DANCING GIKLS. 771 DANDIN. are recognized in India. Consult Whitworth, Anglo-Indian Diciionary ( Lundon, 1885). See Uayadebe; Xaitch. DANCING MANIA. A form of epidemic disorder allied to liysteria (q.v.), and evidently the result of iniitalive eiuotions acting upon sus- ceptible subjects, under tlie inlluence of a craving for sympathy or notoriety. There is little doubt that imposture entered to a considerable extent into all the epidemic forms of the dancing mania, which indeed were usiuvlh' attended by conse- quences that showed clearly the presence of impure motives; but there is also evidence that in many cases the convulsive movements were really beyond the control of the will, whatever may have been the original character of the motives that prompted them. Epidemics of this sort were connnon in Germany during the iliddle Ages; in Italy, a somewhat similar disease was ascribed to the bite of a sjjider called the taran- tula (see Tahantism) ; and similar convulsive aflections have been witnessed in Abyssinia, India, and even in comparatively modem times and in the most civilized countries in Europe, under the influence of strong pojiular excite- ment, especially connected with religious demon- strations. The true dancing mania of the Middle Ages, however, prevailed chiefly in the crowded cities of Germany. In July, 1374, there apjieared at Aix-la-CIia- pelle assemblies of men and women, who began to dance on the streets, screaming and foaming like persons possessed. The attacks of this mania were various in form, according to mental, local, or religious conditions. The dancers, losing all control over tlieir movements, continued whirling in wild 'delirium till they fell in ex- treme exhausti(m, and groaned as in the agonies of death : some dashed out tlieir brains against walls. When dancing, they were insensible to ex- ternal impressions, but were haunted by visions, such as of being immersed in a sea of blood, which obliged them to leap high, or of seeing the heavens open, and tlie Saviour enthroned with the Virgin Mary. The frenzy spread over many of the towns of the Low Countries. Troojjs of dancers, inflamed by into.xicating music, and* followed by crowds, who caught the mental in- fection, went from place to place, taking posses- sion of the religious liouses, and pouring out imprecations against the priests. The mania spread to Cologne, Metz, and Strassburg, giving rise to many disorders and impostures and much profligacy. Exorcism had been found an efflca- eio>is remedy at the commencement of the out- break; and in the beginning of the sixteenth century Paracelsus, that great reformer of medi- cine, applied immersion in cold water with great success. At the beginning of the seventeenth cen- tury the Saint Vitus's dance, as the atTection was called (see Chorea), was already on the decline; and it now occurs only in single cases as a sort ol nervous afi'ection. For a detailed account of the phenomenon, consult Hecker, The Dancing Mania of the Middle Ages (3d ed., London, 18.50). DANCLA, dilN'kla', -Jean Baptlste Charle.s (181S — ). A French violini.st and composer. He studied under Baillot, Halevy, and Berton, and gained many prizes for his proficiency. In 1857 he was appointed professor of the violin at the Paris Conservatory and had many eminently suieessful pupils. He was famous for his execu- tion and tone as a player, as much a.s for his many successful compositions, notably his Etudes, and exercises for the violin. D'ANCONA, d;inkr/ni, Alessandro (1835 — ). An Italian literary historian, born at Pisa. He was educated in Florence, and in 1800 became professtu' of literature in the University of Pisa. His works consist of valu- able studies in early ItaJian literature, a lield. little known imtil his time. He edited various texts with critical notes and prefaces, including stories, legends, curious traditions, and notably an edition of the Vila Xiwia (2d ed. 1884). His other writings include: Opcre di Tomm-aso Cam- puncUu, scelte, ordinate ed annotate (1854); Sacre rapiireseHtaziotU dei secoli AVI'., XV. e .VI. (1872), and Origini del ieatro in Italia (1887). DANCOUKT, da.x'knor' Florent Carton ( l(ilJL172j) . A French dramatist and actor. He was born at Fontainebleau, November 1, 1001, and was educated by the Jesuits. He practiced law for a time, but after marrying an actress took to the stage and in 1085 ajjpeared as an actor at the Theatre Francais with popular success and royal favor. In that year his first play, Le notaire obligeant, won applause. It was followed by many others, of which Le chevalier a la mode (1087) is his best, if indeed it be his, which is doubtful. In 1718 he retired from Paris and the stage, and occupied his declining years with a metrical version of the Psalms, and a sacred tragedy. He died at Courcelles (Indre et Loire), December 6, 1725. His rather farcical comedies are best when dealing with middle and low life and the- peasantry. They are easy and witty in dialogue, realistic in treatment, and not infrequently in- troduce events and persons of passing notoriety. Dancourt's Works were collected in 12 volumes (1760), his select TTorks in five volumes (1810). Consult Lemaltre, La comcdie aprcs Moliere et le theatre dc Dancourt (Paris, 1882). D'ANCRE, dax'kr'. See Axcre. DANDELION (Fr. dent dc lion, tooth of a lion, referring to the teeth on the leaves). Tarax- acum officinale. A stemless perennial or bien- nial plant of the natural order Compositce, native to Euro2)e and Asia, and now common in all tem- perate countries. The dandelion is used to a considerable extent both in England and the United States for greens and the blanched leaves for salads. Several improved varieties, mostly of French origin, are in cultivation. The root is employed in incdicine and is sometimes ground and used to adulterate coffee. The (ilant called the fall dandelion is Lcontodon autumnalis. For illustration, see Salau Plants. DAN'DIE DIN'MONT. See Terrier. DANDIN, duu'don. A Sanskrit author who i.s believed to have flourished in the latter part of the sixth century A.n. He composed a well- loiown Sanskrit novel or series of stories, entitleil DaSa-tumara-eurita, or Adventures of the Ten. Princes, a sort of romance of roguery. He is also the author of a valuable rhetorical treatise entitled Kavyadur.ia, or Mirror of Poetry, and some scholars, like Pisehel. have sought to ascribe the Sanskrit play Mrceha-halilca (q.v.) to his pen. Dandin was probably the earlie.st
