Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading This turned out a very easy task, for the document proved of so extraordinary a character that, if published at all, it should obviously be without change.

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

From this reading At the time of the experience of which I am about to write, I was professor of astronomy and higher mathematics at Abercrombie College.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading At the time of the experience of which I am about to write, I was professor of astronomy and higher mathematics at Abercrombie College.

personal knowledge or information about someone or something

From this reading The narrative to which this note is introductory was found among the papers of the late Professor S. Erastus Larrabee, and, as an acquaintance of the gentleman to whom they were bequeathed, I was requested to prepare it for publication.

(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 This turned out a very easy task, for the document proved of so extraordinary a character that, if published at all, it should obviously be without change.

the form of “be” used with “I”

From this reading At the time of the experience of which I am about to write, I was professor of astronomy and higher mathematics at Abercrombie College.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading The narrative to which this note is introductory was found among the papers of the late Professor S. Erastus Larrabee, and, as an acquaintance of the gentleman to whom they were bequeathed, I was requested to prepare it for publication.

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

From this reading The narrative to which this note is introductory was found among the papers of the late Professor S. Erastus Larrabee, and, as an acquaintance of the gentleman to whom they were bequeathed, I was requested to prepare it for publication.

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

From this reading The narrative to which this note is introductory was found among the papers of the late Professor S. Erastus Larrabee, and, as an acquaintance of the gentleman to whom they were bequeathed, I was requested to prepare it for publication.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading It appears certain that the professor never related to any one, while living, the stranger features of the experience here narrated, but this might have been merely from fear that his standing as a man of science would be thereby injured.

third-person singular of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading It appears that the professor did really, at one time in his life, have an attack of vertigo, or something of the sort, under circumstances similar to those described by him, and to that extent his narrative may be founded on fact How soon it shifts from that foundation, or whether it does at all, the reader must conclude for himself.

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

From this reading The narrative to which this note is introductory was found among the papers of the late Professor S. Erastus Larrabee, and, as an acquaintance of the gentleman to whom they were bequeathed, I was requested to prepare it for publication.

the branch of physics that studies celestial bodies and the universe as a whole

From this reading At the time of the experience of which I am about to write, I was professor of astronomy and higher mathematics at Abercrombie College.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading This turned out a very easy task, for the document proved of so extraordinary a character that, if published at all, it should obviously be without change.

(military) an offensive against an enemy (using weapons)

From this reading It appears that the professor did really, at one time in his life, have an attack of vertigo, or something of the sort, under circumstances similar to those described by him, and to that extent his narrative may be founded on fact How soon it shifts from that foundation, or whether it does at all, the reader must conclude for himself.

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

From this reading This turned out a very easy task, for the document proved of so extraordinary a character that, if published at all, it should obviously be without change.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading It appears certain that the professor never related to any one, while living, the stranger features of the experience here narrated, but this might have been merely from fear that his standing as a man of science would be thereby injured.

past form of “bequeath” — leave or give by will after one's death

From this reading The narrative to which this note is introductory was found among the papers of the late Professor S. Erastus Larrabee, and, as an acquaintance of the gentleman to whom they were bequeathed, I was requested to prepare it for publication.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading It appears certain that the professor never related to any one, while living, the stranger features of the experience here narrated, but this might have been merely from fear that his standing as a man of science would be thereby injured.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading It appears that the professor did really, at one time in his life, have an attack of vertigo, or something of the sort, under circumstances similar to those described by him, and to that extent his narrative may be founded on fact How soon it shifts from that foundation, or whether it does at all, the reader must conclude for himself.

