Complete classic literature • Five-line readings • Clear US narration
VELMORA ACADEMY
Academy of Archival Languages & Memory Studies
Menu Close
The Argonauts of California
The Argonauts of California

Chapter IX

Chapter 9 of The Argonauts of California is here in full — 146 sentences across 30 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for The Argonauts of California
Context Illustration Reading 1/29 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
SICKNESS IN THE MINES--EARTHQUAKES--THE STEAMBOAT MEN--A MINERS MEETING--LUCKY BILL--KIT CARSON--THE FINANCIAL CONDITION OF THE MINERS--AUSTRALIAN MIKE AND HIS TIN CAN--PORTUGUESE JO--THE DIVINING-ROD.
Much sickness prevailed among the mining classes, caused, as was generally believed, by the very unhealthy climate; but which, in fact, can be better attributed to their habits, mode of life, and intemperance in eating as well as in drinking.
Typhoid and bilious fevers were the usual complaints, from which many died.
One fact was remarkable in relation to those who suffered from the various diseases at this time, which was that those among whom the sickness and mortality were greatest were, as a general rule, the most robust and able-bodied men.
The explanation doubtless is that the healthy, strong and able-bodied men were more careless in their habits and mode of life; placed less restraint upon their appetites, and therefore suffered the consequences.
0:00 / 0:00
Speed 0.75x
AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Argonauts of California

Chapter IX

Chapter 9 of The Argonauts of California is here in full — 146 sentences across 30 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/29 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
SICKNESS IN THE MINES--EARTHQUAKES--THE STEAMBOAT MEN--A MINERSMEETING--LUCKY BILL--KIT CARSON--THE FINANCIAL CONDITION OF THE MINERS--AUSTRALIAN MIKE AND HIS TIN CAN--PORTUGUESE JO--THE DIVINING-ROD.
Line 2
Much sickness prevailed among the mining classes, caused, as was generally believed, by the very unhealthy climate; but which, in fact, can be better attributed to their habits, mode of life, and intemperance in eating as well as in drinking.
Line 3
Typhoid and bilious fevers were the usual complaints, from which many died.
/ˈtaɪfɔɪd ənd ˈbɪliəs ˈfiːvərz wɜːr ðə ˈjuːʒəwəl kəmˈpleɪnts frʌm wɪtʃ ˈmeni daɪd/
Line 4
One fact was remarkable in relation to those who suffered from the various diseases at this time, which was that those among whom the sickness and mortality were greatest were, as a general rule, the most robust and able-bodied men.
/wʌn fækt wɑːz rɪˈmɑːrkəbəl ɪn riˈleɪʃən tuː ðoʊz huː ˈsʌfərd frʌm ðə ˈveriəs dɪˈziːzəz æt ðɪs taɪm wɪtʃ wɑːz ðæt ðoʊz əˈmʌŋ huːm ðə ˈsɪknəs ənd mɔːrˈtæləti wɜːr ˈɡreɪtəst wɜːr æz ə ˈdʒenərəl ruːl ðə moʊst roʊˈbʌst ənd ˈeɪbəlˈbɑːdid men/
Line 5
The explanation doubtless is that the healthy, strong and able-bodied men were more careless in their habits and mode of life; placed less restraint upon their appetites, and therefore suffered the consequences.
/ðə ˌekspləˈneɪʃən ˈdaʊtləs ɪz ðæt ðə ˈhelθi strɔːŋ ənd ˈeɪbəlˈbɑːdid men wɜːr mɔːr ˈkerləs ɪn ðer ˈhæbəts ənd moʊd ʌv laɪf pleɪst les rɪˈstreɪnt əˈpɑːn ðer ˈæpətaɪts ənd ˈðerfɔːr ˈsʌfərd ðə ˈkɑːnsəkwensəz/

Learner Dictionary

These definitions explain words found in the current reading and keep every example grounded in its original sentence.

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, and audio.

able-bodied adjective US /ˈeɪbəlˈbɑːdid/

having a strong healthy body

From this reading “One fact was remarkable in relation to those who suffered from the various diseases at this time, which was that those among whom the sickness and mortality were greatest were, as a general rule, the most robust and able-bodied men.”

bilious adjective US /ˈbɪliəs/

relating to or containing bile

From this reading “Typhoid and bilious fevers were the usual complaints, from which many died.”

earthquakes noun US /ˈɜːrθkweɪks/

plural of “earthquake” — shaking and vibration at the surface of the earth resulting from underground movement along a fault plane or from volcanic activity

From this reading “SICKNESS IN THE MINES--EARTHQUAKES--THE STEAMBOAT MEN--A MINERS’ MEETING--LUCKY BILL--KIT CARSON--THE FINANCIAL CONDITION OF THE MINERS--AUSTRALIAN MIKE AND HIS TIN CAN--PORTUGUESE JO--THE DIVINING-ROD.”

