Docimacy

or Docimasy, (dos'e-ma-se; do-sim'ahse.) [From Gr. dokimazo, I prove.] The art of a aying metals, or separating them from extraneous matters, and determining the nature and quantity of metallic substances contained in any ore or mineral:-otherwise termed the docimastic art.-(Pharm.) The art or practice of testing the nature and qualities of drugs and poisons. Dock,(dok.) [Du. dok.] (Mar.) An artificial basin for the reception of ships and small craft. D. are of various Fig. 271. SECCION OF DRY DOCK. cla es: thus, wet D. are extensive water areas, generally surrounded by wharves, and affording ingre and egre by means of gates, which, when shut, keep the ship afloat at low water. They are used to allow ships to load and discharge undisturbed by the action of the tide. Dry or graving D. are those which are left dry at low water, or which are rendered so by the use of floodgates or pumps. They are used for overhauling, examining, repairing, or constructing ships. The floor is nearly level, and the keel of the ve el to be docked rests on wooden blocks fastened down to prevent them floating, and of such a height as to admit of the shipwrights getting under the ve el's bottom, (Fig. 271.) Side-shores are put in, to keep the ve el in an upright position, and blocks are fitted in under the bilges as soon as po ible after the water has been got out of the dock.-(Law.) [From Flem. doc ke, a coop.] The railed in-place allotted to a prisoner when he stands his examination or trial in a court of justice. (Bot.) See RUMEX. [s. 295] IMG:p0324_0.jpg:Gravür