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading It appears certain that the professor never related to any one, while living, the stranger features of the experience here narrated, but this might have been merely from fear that his standing as a man of science would be thereby injured.

cause to change; make different; cause a transformation

From this reading This turned out a very easy task, for the document proved of so extraordinary a character that, if published at all, it should obviously be without change.

an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)

From this reading This turned out a very easy task, for the document proved of so extraordinary a character that, if published at all, it should obviously be without change.

your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)

From this reading It appears that the professor did really, at one time in his life, have an attack of vertigo, or something of the sort, under circumstances similar to those described by him, and to that extent his narrative may be founded on fact How soon it shifts from that foundation, or whether it does at all, the reader must conclude for himself.

the body of faculty and students of a college

From this reading At the time of the experience of which I am about to write, I was professor of astronomy and higher mathematics at Abercrombie College.

decide by reasoning; draw or come to a conclusion

From this reading It appears that the professor did really, at one time in his life, have an attack of vertigo, or something of the sort, under circumstances similar to those described by him, and to that extent his narrative may be founded on fact How soon it shifts from that foundation, or whether it does at all, the reader must conclude for himself.

represented in words especially with sharpness and detail

From this reading It appears that the professor did really, at one time in his life, have an attack of vertigo, or something of the sort, under circumstances similar to those described by him, and to that extent his narrative may be founded on fact How soon it shifts from that foundation, or whether it does at all, the reader must conclude for himself.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading It appears that the professor did really, at one time in his life, have an attack of vertigo, or something of the sort, under circumstances similar to those described by him, and to that extent his narrative may be founded on fact How soon it shifts from that foundation, or whether it does at all, the reader must conclude for himself.

writing that provides information (especially information of an official nature)

From this reading This turned out a very easy task, for the document proved of so extraordinary a character that, if published at all, it should obviously be without change.

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

From this reading It appears that the professor did really, at one time in his life, have an attack of vertigo, or something of the sort, under circumstances similar to those described by him, and to that extent his narrative may be founded on fact How soon it shifts from that foundation, or whether it does at all, the reader must conclude for himself.

posing no difficulty; requiring little effort

From this reading This turned out a very easy task, for the document proved of so extraordinary a character that, if published at all, it should obviously be without change.

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

From this reading The narrative to which this note is introductory was found among the papers of the late Professor S. Erastus Larrabee, and, as an acquaintance of the gentleman to whom they were bequeathed, I was requested to prepare it for publication.

undergo or live through a difficult experience

From this reading It appears certain that the professor never related to any one, while living, the stranger features of the experience here narrated, but this might have been merely from fear that his standing as a man of science would be thereby injured.

the point or degree to which something extends

From this reading It appears that the professor did really, at one time in his life, have an attack of vertigo, or something of the sort, under circumstances similar to those described by him, and to that extent his narrative may be founded on fact How soon it shifts from that foundation, or whether it does at all, the reader must conclude for himself.

beyond what is ordinary or usual; highly unusual or exceptional or remarkable

From this reading This turned out a very easy task, for the document proved of so extraordinary a character that, if published at all, it should obviously be without change.

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

From this reading It appears that the professor did really, at one time in his life, have an attack of vertigo, or something of the sort, under circumstances similar to those described by him, and to that extent his narrative may be founded on fact How soon it shifts from that foundation, or whether it does at all, the reader must conclude for himself.

be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event

From this reading It appears certain that the professor never related to any one, while living, the stranger features of the experience here narrated, but this might have been merely from fear that his standing as a man of science would be thereby injured.

plural of “feature” — a prominent attribute or aspect of something

From this reading It appears certain that the professor never related to any one, while living, the stranger features of the experience here narrated, but this might have been merely from fear that his standing as a man of science would be thereby injured.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The narrative to which this note is introductory was found among the papers of the late Professor S. Erastus Larrabee, and, as an acquaintance of the gentleman to whom they were bequeathed, I was requested to prepare it for publication.

set up or found

From this reading The narrative to which this note is introductory was found among the papers of the late Professor S. Erastus Larrabee, and, as an acquaintance of the gentleman to whom they were bequeathed, I was requested to prepare it for publication.

the basis on which something is grounded

From this reading It appears that the professor did really, at one time in his life, have an attack of vertigo, or something of the sort, under circumstances similar to those described by him, and to that extent his narrative may be founded on fact How soon it shifts from that foundation, or whether it does at all, the reader must conclude for himself.

