POLES

(Yunanca köken — orijinale bakınız.) In Geometry and Astronomy, the extremities of an axis of rotation of a sphere or spheroid. In spherics, the poles of a great circle are the extremities of the straight line perpendicular to the plane of the circle, and pa ing through its centre. The poles of the ecliptic are the points about which the stars are carried by the slow motion of the prece ion of the equinoxes;' the poles qf the equator, or poles of the trorld, are the two points about which the stars perform their diurnal rotation; the poles of the horizon are the zenith and nadir; the poles of the meridian are the points of the horizon due east and west. Poles, in Physics, are the points of a body in which its attractive or repulsive energy appears to be concentrated. Thus, the poles of a magnet are the opposite points in which the magnetic force is collected. POLICE, is a term employed to designate those regulations which have for their object to secure the maintenance of good order, cleanline , health, . in cities and country districts; and it is also used to designate the description of force by which these objects are effected. This force differs from military in its being commanded by civil officers, and not being under military law; but it is generally drilled and armed in a hall military manner, and has a distinctive uniform i. The police force is employed alike to prevent and detect offences; and may be either open or secret. By an open police is meant officers dre ed in their accustomed uniform, and known to every body; while, by a secret polict is meant oflRcers whom It may be difficult or impo ible to distinguish from certain cla es of citizens, whose dre and manners they may think it expedient to aS' sume. The latter are employed that they may, without exciting the suspicion of guilty parties, or of thos« who are projecting some outrage, acquire their coii' fidence, and, by making the in selves masters of theii secrets, secure their apprehension or prevent the out rage. It is needle to say that the employment of [s. 959]