO FACES AND MANY CONTRASTS Mercury, the first of the other worlds that we are going to consider, fascinates by its grotesqueness, like a piece of Chinese ivory carving, so small is it for its kind and so finished in its eccentric details.

the largest planet and the 5th from the sun; has many satellites and is one of the brightest objects in the night sky

From this reading Its diameter, 3,000 miles, only exceeds the moon's by less than one half, while both Jupiter and Saturn, among their remarkable collections of moons, have each at least one that is considerably larger than the planet Mercury.

having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior

From this reading MERCURY, A WORLD OF TWO FACES AND MANY CONTRASTS Mercury, the first of the other worlds that we are going to consider, fascinates by its grotesqueness, like a piece of Chinese ivory carving, so small is it for its kind and so finished in its eccentric details.

large or big relative to something else

From this reading Its diameter, 3,000 miles, only exceeds the moon's by less than one half, while both Jupiter and Saturn, among their remarkable collections of moons, have each at least one that is considerably larger than the planet Mercury.

the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree

From this reading Its diameter, 3,000 miles, only exceeds the moon's by less than one half, while both Jupiter and Saturn, among their remarkable collections of moons, have each at least one that is considerably larger than the planet Mercury.

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading Its diameter, 3,000 miles, only exceeds the moon's by less than one half, while both Jupiter and Saturn, among their remarkable collections of moons, have each at least one that is considerably larger than the planet Mercury.

used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker

From this reading In a little while we shall see how singular Mercury is in many of the particulars of planetary existence, but first of all let us endeavor to obtain a clear idea of the actual size and mass of this strange little planet.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading MERCURY, A WORLD OF TWO FACES AND MANY CONTRASTS Mercury, the first of the other worlds that we are going to consider, fascinates by its grotesqueness, like a piece of Chinese ivory carving, so small is it for its kind and so finished in its eccentric details.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading In a little while we shall see how singular Mercury is in many of the particulars of planetary existence, but first of all let us endeavor to obtain a clear idea of the actual size and mass of this strange little planet.

plural of “look” — the feelings expressed on a person's face

From this reading Compared with the earth it is so diminutive that it looks as if it had been cut out on the pattern of a satellite rather than that of an independent planet.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading MERCURY, A WORLD OF TWO FACES AND MANY CONTRASTS Mercury, the first of the other worlds that we are going to consider, fascinates by its grotesqueness, like a piece of Chinese ivory carving, so small is it for its kind and so finished in its eccentric details.

the property of a body that causes it to have weight in a gravitational field

From this reading In a little while we shall see how singular Mercury is in many of the particulars of planetary existence, but first of all let us endeavor to obtain a clear idea of the actual size and mass of this strange little planet.

a heavy silvery toxic univalent and bivalent metallic element; the only metal that is liquid at ordinary temperatures

From this reading MERCURY, A WORLD OF TWO FACES AND MANY CONTRASTS Mercury, the first of the other worlds that we are going to consider, fascinates by its grotesqueness, like a piece of Chinese ivory carving, so small is it for its kind and so finished in its eccentric details.

plural of “mile” — a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters

From this reading Its diameter, 3,000 miles, only exceeds the moon's by less than one half, while both Jupiter and Saturn, among their remarkable collections of moons, have each at least one that is considerably larger than the planet Mercury.

possessive form of “moon” — the natural satellite of the Earth

From this reading Its diameter, 3,000 miles, only exceeds the moon's by less than one half, while both Jupiter and Saturn, among their remarkable collections of moons, have each at least one that is considerably larger than the planet Mercury.

plural of “moon” — the natural satellite of the Earth

From this reading Its diameter, 3,000 miles, only exceeds the moon's by less than one half, while both Jupiter and Saturn, among their remarkable collections of moons, have each at least one that is considerably larger than the planet Mercury.