past form of “found” — set up or found

From this reading It appears that the professor did really, at one time in his life, have an attack of vertigo, or something of the sort, under circumstances similar to those described by him, and to that extent his narrative may be founded on fact How soon it shifts from that foundation, or whether it does at all, the reader must conclude for himself.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading It appears that the professor did really, at one time in his life, have an attack of vertigo, or something of the sort, under circumstances similar to those described by him, and to that extent his narrative may be founded on fact How soon it shifts from that foundation, or whether it does at all, the reader must conclude for himself.

a man of refinement

From this reading The narrative to which this note is introductory was found among the papers of the late Professor S. Erastus Larrabee, and, as an acquaintance of the gentleman to whom they were bequeathed, I was requested to prepare it for publication.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading It appears that the professor did really, at one time in his life, have an attack of vertigo, or something of the sort, under circumstances similar to those described by him, and to that extent his narrative may be founded on fact How soon it shifts from that foundation, or whether it does at all, the reader must conclude for himself.

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading It appears certain that the professor never related to any one, while living, the stranger features of the experience here narrated, but this might have been merely from fear that his standing as a man of science would be thereby injured.

advanced in complexity or elaboration

From this reading At the time of the experience of which I am about to write, I was professor of astronomy and higher mathematics at Abercrombie College.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading It appears that the professor did really, at one time in his life, have an attack of vertigo, or something of the sort, under circumstances similar to those described by him, and to that extent his narrative may be founded on fact How soon it shifts from that foundation, or whether it does at all, the reader must conclude for himself.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading It appears that the professor did really, at one time in his life, have an attack of vertigo, or something of the sort, under circumstances similar to those described by him, and to that extent his narrative may be founded on fact How soon it shifts from that foundation, or whether it does at all, the reader must conclude for himself.

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

From this reading It appears that the professor did really, at one time in his life, have an attack of vertigo, or something of the sort, under circumstances similar to those described by him, and to that extent his narrative may be founded on fact How soon it shifts from that foundation, or whether it does at all, the reader must conclude for himself.

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

From this reading It appears that the professor did really, at one time in his life, have an attack of vertigo, or something of the sort, under circumstances similar to those described by him, and to that extent his narrative may be founded on fact How soon it shifts from that foundation, or whether it does at all, the reader must conclude for himself.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading The narrative to which this note is introductory was found among the papers of the late Professor S. Erastus Larrabee, and, as an acquaintance of the gentleman to whom they were bequeathed, I was requested to prepare it for publication.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading This turned out a very easy task, for the document proved of so extraordinary a character that, if published at all, it should obviously be without change.

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

From this reading It appears that the professor did really, at one time in his life, have an attack of vertigo, or something of the sort, under circumstances similar to those described by him, and to that extent his narrative may be founded on fact How soon it shifts from that foundation, or whether it does at all, the reader must conclude for himself.

harmed

From this reading It appears certain that the professor never related to any one, while living, the stranger features of the experience here narrated, but this might have been merely from fear that his standing as a man of science would be thereby injured.

serving to open or begin

From this reading The narrative to which this note is introductory was found among the papers of the late Professor S. Erastus Larrabee, and, as an acquaintance of the gentleman to whom they were bequeathed, I was requested to prepare it for publication.

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

From this reading The narrative to which this note is introductory was found among the papers of the late Professor S. Erastus Larrabee, and, as an acquaintance of the gentleman to whom they were bequeathed, I was requested to prepare it for publication.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The narrative to which this note is introductory was found among the papers of the late Professor S. Erastus Larrabee, and, as an acquaintance of the gentleman to whom they were bequeathed, I was requested to prepare it for publication.