fevers noun US /ˈfiːvərz/

plural of “fever” — a rise in the temperature of the body; frequently a symptom of infection

From this reading “Typhoid and bilious fevers were the usual complaints, from which many died.”

mortality noun US /mɔːrˈtæləti/

the quality or state of being mortal

From this reading “One fact was remarkable in relation to those who suffered from the various diseases at this time, which was that those among whom the sickness and mortality were greatest were, as a general rule, the most robust and able-bodied men.”

steamboat noun US /ˈstiːmboʊt/

a boat propelled by a steam engine

From this reading “SICKNESS IN THE MINES--EARTHQUAKES--THE STEAMBOAT MEN--A MINERS’ MEETING--LUCKY BILL--KIT CARSON--THE FINANCIAL CONDITION OF THE MINERS--AUSTRALIAN MIKE AND HIS TIN CAN--PORTUGUESE JO--THE DIVINING-ROD.”

Typhoid noun US /ˈtaɪfɔɪd/

serious infection marked by intestinal inflammation and ulceration; caused by Salmonella typhosa ingested with food or water

From this reading “Typhoid and bilious fevers were the usual complaints, from which many died.”

unhealthy adjective US /ənˈhelθi/

not in or exhibiting good health in body or mind

From this reading “Much sickness prevailed among the mining classes, caused, as was generally believed, by the very unhealthy climate; but which, in fact, can be better attributed to their habits, mode of life, and intemperance in eating as well as in drinking.”

Word partnerships in these lines

English keeps certain words together, and knowing the pair is worth more than knowing each word alone. Every partnership below was counted across our whole published library, and earns its place by appearing far more often than two unrelated words of the same frequency would.

Shown as this reading writes them, with the form the library counts, what kind of pairing it is, and how often it occurs.

FINANCIAL CONDITION adjective + noun

the condition of (corporate or personal) finances

In this reading “SICKNESS IN THE MINES--EARTHQUAKES--THE STEAMBOAT MEN--A MINERS’ MEETING--LUCKY BILL--KIT CARSON--THE FINANCIAL CONDITION OF THE MINERS--AUSTRALIAN MIKE AND HIS TIN CAN--PORTUGUESE JO--THE DIVINING-ROD.”

general rule adjective + noun

In this reading “One fact was remarkable in relation to those who suffered from the various diseases at this time, which was that those among whom the sickness and mortality were greatest were, as a general rule, the most robust and able-bodied men.”

prevailed among verb + particle counted as “prevail among”

In this reading “Much sickness prevailed among the mining classes, caused, as was generally believed, by the very unhealthy climate; but which, in fact, can be better attributed to their habits, mode of life, and intemperance in eating as well as in drinking.”

suffered from verb + particle counted as “suffer from”

In this reading “One fact was remarkable in relation to those who suffered from the various diseases at this time, which was that those among whom the sickness and mortality were greatest were, as a general rule, the most robust and able-bodied men.”

in fact preposition + noun

in reality or actuality

In this reading “Much sickness prevailed among the mining classes, caused, as was generally believed, by the very unhealthy climate; but which, in fact, can be better attributed to their habits, mode of life, and intemperance in eating as well as in drinking.”

in relation preposition + noun

In this reading “One fact was remarkable in relation to those who suffered from the various diseases at this time, which was that those among whom the sickness and mortality were greatest were, as a general rule, the most robust and able-bodied men.”

All words in this reading · 98

Every word in these five lines is listed here, and every one of them can be played on its own.

Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

AdeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading SICKNESS IN THE MINES--EARTHQUAKES--THE STEAMBOAT MEN--A MINERS’ MEETING--LUCKY BILL--KIT CARSON--THE FINANCIAL CONDITION OF THE MINERS--AUSTRALIAN MIKE AND HIS TIN CAN--PORTUGUESE JO--THE DIVINING-ROD.

able-bodiedadjectiveUS /ˈeɪbəlˈbɑːdid/

having a strong healthy body

From this reading One fact was remarkable in relation to those who suffered from the various diseases at this time, which was that those among whom the sickness and mortality were greatest were, as a general rule, the most robust and able-bodied men.

amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading Much sickness prevailed among the mining classes, caused, as was generally believed, by the very unhealthy climate; but which, in fact, can be better attributed to their habits, mode of life, and intemperance in eating as well as in drinking.

ANDconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading SICKNESS IN THE MINES--EARTHQUAKES--THE STEAMBOAT MEN--A MINERS’ MEETING--LUCKY BILL--KIT CARSON--THE FINANCIAL CONDITION OF THE MINERS--AUSTRALIAN MIKE AND HIS TIN CAN--PORTUGUESE JO--THE DIVINING-ROD.

appetitesnounUS /ˈæpətaɪts/

plural of “appetite” — a feeling of craving something

From this reading The explanation doubtless is that the healthy, strong and able-bodied men were more careless in their habits and mode of life; placed less restraint upon their appetites, and therefore suffered the consequences.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading Much sickness prevailed among the mining classes, caused, as was generally believed, by the very unhealthy climate; but which, in fact, can be better attributed to their habits, mode of life, and intemperance in eating as well as in drinking.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading One fact was remarkable in relation to those who suffered from the various diseases at this time, which was that those among whom the sickness and mortality were greatest were, as a general rule, the most robust and able-bodied men.

attributedverbUS /əˈtrɪbjətɪd/

past form of “attribute” — attribute or credit to

From this reading Much sickness prevailed among the mining classes, caused, as was generally believed, by the very unhealthy climate; but which, in fact, can be better attributed to their habits, mode of life, and intemperance in eating as well as in drinking.

AUSTRALIANnounUS /ɔːˈstreɪljən/

a native or inhabitant of Australia

From this reading SICKNESS IN THE MINES--EARTHQUAKES--THE STEAMBOAT MEN--A MINERS’ MEETING--LUCKY BILL--KIT CARSON--THE FINANCIAL CONDITION OF THE MINERS--AUSTRALIAN MIKE AND HIS TIN CAN--PORTUGUESE JO--THE DIVINING-ROD.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading Much sickness prevailed among the mining classes, caused, as was generally believed, by the very unhealthy climate; but which, in fact, can be better attributed to their habits, mode of life, and intemperance in eating as well as in drinking.

believedverbUS /bɪˈliːvd/

past form of “believe” — accept as true; take to be true

From this reading Much sickness prevailed among the mining classes, caused, as was generally believed, by the very unhealthy climate; but which, in fact, can be better attributed to their habits, mode of life, and intemperance in eating as well as in drinking.

betteradjectiveUS /ˈbetər/

(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another

From this reading Much sickness prevailed among the mining classes, caused, as was generally believed, by the very unhealthy climate; but which, in fact, can be better attributed to their habits, mode of life, and intemperance in eating as well as in drinking.

biliousadjectiveUS /ˈbɪliəs/

relating to or containing bile

From this reading Typhoid and bilious fevers were the usual complaints, from which many died.

BILLnounUS /bɪl/

a statute in draft before it becomes law

From this reading SICKNESS IN THE MINES--EARTHQUAKES--THE STEAMBOAT MEN--A MINERS’ MEETING--LUCKY BILL--KIT CARSON--THE FINANCIAL CONDITION OF THE MINERS--AUSTRALIAN MIKE AND HIS TIN CAN--PORTUGUESE JO--THE DIVINING-ROD.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Much sickness prevailed among the mining classes, caused, as was generally believed, by the very unhealthy climate; but which, in fact, can be better attributed to their habits, mode of life, and intemperance in eating as well as in drinking.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Much sickness prevailed among the mining classes, caused, as was generally believed, by the very unhealthy climate; but which, in fact, can be better attributed to their habits, mode of life, and intemperance in eating as well as in drinking.

CANmodal verbUS /kæn/

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading SICKNESS IN THE MINES--EARTHQUAKES--THE STEAMBOAT MEN--A MINERS’ MEETING--LUCKY BILL--KIT CARSON--THE FINANCIAL CONDITION OF THE MINERS--AUSTRALIAN MIKE AND HIS TIN CAN--PORTUGUESE JO--THE DIVINING-ROD.

carelessadjectiveUS /ˈkerləs/

marked by lack of attention or consideration or forethought or thoroughness; not careful

From this reading The explanation doubtless is that the healthy, strong and able-bodied men were more careless in their habits and mode of life; placed less restraint upon their appetites, and therefore suffered the consequences.

CARSONnounUS /ˈkɑːrsən/

United States biologist remembered for her opposition to the use of pesticides that were hazardous to wildlife (1907-1964)

From this reading SICKNESS IN THE MINES--EARTHQUAKES--THE STEAMBOAT MEN--A MINERS’ MEETING--LUCKY BILL--KIT CARSON--THE FINANCIAL CONDITION OF THE MINERS--AUSTRALIAN MIKE AND HIS TIN CAN--PORTUGUESE JO--THE DIVINING-ROD.

causedverbUS /kɑːzd/

past form of “cause” — give rise to; cause to happen or occur, not always intentionally

From this reading Much sickness prevailed among the mining classes, caused, as was generally believed, by the very unhealthy climate; but which, in fact, can be better attributed to their habits, mode of life, and intemperance in eating as well as in drinking.

classesnounUS /ˈklæsəz/

plural of “class” — a collection of things sharing a common attribute

From this reading Much sickness prevailed among the mining classes, caused, as was generally believed, by the very unhealthy climate; but which, in fact, can be better attributed to their habits, mode of life, and intemperance in eating as well as in drinking.

climatenounUS /ˈklaɪmət/

the weather in some location averaged over some long period of time

From this reading Much sickness prevailed among the mining classes, caused, as was generally believed, by the very unhealthy climate; but which, in fact, can be better attributed to their habits, mode of life, and intemperance in eating as well as in drinking.

complaintsnounUS /kəmˈpleɪnts/

plural of “complaint” — an often persistent bodily disorder or disease; a cause for complaining

From this reading Typhoid and bilious fevers were the usual complaints, from which many died.