(superlative of “near” or “close”) within the shortest distance

From this reading But, insignificant though it be in size, it holds the place of honor, nearest to the sun.

come into possession of

From this reading In a little while we shall see how singular Mercury is in many of the particulars of planetary existence, but first of all let us endeavor to obtain a clear idea of the actual size and mass of this strange little planet.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading MERCURY, A WORLD OF TWO FACES AND MANY CONTRASTS Mercury, the first of the other worlds that we are going to consider, fascinates by its grotesqueness, like a piece of Chinese ivory carving, so small is it for its kind and so finished in its eccentric details.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Compared with the earth it is so diminutive that it looks as if it had been cut out on the pattern of a satellite rather than that of an independent planet.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Its diameter, 3,000 miles, only exceeds the moon's by less than one half, while both Jupiter and Saturn, among their remarkable collections of moons, have each at least one that is considerably larger than the planet Mercury.

and nothing more

From this reading Its diameter, 3,000 miles, only exceeds the moon's by less than one half, while both Jupiter and Saturn, among their remarkable collections of moons, have each at least one that is considerably larger than the planet Mercury.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading MERCURY, A WORLD OF TWO FACES AND MANY CONTRASTS Mercury, the first of the other worlds that we are going to consider, fascinates by its grotesqueness, like a piece of Chinese ivory carving, so small is it for its kind and so finished in its eccentric details.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Compared with the earth it is so diminutive that it looks as if it had been cut out on the pattern of a satellite rather than that of an independent planet.

plural of “particular” — a fact about some part (as opposed to general)

From this reading In a little while we shall see how singular Mercury is in many of the particulars of planetary existence, but first of all let us endeavor to obtain a clear idea of the actual size and mass of this strange little planet.

a perceptual structure

From this reading Compared with the earth it is so diminutive that it looks as if it had been cut out on the pattern of a satellite rather than that of an independent planet.

a separate part of a whole

From this reading MERCURY, A WORLD OF TWO FACES AND MANY CONTRASTS Mercury, the first of the other worlds that we are going to consider, fascinates by its grotesqueness, like a piece of Chinese ivory carving, so small is it for its kind and so finished in its eccentric details.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading But, insignificant though it be in size, it holds the place of honor, nearest to the sun.

(astronomy) any of the nine large celestial bodies in the solar system that revolve around the sun and shine by reflected light

From this reading In a little while we shall see how singular Mercury is in many of the particulars of planetary existence, but first of all let us endeavor to obtain a clear idea of the actual size and mass of this strange little planet.

of or relating to or resembling the physical or orbital characteristics of a planet or the planets

From this reading In a little while we shall see how singular Mercury is in many of the particulars of planetary existence, but first of all let us endeavor to obtain a clear idea of the actual size and mass of this strange little planet.

on the contrary

From this reading Compared with the earth it is so diminutive that it looks as if it had been cut out on the pattern of a satellite rather than that of an independent planet.

unusual or striking

From this reading Its diameter, 3,000 miles, only exceeds the moon's by less than one half, while both Jupiter and Saturn, among their remarkable collections of moons, have each at least one that is considerably larger than the planet Mercury.

man-made equipment that orbits around the earth or the moon

From this reading Compared with the earth it is so diminutive that it looks as if it had been cut out on the pattern of a satellite rather than that of an independent planet.

a giant planet that is surrounded by three planar concentric rings of ice particles; the 6th planet from the sun

From this reading Its diameter, 3,000 miles, only exceeds the moon's by less than one half, while both Jupiter and Saturn, among their remarkable collections of moons, have each at least one that is considerably larger than the planet Mercury.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading In a little while we shall see how singular Mercury is in many of the particulars of planetary existence, but first of all let us endeavor to obtain a clear idea of the actual size and mass of this strange little planet.

used with I and we for the future, or to offer and suggest

From this reading In a little while we shall see how singular Mercury is in many of the particulars of planetary existence, but first of all let us endeavor to obtain a clear idea of the actual size and mass of this strange little planet.

unusual or striking

From this reading In a little while we shall see how singular Mercury is in many of the particulars of planetary existence, but first of all let us endeavor to obtain a clear idea of the actual size and mass of this strange little planet.