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

From this reading The narrative to which this note is introductory was found among the papers of the late Professor S. Erastus Larrabee, and, as an acquaintance of the gentleman to whom they were bequeathed, I was requested to prepare it for publication.

being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time

From this reading The narrative to which this note is introductory was found among the papers of the late Professor S. Erastus Larrabee, and, as an acquaintance of the gentleman to whom they were bequeathed, I was requested to prepare it for publication.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading It appears that the professor did really, at one time in his life, have an attack of vertigo, or something of the sort, under circumstances similar to those described by him, and to that extent his narrative may be founded on fact How soon it shifts from that foundation, or whether it does at all, the reader must conclude for himself.

the experience of being alive; the course of human events and activities

From this reading It appears certain that the professor never related to any one, while living, the stranger features of the experience here narrated, but this might have been merely from fear that his standing as a man of science would be thereby injured.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading It appears certain that the professor never related to any one, while living, the stranger features of the experience here narrated, but this might have been merely from fear that his standing as a man of science would be thereby injured.

a science (or group of related sciences) dealing with the logic of quantity and shape and arrangement

From this reading At the time of the experience of which I am about to write, I was professor of astronomy and higher mathematics at Abercrombie College.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading It appears that the professor did really, at one time in his life, have an attack of vertigo, or something of the sort, under circumstances similar to those described by him, and to that extent his narrative may be founded on fact How soon it shifts from that foundation, or whether it does at all, the reader must conclude for himself.

and nothing more

From this reading It appears certain that the professor never related to any one, while living, the stranger features of the experience here narrated, but this might have been merely from fear that his standing as a man of science would be thereby injured.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading It appears certain that the professor never related to any one, while living, the stranger features of the experience here narrated, but this might have been merely from fear that his standing as a man of science would be thereby injured.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading It appears that the professor did really, at one time in his life, have an attack of vertigo, or something of the sort, under circumstances similar to those described by him, and to that extent his narrative may be founded on fact How soon it shifts from that foundation, or whether it does at all, the reader must conclude for himself.

past form of “narrate” — provide commentary for a film, for example

From this reading It appears certain that the professor never related to any one, while living, the stranger features of the experience here narrated, but this might have been merely from fear that his standing as a man of science would be thereby injured.

a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading The narrative to which this note is introductory was found among the papers of the late Professor S. Erastus Larrabee, and, as an acquaintance of the gentleman to whom they were bequeathed, I was requested to prepare it for publication.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading It appears certain that the professor never related to any one, while living, the stranger features of the experience here narrated, but this might have been merely from fear that his standing as a man of science would be thereby injured.

a brief written record

From this reading The narrative to which this note is introductory was found among the papers of the late Professor S. Erastus Larrabee, and, as an acquaintance of the gentleman to whom they were bequeathed, I was requested to prepare it for publication.

unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)

From this reading This turned out a very easy task, for the document proved of so extraordinary a character that, if published at all, it should obviously be without change.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The narrative to which this note is introductory was found among the papers of the late Professor S. Erastus Larrabee, and, as an acquaintance of the gentleman to whom they were bequeathed, I was requested to prepare it for publication.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading It appears that the professor did really, at one time in his life, have an attack of vertigo, or something of the sort, under circumstances similar to those described by him, and to that extent his narrative may be founded on fact How soon it shifts from that foundation, or whether it does at all, the reader must conclude for himself.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading It appears that the professor did really, at one time in his life, have an attack of vertigo, or something of the sort, under circumstances similar to those described by him, and to that extent his narrative may be founded on fact How soon it shifts from that foundation, or whether it does at all, the reader must conclude for himself.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading It appears that the professor did really, at one time in his life, have an attack of vertigo, or something of the sort, under circumstances similar to those described by him, and to that extent his narrative may be founded on fact How soon it shifts from that foundation, or whether it does at all, the reader must conclude for himself.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading This turned out a very easy task, for the document proved of so extraordinary a character that, if published at all, it should obviously be without change.

writing that provides information (especially information of an official nature)

From this reading The narrative to which this note is introductory was found among the papers of the late Professor S. Erastus Larrabee, and, as an acquaintance of the gentleman to whom they were bequeathed, I was requested to prepare it for publication.

make ready or suitable or equip in advance for a particular purpose or for some use, event, etc

From this reading The narrative to which this note is introductory was found among the papers of the late Professor S. Erastus Larrabee, and, as an acquaintance of the gentleman to whom they were bequeathed, I was requested to prepare it for publication.

someone who is a member of the faculty at a college or university

From this reading The narrative to which this note is introductory was found among the papers of the late Professor S. Erastus Larrabee, and, as an acquaintance of the gentleman to whom they were bequeathed, I was requested to prepare it for publication.

