HICCOUGH * HICCOUGH (hik'up), or HICCUP, a series of sudden, rapid, and brief inspi- »ations, followed by expiration accom- panied by noise. It is generally caused by irritation of the stomach. It also accompanies certain fevers. HIGHBORN, PHILIP, an American naval officer, born in Charlestown, Mass., in 1839. He studied in the Boston public schools and for a time worked in the Boston Navy Yard, afterward becoming master shipwright of the Mare Island Navy Yard in 1862. In 1868 he entered the navy with the rank of lieutenant and served as assistant naval constructor till 1875, when he became full constructor. In 1879 he was sent to Europe to report ©n foreign dock yards. His researches on that subject resulted in a text book which became standard. He served on many important naval boards, in 1893 w^as made chief constructor of the navy, and had much to do with the creation of the American modern navy. He was retired in 1901 with the rank of rear- admiral. His published writings include "European Dockyards," "Standard Boats," and "Sheathed and Unsheathed Ships." He invented the Franklin life buoy and the Hichborn balanced turrets. HICHENS, ROBERT SMYTHE, an English journalist and novelist; born in Speldhurst, Kent, England, Nov. 14, 1864. Though at the age of 17 he wrote a novel which was actually published, he secins to have been most bent on a musical career ; but he wearied of music, and turned to journalism. In 1893 he visited Egypt for his health, and while there conceived the idea which mate- rialized in the "Imaginative Man" (1895). He also wrote "The Green Car- nation" (1894), "After Tomorrow," and "New Love" (1895) ; "The Folly of Eu- stace and Other Stories" (1896); "Flames" (1897); "Garden of Allah" (1905); "Call of the Blood" (1906); "Barbary Sheep" (1909) ; "The Way of Ambition" (1913); "In the Wilderness" (1917); etc. HICKORY, in botany and commerce, the severai species Carya, a genus of Jtiglaiidacese. C, alba is the shell-bark, scaly-bark, or shag-bark hickory, from the tendency of the bark to peel off in long, loose strips. Its wood is noted for its_ elasticity and toughness, growing in this country from South Carolina to New Hampshire. Other species of the genus are the mocker-nut, white-heart, or common hickory (C. tomentosa), the wood of which is excellent for mechanical purposes, or for burning, the bitter-nut or swamp hickory (C. ) HIDALGO aviaya), the pig-nut hickoiy, or hog- nut or broom hickory (C. porcina), the nutmeg hickory (C. myristicas for mis), etc. The hickory of New South Wales is Eucalyptus sturatiana and E. resini- fera, HICKS, ELIAS, an American clergj'- man; born in Hempstead, N. Y., March 19, 1748; began his ministry among the Quakers in 1775 and devoted himself un- tiringly to his work for over 50 years without any compensation. He was an active abolitionist and in company with others was instrumental in inducing the State of New York to pass an act which, on July 4, 1827, liberated all slaves within its borders. His doctrinal views, which were not acceptable to many Quakers, led to a disruption of the so- ciety, and a body adhering to his teach- ings was organized under the name of "Hicksites." His publications include "Observations on Slavery" (1811); "The Letters of Elias Hicks" (1834) ; etc. He died in Jericho, N. Y., Feb. 27, 1830. HICKS-BEACH, MICHAEL, ED- WARD, VISCOUNT ST. ALDWYN, an English statesman and financier, born in London in 1837. He was educated at Eton and at Christ Church, Oxford. In 1864 he was elected to Parliament and again in 1885, serving till 1906. From 1874 to 1878 he was Chief Secre- tary for Ireland, serving again in that capacity in 1886-1887. From 1878 to 1880 he was Secretary of State for the Colonies. He became Chancellor of the Exchequer under Lord Salisbury in 1885. He was at the same time leader of the House of Commons. This office he held for one year. From 1888 to 1892 he was president of the Board of Trade and was again appointed Chancellor of the Exchequer following the retirement of the Gladstone ministry. He held this post with great success until he resigned in 1902. He bitterly opposed the tariff policy of Joseph Chamberiain and founded the Unionist Free Food League. In 1905 he was made a viscount, and in 1908 was a member of the Ecclesiastical Commission. He died in 1916. HIDALGO, a State of Mexico, the northern and northeastern portions of which are mountainous, being crossed by the east range of the Sierra Madre, whose highest elevation is over 10,000 feet. The southern and western parts of the State contain many fertile valleys. The agricultural products include cereals, sugar cane, tobacco, coffee, etc. Mining is an important industry. Sil- ver, iron, lead, and zinc are produced. Coal and marble are also found there.