CONDITIONnounUS /kənˈdɪʃən/

a state at a particular time

From this reading SICKNESS IN THE MINES--EARTHQUAKES--THE STEAMBOAT MEN--A MINERS’ MEETING--LUCKY BILL--KIT CARSON--THE FINANCIAL CONDITION OF THE MINERS--AUSTRALIAN MIKE AND HIS TIN CAN--PORTUGUESE JO--THE DIVINING-ROD.

consequencesnounUS /ˈkɑːnsəkwensəz/

plural of “consequence” — a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon

From this reading The explanation doubtless is that the healthy, strong and able-bodied men were more careless in their habits and mode of life; placed less restraint upon their appetites, and therefore suffered the consequences.

diedverbUS /daɪd/

past form of “die” — pass from physical life and lose all bodily attributes and functions necessary to sustain life

From this reading Typhoid and bilious fevers were the usual complaints, from which many died.

diseasesnounUS /dɪˈziːzəz/

plural of “disease” — an impairment of health or a condition of abnormal functioning

From this reading One fact was remarkable in relation to those who suffered from the various diseases at this time, which was that those among whom the sickness and mortality were greatest were, as a general rule, the most robust and able-bodied men.

DIVINING-ROD

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

From this reading SICKNESS IN THE MINES--EARTHQUAKES--THE STEAMBOAT MEN--A MINERS’ MEETING--LUCKY BILL--KIT CARSON--THE FINANCIAL CONDITION OF THE MINERS--AUSTRALIAN MIKE AND HIS TIN CAN--PORTUGUESE JO--THE DIVINING-ROD.

doubtlessadverbUS /ˈdaʊtləs/

without doubt; certainly

From this reading The explanation doubtless is that the healthy, strong and able-bodied men were more careless in their habits and mode of life; placed less restraint upon their appetites, and therefore suffered the consequences.

drinkingnounUS /ˈdrɪŋkɪŋ/

the act of consuming liquids

From this reading Much sickness prevailed among the mining classes, caused, as was generally believed, by the very unhealthy climate; but which, in fact, can be better attributed to their habits, mode of life, and intemperance in eating as well as in drinking.

EARTHQUAKESnounUS /ˈɜːrθkweɪks/

plural of “earthquake” — shaking and vibration at the surface of the earth resulting from underground movement along a fault plane or from volcanic activity

From this reading SICKNESS IN THE MINES--EARTHQUAKES--THE STEAMBOAT MEN--A MINERS’ MEETING--LUCKY BILL--KIT CARSON--THE FINANCIAL CONDITION OF THE MINERS--AUSTRALIAN MIKE AND HIS TIN CAN--PORTUGUESE JO--THE DIVINING-ROD.

eatingnounUS /ˈiːtɪŋ/

the act of consuming food

From this reading Much sickness prevailed among the mining classes, caused, as was generally believed, by the very unhealthy climate; but which, in fact, can be better attributed to their habits, mode of life, and intemperance in eating as well as in drinking.

explanationnounUS /ˌekspləˈneɪʃən/

a statement that makes something comprehensible by describing the relevant structure or operation or circumstances etc.

From this reading The explanation doubtless is that the healthy, strong and able-bodied men were more careless in their habits and mode of life; placed less restraint upon their appetites, and therefore suffered the consequences.

factnounUS /fækt/

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading Much sickness prevailed among the mining classes, caused, as was generally believed, by the very unhealthy climate; but which, in fact, can be better attributed to their habits, mode of life, and intemperance in eating as well as in drinking.

feversnounUS /ˈfiːvərz/

plural of “fever” — a rise in the temperature of the body; frequently a symptom of infection

From this reading Typhoid and bilious fevers were the usual complaints, from which many died.

FINANCIALadjectiveUS /fəˈnænʃəl/

involving financial matters

From this reading SICKNESS IN THE MINES--EARTHQUAKES--THE STEAMBOAT MEN--A MINERS’ MEETING--LUCKY BILL--KIT CARSON--THE FINANCIAL CONDITION OF THE MINERS--AUSTRALIAN MIKE AND HIS TIN CAN--PORTUGUESE JO--THE DIVINING-ROD.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Typhoid and bilious fevers were the usual complaints, from which many died.

generaladjectiveUS /ˈdʒenərəl/

applying to all or most members of a category or group

From this reading One fact was remarkable in relation to those who suffered from the various diseases at this time, which was that those among whom the sickness and mortality were greatest were, as a general rule, the most robust and able-bodied men.

