ENCYCLOPAEDIA

 

                        The encyclopaedia has developed from the dictionary in the 18th century. A dictionary is mainly on worlds and their definitions. It provides limited information, for the word defined. Sometimes the definition given in the dictionary may not give enough understanding of the word to the reader. He may not understand the meaning, or significance of the word. He may not understand the broad meaning.
                An encyclopaedia is a complete summary of information. This information can be on all branches of knowledge or a particular branch of knowledge.
               An encyclopaedia on the other hand gives a full account on the subject. It gives the most relevant knowledge gathered on that subject. It often includes maps, illustrations, charts. as well as statistics to show relationships.
             The word "encyclopaedia" comes from the classical Greek word meaning, " a general education" The idea of producing an encyclopaedia is very old. The term was first used in 1541.

• Britannica
• wikipedia
• Encarta