the physical magnitude of something (how big it is)

From this reading In a little while we shall see how singular Mercury is in many of the particulars of planetary existence, but first of all let us endeavor to obtain a clear idea of the actual size and mass of this strange little planet.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading MERCURY, A WORLD OF TWO FACES AND MANY CONTRASTS Mercury, the first of the other worlds that we are going to consider, fascinates by its grotesqueness, like a piece of Chinese ivory carving, so small is it for its kind and so finished in its eccentric details.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading MERCURY, A WORLD OF TWO FACES AND MANY CONTRASTS Mercury, the first of the other worlds that we are going to consider, fascinates by its grotesqueness, like a piece of Chinese ivory carving, so small is it for its kind and so finished in its eccentric details.

being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird

From this reading In a little while we shall see how singular Mercury is in many of the particulars of planetary existence, but first of all let us endeavor to obtain a clear idea of the actual size and mass of this strange little planet.

the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system

From this reading But, insignificant though it be in size, it holds the place of honor, nearest to the sun.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Compared with the earth it is so diminutive that it looks as if it had been cut out on the pattern of a satellite rather than that of an independent planet.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading MERCURY, A WORLD OF TWO FACES AND MANY CONTRASTS Mercury, the first of the other worlds that we are going to consider, fascinates by its grotesqueness, like a piece of Chinese ivory carving, so small is it for its kind and so finished in its eccentric details.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading MERCURY, A WORLD OF TWO FACES AND MANY CONTRASTS Mercury, the first of the other worlds that we are going to consider, fascinates by its grotesqueness, like a piece of Chinese ivory carving, so small is it for its kind and so finished in its eccentric details.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Its diameter, 3,000 miles, only exceeds the moon's by less than one half, while both Jupiter and Saturn, among their remarkable collections of moons, have each at least one that is considerably larger than the planet Mercury.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading In a little while we shall see how singular Mercury is in many of the particulars of planetary existence, but first of all let us endeavor to obtain a clear idea of the actual size and mass of this strange little planet.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading But, insignificant though it be in size, it holds the place of honor, nearest to the sun.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading MERCURY, A WORLD OF TWO FACES AND MANY CONTRASTS Mercury, the first of the other worlds that we are going to consider, fascinates by its grotesqueness, like a piece of Chinese ivory carving, so small is it for its kind and so finished in its eccentric details.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading MERCURY, A WORLD OF TWO FACES AND MANY CONTRASTS Mercury, the first of the other worlds that we are going to consider, fascinates by its grotesqueness, like a piece of Chinese ivory carving, so small is it for its kind and so finished in its eccentric details.

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading In a little while we shall see how singular Mercury is in many of the particulars of planetary existence, but first of all let us endeavor to obtain a clear idea of the actual size and mass of this strange little planet.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading MERCURY, A WORLD OF TWO FACES AND MANY CONTRASTS Mercury, the first of the other worlds that we are going to consider, fascinates by its grotesqueness, like a piece of Chinese ivory carving, so small is it for its kind and so finished in its eccentric details.

during the time that

From this reading In a little while we shall see how singular Mercury is in many of the particulars of planetary existence, but first of all let us endeavor to obtain a clear idea of the actual size and mass of this strange little planet.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Compared with the earth it is so diminutive that it looks as if it had been cut out on the pattern of a satellite rather than that of an independent planet.

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading MERCURY, A WORLD OF TWO FACES AND MANY CONTRASTS Mercury, the first of the other worlds that we are going to consider, fascinates by its grotesqueness, like a piece of Chinese ivory carving, so small is it for its kind and so finished in its eccentric details.

plural of “world” — everything that exists anywhere

From this reading MERCURY, A WORLD OF TWO FACES AND MANY CONTRASTS Mercury, the first of the other worlds that we are going to consider, fascinates by its grotesqueness, like a piece of Chinese ivory carving, so small is it for its kind and so finished in its eccentric details.