established beyond doubt

From this reading This turned out a very easy task, for the document proved of so extraordinary a character that, if published at all, it should obviously be without change.

a copy of a printed work offered for distribution

From this reading The narrative to which this note is introductory was found among the papers of the late Professor S. Erastus Larrabee, and, as an acquaintance of the gentleman to whom they were bequeathed, I was requested to prepare it for publication.

prepared and printed for distribution and sale

From this reading This turned out a very easy task, for the document proved of so extraordinary a character that, if published at all, it should obviously be without change.

a person who enjoys reading

From this reading It appears that the professor did really, at one time in his life, have an attack of vertigo, or something of the sort, under circumstances similar to those described by him, and to that extent his narrative may be founded on fact How soon it shifts from that foundation, or whether it does at all, the reader must conclude for himself.

in accordance with truth or fact or reality

From this reading It appears that the professor did really, at one time in his life, have an attack of vertigo, or something of the sort, under circumstances similar to those described by him, and to that extent his narrative may be founded on fact How soon it shifts from that foundation, or whether it does at all, the reader must conclude for himself.

being connected either logically or causally or by shared characteristics

From this reading It appears certain that the professor never related to any one, while living, the stranger features of the experience here narrated, but this might have been merely from fear that his standing as a man of science would be thereby injured.

asked for

From this reading The narrative to which this note is introductory was found among the papers of the late Professor S. Erastus Larrabee, and, as an acquaintance of the gentleman to whom they were bequeathed, I was requested to prepare it for publication.

1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites

From this reading The narrative to which this note is introductory was found among the papers of the late Professor S. Erastus Larrabee, and, as an acquaintance of the gentleman to whom they were bequeathed, I was requested to prepare it for publication.

a particular branch of scientific knowledge

From this reading It appears certain that the professor never related to any one, while living, the stranger features of the experience here narrated, but this might have been merely from fear that his standing as a man of science would be thereby injured.

plural of “shift” — an event in which something is displaced without rotation

From this reading It appears that the professor did really, at one time in his life, have an attack of vertigo, or something of the sort, under circumstances similar to those described by him, and to that extent his narrative may be founded on fact How soon it shifts from that foundation, or whether it does at all, the reader must conclude for himself.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading This turned out a very easy task, for the document proved of so extraordinary a character that, if published at all, it should obviously be without change.

marked by correspondence or resemblance

From this reading It appears that the professor did really, at one time in his life, have an attack of vertigo, or something of the sort, under circumstances similar to those described by him, and to that extent his narrative may be founded on fact How soon it shifts from that foundation, or whether it does at all, the reader must conclude for himself.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading This turned out a very easy task, for the document proved of so extraordinary a character that, if published at all, it should obviously be without change.

a thing, without saying which

From this reading It appears that the professor did really, at one time in his life, have an attack of vertigo, or something of the sort, under circumstances similar to those described by him, and to that extent his narrative may be founded on fact How soon it shifts from that foundation, or whether it does at all, the reader must conclude for himself.

in the near future

From this reading It appears that the professor did really, at one time in his life, have an attack of vertigo, or something of the sort, under circumstances similar to those described by him, and to that extent his narrative may be founded on fact How soon it shifts from that foundation, or whether it does at all, the reader must conclude for himself.

a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality

From this reading It appears that the professor did really, at one time in his life, have an attack of vertigo, or something of the sort, under circumstances similar to those described by him, and to that extent his narrative may be founded on fact How soon it shifts from that foundation, or whether it does at all, the reader must conclude for himself.

having a supporting base

From this reading It appears certain that the professor never related to any one, while living, the stranger features of the experience here narrated, but this might have been merely from fear that his standing as a man of science would be thereby injured.

anyone who does not belong in the environment in which they are found

From this reading It appears certain that the professor never related to any one, while living, the stranger features of the experience here narrated, but this might have been merely from fear that his standing as a man of science would be thereby injured.

any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted

From this reading This turned out a very easy task, for the document proved of so extraordinary a character that, if published at all, it should obviously be without change.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading This turned out a very easy task, for the document proved of so extraordinary a character that, if published at all, it should obviously be without change.