generallyadverbUS /ˈdʒenərəli/

usually; as a rule

From this reading Much sickness prevailed among the mining classes, caused, as was generally believed, by the very unhealthy climate; but which, in fact, can be better attributed to their habits, mode of life, and intemperance in eating as well as in drinking.

greatestadjectiveUS /ˈɡreɪtəst/

highest in quality

From this reading One fact was remarkable in relation to those who suffered from the various diseases at this time, which was that those among whom the sickness and mortality were greatest were, as a general rule, the most robust and able-bodied men.

habitsnounUS /ˈhæbəts/

plural of “habit” — an established custom

From this reading Much sickness prevailed among the mining classes, caused, as was generally believed, by the very unhealthy climate; but which, in fact, can be better attributed to their habits, mode of life, and intemperance in eating as well as in drinking.

healthyadjectiveUS /ˈhelθi/

having or indicating good health in body or mind; free from infirmity or disease

From this reading The explanation doubtless is that the healthy, strong and able-bodied men were more careless in their habits and mode of life; placed less restraint upon their appetites, and therefore suffered the consequences.

HISdeterminerUS /hɪz/

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading SICKNESS IN THE MINES--EARTHQUAKES--THE STEAMBOAT MEN--A MINERS’ MEETING--LUCKY BILL--KIT CARSON--THE FINANCIAL CONDITION OF THE MINERS--AUSTRALIAN MIKE AND HIS TIN CAN--PORTUGUESE JO--THE DIVINING-ROD.

INprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading SICKNESS IN THE MINES--EARTHQUAKES--THE STEAMBOAT MEN--A MINERS’ MEETING--LUCKY BILL--KIT CARSON--THE FINANCIAL CONDITION OF THE MINERS--AUSTRALIAN MIKE AND HIS TIN CAN--PORTUGUESE JO--THE DIVINING-ROD.

intemperancenoun

the quality of being intemperate

From this reading Much sickness prevailed among the mining classes, caused, as was generally believed, by the very unhealthy climate; but which, in fact, can be better attributed to their habits, mode of life, and intemperance in eating as well as in drinking.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading The explanation doubtless is that the healthy, strong and able-bodied men were more careless in their habits and mode of life; placed less restraint upon their appetites, and therefore suffered the consequences.

JO

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

From this reading SICKNESS IN THE MINES--EARTHQUAKES--THE STEAMBOAT MEN--A MINERS’ MEETING--LUCKY BILL--KIT CARSON--THE FINANCIAL CONDITION OF THE MINERS--AUSTRALIAN MIKE AND HIS TIN CAN--PORTUGUESE JO--THE DIVINING-ROD.

KITnounUS /kɪt/

a case for containing a set of articles

From this reading SICKNESS IN THE MINES--EARTHQUAKES--THE STEAMBOAT MEN--A MINERS’ MEETING--LUCKY BILL--KIT CARSON--THE FINANCIAL CONDITION OF THE MINERS--AUSTRALIAN MIKE AND HIS TIN CAN--PORTUGUESE JO--THE DIVINING-ROD.

lessadverbUS /les/

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading The explanation doubtless is that the healthy, strong and able-bodied men were more careless in their habits and mode of life; placed less restraint upon their appetites, and therefore suffered the consequences.

lifenounUS /laɪf/

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading Much sickness prevailed among the mining classes, caused, as was generally believed, by the very unhealthy climate; but which, in fact, can be better attributed to their habits, mode of life, and intemperance in eating as well as in drinking.

LUCKYadjectiveUS /ˈlʌki/

occurring by chance

From this reading SICKNESS IN THE MINES--EARTHQUAKES--THE STEAMBOAT MEN--A MINERS’ MEETING--LUCKY BILL--KIT CARSON--THE FINANCIAL CONDITION OF THE MINERS--AUSTRALIAN MIKE AND HIS TIN CAN--PORTUGUESE JO--THE DIVINING-ROD.

manyadjectiveUS /ˈmeni/

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 Typhoid and bilious fevers were the usual complaints, from which many died.

MEETINGnounUS /ˈmiːtɪŋ/

a formally arranged gathering

From this reading SICKNESS IN THE MINES--EARTHQUAKES--THE STEAMBOAT MEN--A MINERS’ MEETING--LUCKY BILL--KIT CARSON--THE FINANCIAL CONDITION OF THE MINERS--AUSTRALIAN MIKE AND HIS TIN CAN--PORTUGUESE JO--THE DIVINING-ROD.

MENnounUS /men/

the force of workers available

From this reading SICKNESS IN THE MINES--EARTHQUAKES--THE STEAMBOAT MEN--A MINERS’ MEETING--LUCKY BILL--KIT CARSON--THE FINANCIAL CONDITION OF THE MINERS--AUSTRALIAN MIKE AND HIS TIN CAN--PORTUGUESE JO--THE DIVINING-ROD.

