Amberger, Chris Toph

a German painter, B. at Nürnberg, 1490. His principal work is the "History of Joseph," in 12 pictures; D. 1568 or 1569. Am'bergris, n . [Eng. amber , and Fr.gris , gray.] ( Chem . ) An ashen-gray, light, soft substance, which is found floating in water; spec. grav. 78 to 92; smell, agreeable; taste, insipid; soluble in alcohol and depositing crystals. It is a concretion apparently formed in the stomach or intestines of the Physeter macrocephalus , or spermaceti whale. The best kind comes from the coasts of Madagascar, Surinam, and Java. It is occasionally found in large ma es, sometimes of the weight of upwards of 200 lbs. When first found floating in the sea, it is soft, and of a very strong smell; this diminishes by degrees, as it hardens by exposure to the air, and ultimately becomes highly aromatic. The active principle contained in A. is chiefly used as a perfume, generally in the form of an alcoholic solution. The Orientals use it as an aphrodisiac, and esteem it highly. It has also been used in nervous diseases. Ambergris Key, an island in the Bay of Honduras, 30 m. from Belize, about 30 m. long, and 3 broad. Lat. 18° 50′ N.; Lon. 87° 48′ W. Amber Seed, n . The seed of the Hiliscus abelmoschus. It resembles millet, is brought from the West Indies and Egypt, is of a bitterish taste, with a flavor resembling that of musk. It is also called musk-seed. Am'berson's Valley, in Pennsylvania , a post-office of Franklin co. Ambidexter, n . [Lat. ambo, both, and dexter , the right hand.] One who can use both hands with equal facility, and for the like purposes that the generality of people do with their right hands. A person acting with both sides. ( Law . ) A juror who takes bribes from both parties to influence his verdict.