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

From this reading The narrative to which this note is introductory was found among the papers of the late Professor S. Erastus Larrabee, and, as an acquaintance of the gentleman to whom they were bequeathed, I was requested to prepare it for publication.

by that means or because of that

From this reading It appears certain that the professor never related to any one, while living, the stranger features of the experience here narrated, but this might have been merely from fear that his standing as a man of science would be thereby injured.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading The narrative to which this note is introductory was found among the papers of the late Professor S. Erastus Larrabee, and, as an acquaintance of the gentleman to whom they were bequeathed, I was requested to prepare it for publication.

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

From this reading The narrative to which this note is introductory was found among the papers of the late Professor S. Erastus Larrabee, and, as an acquaintance of the gentleman to whom they were bequeathed, I was requested to prepare it for publication.

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

From this reading It appears that the professor did really, at one time in his life, have an attack of vertigo, or something of the sort, under circumstances similar to those described by him, and to that extent his narrative may be founded on fact How soon it shifts from that foundation, or whether it does at all, the reader must conclude for himself.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading It appears that the professor did really, at one time in his life, have an attack of vertigo, or something of the sort, under circumstances similar to those described by him, and to that extent his narrative may be founded on fact How soon it shifts from that foundation, or whether it does at all, the reader must conclude for himself.

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

From this reading The narrative to which this note is introductory was found among the papers of the late Professor S. Erastus Larrabee, and, as an acquaintance of the gentleman to whom they were bequeathed, I was requested to prepare it for publication.

moved around an axis or center

From this reading This turned out a very easy task, for the document proved of so extraordinary a character that, if published at all, it should obviously be without change.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading It appears that the professor did really, at one time in his life, have an attack of vertigo, or something of the sort, under circumstances similar to those described by him, and to that extent his narrative may be founded on fact How soon it shifts from that foundation, or whether it does at all, the reader must conclude for himself.

a reeling sensation; a feeling that you are about to fall

From this reading It appears that the professor did really, at one time in his life, have an attack of vertigo, or something of the sort, under circumstances similar to those described by him, and to that extent his narrative may be founded on fact How soon it shifts from that foundation, or whether it does at all, the reader must conclude for himself.

precisely as stated

From this reading This turned out a very easy task, for the document proved of so extraordinary a character that, if published at all, it should obviously be without change.

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

From this reading The narrative to which this note is introductory was found among the papers of the late Professor S. Erastus Larrabee, and, as an acquaintance of the gentleman to whom they were bequeathed, I was requested to prepare it for publication.

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

From this reading The narrative to which this note is introductory was found among the papers of the late Professor S. Erastus Larrabee, and, as an acquaintance of the gentleman to whom they were bequeathed, I was requested to prepare it for publication.

used to introduce two or more possibilities

From this reading It appears that the professor did really, at one time in his life, have an attack of vertigo, or something of the sort, under circumstances similar to those described by him, and to that extent his narrative may be founded on fact How soon it shifts from that foundation, or whether it does at all, the reader must conclude for himself.

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

From this reading The narrative to which this note is introductory was found among the papers of the late Professor S. Erastus Larrabee, and, as an acquaintance of the gentleman to whom they were bequeathed, I was requested to prepare it for publication.

during the time that

From this reading It appears certain that the professor never related to any one, while living, the stranger features of the experience here narrated, but this might have been merely from fear that his standing as a man of science would be thereby injured.

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

From this reading The narrative to which this note is introductory was found among the papers of the late Professor S. Erastus Larrabee, and, as an acquaintance of the gentleman to whom they were bequeathed, I was requested to prepare it for publication.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading This turned out a very easy task, for the document proved of so extraordinary a character that, if published at all, it should obviously be without change.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading It appears certain that the professor never related to any one, while living, the stranger features of the experience here narrated, but this might have been merely from fear that his standing as a man of science would be thereby injured.

produce a literary work

From this reading At the time of the experience of which I am about to write, I was professor of astronomy and higher mathematics at Abercrombie College.