MIKEnounUS /maɪk/

device for converting sound waves into electrical energy

From this reading SICKNESS IN THE MINES--EARTHQUAKES--THE STEAMBOAT MEN--A MINERS’ MEETING--LUCKY BILL--KIT CARSON--THE FINANCIAL CONDITION OF THE MINERS--AUSTRALIAN MIKE AND HIS TIN CAN--PORTUGUESE JO--THE DIVINING-ROD.

MINERSnounUS /ˈmaɪnərz/

plural of “miner” — laborer who works in a mine

From this reading SICKNESS IN THE MINES--EARTHQUAKES--THE STEAMBOAT MEN--A MINERS’ MEETING--LUCKY BILL--KIT CARSON--THE FINANCIAL CONDITION OF THE MINERS--AUSTRALIAN MIKE AND HIS TIN CAN--PORTUGUESE JO--THE DIVINING-ROD.

MINESnounUS /maɪnz/

plural of “mine” — excavation in the earth from which ores and minerals are extracted

From this reading SICKNESS IN THE MINES--EARTHQUAKES--THE STEAMBOAT MEN--A MINERS’ MEETING--LUCKY BILL--KIT CARSON--THE FINANCIAL CONDITION OF THE MINERS--AUSTRALIAN MIKE AND HIS TIN CAN--PORTUGUESE JO--THE DIVINING-ROD.

miningnounUS /ˈmaɪnɪŋ/

the act of extracting ores or coal etc from the earth

From this reading Much sickness prevailed among the mining classes, caused, as was generally believed, by the very unhealthy climate; but which, in fact, can be better attributed to their habits, mode of life, and intemperance in eating as well as in drinking.

modenounUS /moʊd/

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading Much sickness prevailed among the mining classes, caused, as was generally believed, by the very unhealthy climate; but which, in fact, can be better attributed to their habits, mode of life, and intemperance in eating as well as in drinking.

moreadjectiveUS /mɔːr/

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading The explanation doubtless is that the healthy, strong and able-bodied men were more careless in their habits and mode of life; placed less restraint upon their appetites, and therefore suffered the consequences.

mortalitynounUS /mɔːrˈtæləti/

the quality or state of being mortal

From this reading One fact was remarkable in relation to those who suffered from the various diseases at this time, which was that those among whom the sickness and mortality were greatest were, as a general rule, the most robust and able-bodied men.

mostadverbUS /moʊst/

used to form the superlative

From this reading One fact was remarkable in relation to those who suffered from the various diseases at this time, which was that those among whom the sickness and mortality were greatest were, as a general rule, the most robust and able-bodied men.

MuchadverbUS /mʌtʃ/

to a great degree or extent

From this reading Much sickness prevailed among the mining classes, caused, as was generally believed, by the very unhealthy climate; but which, in fact, can be better attributed to their habits, mode of life, and intemperance in eating as well as in drinking.

OFprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading SICKNESS IN THE MINES--EARTHQUAKES--THE STEAMBOAT MEN--A MINERS’ MEETING--LUCKY BILL--KIT CARSON--THE FINANCIAL CONDITION OF THE MINERS--AUSTRALIAN MIKE AND HIS TIN CAN--PORTUGUESE JO--THE DIVINING-ROD.

OnepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading One fact was remarkable in relation to those who suffered from the various diseases at this time, which was that those among whom the sickness and mortality were greatest were, as a general rule, the most robust and able-bodied men.

placedadjectiveUS /pleɪst/

situated in a particular spot or position

From this reading The explanation doubtless is that the healthy, strong and able-bodied men were more careless in their habits and mode of life; placed less restraint upon their appetites, and therefore suffered the consequences.

PORTUGUESEnounUS /ˈpɔːrtʃəɡiːz/

the Romance language spoken in Portugal and Brazil

From this reading SICKNESS IN THE MINES--EARTHQUAKES--THE STEAMBOAT MEN--A MINERS’ MEETING--LUCKY BILL--KIT CARSON--THE FINANCIAL CONDITION OF THE MINERS--AUSTRALIAN MIKE AND HIS TIN CAN--PORTUGUESE JO--THE DIVINING-ROD.

prevailedverbUS /prɪˈveɪld/

past form of “prevail” — be larger in number, quantity, power, status or importance

From this reading Much sickness prevailed among the mining classes, caused, as was generally believed, by the very unhealthy climate; but which, in fact, can be better attributed to their habits, mode of life, and intemperance in eating as well as in drinking.

relationnounUS /riˈleɪʃən/

an abstraction belonging to or characteristic of two entities or parts together

From this reading One fact was remarkable in relation to those who suffered from the various diseases at this time, which was that those among whom the sickness and mortality were greatest were, as a general rule, the most robust and able-bodied men.

