EUNUCH

(Gr. ivvr,, a bed, and e%6<v, in the sense of to have the care of.) A term applied to those who have been subjected to the operation of castration. The fortunes of such individuals form an eventful chapter in the history of the human race; whether we consider the purposes for which the operation was performed, or the rfumbers of those who have undergone it. This practice seems to have originated in the jealousy whicli prevails in eastern countries. As far back as Ihe time of Hero dot us, it was carried to a great extent by the Persians, who not merely intrusted to eunuchs the care of their wives and daughters, but considered them in every respect as more trustworthy than other individuals. In the middle ages the " chief of the eunuchs" was one of the most important functionaries of eastern government; and the seraglios of these countries are superintended by eunuchs even in the present day. In modern times the lo of virility is in some countries believed to preserve and improve the voice; and hence, especially in Italy, this operation is practised upon children intended to supply the operas of Europe with singers. Zeal for religion has also caused many persons to undergo this operation, in the view of guarding themselves from sensual pleasures. As early as the third century there arose a cla of enthusiasts, who, animated by the example of Origen, not only castrated those of their own persuasion, but even all persons on whom they could lay their hands. Several of the Christian Roman emperors instituted severe prohibitions against this revolting practice; and at a later period the Council of Nice excluded from tlie pale of the church all who, actuated by whatever motives, had allowed themselves to be thus mutilated EUPATRIDJe. (Gr. euT«T{.^a<.) In Ancient History, the nobles of Attica, in whose hands in early times all the power of government was vested, in consequence of which the lower orders sunk into a low state of degradation, being particularly oppre ed by their debts which the pre ure of their circumstances compelled them to incur, and which, if not paid, gave the creditor power over the bodies and liberties of the debtor and his family. These evils were remedied by the legislation of Solon, who reduced the interest of debts, and deprived the creditor of his power over the body of the debtor, and at the same time threw the judicial and much of the legislative power into the hands of the people at large or Demus (A^,u.«f). The alterations in the constitution of Athens subsequent to the time of Solon by degrees deE rived the Eupatridae of all their political privileges, and nally established an unmixed democracy. [s. 435]