remarkableadjectiveUS /rɪˈmɑːrkəbəl/

unusual or striking

From this reading One fact was remarkable in relation to those who suffered from the various diseases at this time, which was that those among whom the sickness and mortality were greatest were, as a general rule, the most robust and able-bodied men.

restraintnounUS /rɪˈstreɪnt/

the act of controlling by restraining someone or something

From this reading The explanation doubtless is that the healthy, strong and able-bodied men were more careless in their habits and mode of life; placed less restraint upon their appetites, and therefore suffered the consequences.

robustadjectiveUS /roʊˈbʌst/

sturdy and strong in form, constitution, or construction

From this reading One fact was remarkable in relation to those who suffered from the various diseases at this time, which was that those among whom the sickness and mortality were greatest were, as a general rule, the most robust and able-bodied men.

rulenounUS /ruːl/

a principle or condition that customarily governs behavior

From this reading One fact was remarkable in relation to those who suffered from the various diseases at this time, which was that those among whom the sickness and mortality were greatest were, as a general rule, the most robust and able-bodied men.

SICKNESSnounUS /ˈsɪknəs/

impairment of normal physiological function affecting part or all of an organism

From this reading SICKNESS IN THE MINES--EARTHQUAKES--THE STEAMBOAT MEN--A MINERS’ MEETING--LUCKY BILL--KIT CARSON--THE FINANCIAL CONDITION OF THE MINERS--AUSTRALIAN MIKE AND HIS TIN CAN--PORTUGUESE JO--THE DIVINING-ROD.

STEAMBOATnounUS /ˈstiːmboʊt/

a boat propelled by a steam engine

From this reading SICKNESS IN THE MINES--EARTHQUAKES--THE STEAMBOAT MEN--A MINERS’ MEETING--LUCKY BILL--KIT CARSON--THE FINANCIAL CONDITION OF THE MINERS--AUSTRALIAN MIKE AND HIS TIN CAN--PORTUGUESE JO--THE DIVINING-ROD.

strongadjectiveUS /strɔːŋ/

having strength or power greater than average or expected

From this reading The explanation doubtless is that the healthy, strong and able-bodied men were more careless in their habits and mode of life; placed less restraint upon their appetites, and therefore suffered the consequences.

sufferedverbUS /ˈsʌfərd/

past form of “suffer” — undergo or be subjected to

From this reading One fact was remarkable in relation to those who suffered from the various diseases at this time, which was that those among whom the sickness and mortality were greatest were, as a general rule, the most robust and able-bodied men.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading One fact was remarkable in relation to those who suffered from the various diseases at this time, which was that those among whom the sickness and mortality were greatest were, as a general rule, the most robust and able-bodied men.

THEdeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading SICKNESS IN THE MINES--EARTHQUAKES--THE STEAMBOAT MEN--A MINERS’ MEETING--LUCKY BILL--KIT CARSON--THE FINANCIAL CONDITION OF THE MINERS--AUSTRALIAN MIKE AND HIS TIN CAN--PORTUGUESE JO--THE DIVINING-ROD.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Much sickness prevailed among the mining classes, caused, as was generally believed, by the very unhealthy climate; but which, in fact, can be better attributed to their habits, mode of life, and intemperance in eating as well as in drinking.

thereforeadverbUS /ˈðerfɔːr/

for that reason; as a result

From this reading The explanation doubtless is that the healthy, strong and able-bodied men were more careless in their habits and mode of life; placed less restraint upon their appetites, and therefore suffered the consequences.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading One fact was remarkable in relation to those who suffered from the various diseases at this time, which was that those among whom the sickness and mortality were greatest were, as a general rule, the most robust and able-bodied men.

thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading One fact was remarkable in relation to those who suffered from the various diseases at this time, which was that those among whom the sickness and mortality were greatest were, as a general rule, the most robust and able-bodied men.

timenounUS /taɪm/

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading One fact was remarkable in relation to those who suffered from the various diseases at this time, which was that those among whom the sickness and mortality were greatest were, as a general rule, the most robust and able-bodied men.

TINnounUS /tɪn/

a silvery malleable metallic element that resists corrosion; used in many alloys and to coat other metals to prevent corrosion; obtained chiefly from cassiterite where it occurs as tin oxide

From this reading SICKNESS IN THE MINES--EARTHQUAKES--THE STEAMBOAT MEN--A MINERS’ MEETING--LUCKY BILL--KIT CARSON--THE FINANCIAL CONDITION OF THE MINERS--AUSTRALIAN MIKE AND HIS TIN CAN--PORTUGUESE JO--THE DIVINING-ROD.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading Much sickness prevailed among the mining classes, caused, as was generally believed, by the very unhealthy climate; but which, in fact, can be better attributed to their habits, mode of life, and intemperance in eating as well as in drinking.

TyphoidnounUS /ˈtaɪfɔɪd/

serious infection marked by intestinal inflammation and ulceration; caused by Salmonella typhosa ingested with food or water

From this reading Typhoid and bilious fevers were the usual complaints, from which many died.

unhealthyadjectiveUS /ənˈhelθi/

not in or exhibiting good health in body or mind

From this reading Much sickness prevailed among the mining classes, caused, as was generally believed, by the very unhealthy climate; but which, in fact, can be better attributed to their habits, mode of life, and intemperance in eating as well as in drinking.

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading The explanation doubtless is that the healthy, strong and able-bodied men were more careless in their habits and mode of life; placed less restraint upon their appetites, and therefore suffered the consequences.

usualadjectiveUS /ˈjuːʒəwəl/

occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure

From this reading Typhoid and bilious fevers were the usual complaints, from which many died.

variousadjectiveUS /ˈveriəs/

of many different kinds purposefully arranged but lacking any uniformity

From this reading One fact was remarkable in relation to those who suffered from the various diseases at this time, which was that those among whom the sickness and mortality were greatest were, as a general rule, the most robust and able-bodied men.

veryadjectiveUS /ˈveri/

precisely as stated

From this reading Much sickness prevailed among the mining classes, caused, as was generally believed, by the very unhealthy climate; but which, in fact, can be better attributed to their habits, mode of life, and intemperance in eating as well as in drinking.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading Much sickness prevailed among the mining classes, caused, as was generally believed, by the very unhealthy climate; but which, in fact, can be better attributed to their habits, mode of life, and intemperance in eating as well as in drinking.

welladverbUS /wel/

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading Much sickness prevailed among the mining classes, caused, as was generally believed, by the very unhealthy climate; but which, in fact, can be better attributed to their habits, mode of life, and intemperance in eating as well as in drinking.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading Typhoid and bilious fevers were the usual complaints, from which many died.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading Much sickness prevailed among the mining classes, caused, as was generally believed, by the very unhealthy climate; but which, in fact, can be better attributed to their habits, mode of life, and intemperance in eating as well as in drinking.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading One fact was remarkable in relation to those who suffered from the various diseases at this time, which was that those among whom the sickness and mortality were greatest were, as a general rule, the most robust and able-bodied men.

whompronounUS /huːm/

the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading One fact was remarkable in relation to those who suffered from the various diseases at this time, which was that those among whom the sickness and mortality were greatest were, as a general rule, the most robust and able-bodied men.

Chapter 9 of The Argonauts of California by Charles Warren Haskins holds 146 sentences, grouped into 30 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the source edition, unabridged, and the chapter records which sentences cover which part of the work so that nothing is dropped. Every word can be tapped for its pronunciation and dictionary entry.

What does chapter 9 of The Argonauts of California contain?

Chapter 9 holds 146 sentences of The Argonauts of California, unabridged, divided into 30 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 9 of The Argonauts of California by Charles Warren Haskins exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 146 sentences, grouped into 30 sections of at most 5 sentences so that a reader can take the chapter in steady, finishable pieces. The chapter also stores a coverage record mapping every one of its sentences to a part of the work, which is how the edition demonstrates that no line was dropped.

How do I study chapter 9 of The Argonauts of California?

Work through the 30 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 30 sections in this chapter is short enough to read once, hear once, and then re-read with the vocabulary in view. Tapping a word plays it alone and opens its dictionary entry with IPA, part of speech and meaning, so the reader is never forced to guess a pronunciation from spelling. Working section by section keeps a long chapter from becoming an undifferentiated wall of text, which is the usual reason a reader abandons a work of this period.

Can chapter 9 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 9 can be played aloud in United States English.

Audio covers the whole chapter: any sentence can be played, and any single word within it can be played on its own. The voice uses United States English. For a work of this period that matters, because spelling is an unreliable guide to pronunciation for vocabulary that has fallen out of daily use, and a learner who guesses wrong tends to keep the error. Hearing the word in its own sentence, and then alone, settles it.

Questions about reading The Argonauts of California

Common questions about reading The Argonauts of California by Charles Warren Haskins on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The Argonauts of California?

Yes. All 0 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #? are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The Argonauts of California is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #?, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The Argonauts of California take to read?

About 5 minutes of reading across 0 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The Argonauts of California section by section

How to work through The Argonauts of California section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 0 chapters of The Argonauts of California to begin.

  2. Read one section

    Each section holds 5 sentences; read it once through.

  3. Listen and tap

    Play the section aloud, then tap any unfamiliar word for its entry.

Vocabulary met early in The Argonauts of California

Words and structures a reader meets early in The Argonauts of California, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Chapter 1
One of the 0 chapters of The Argonauts of California, divided into 5-sentence reading sections.
Chapter 2
One of the 0 chapters of The Argonauts of California, divided into 5-sentence reading sections.
Chapter 3
One of the 0 chapters of The Argonauts of California, divided into 5-sentence reading sections.