LAO-TSE. 769 LA PAZ. LAO-TSE, or LAO-TSTJ, lou'tsu' (Chin., 'Veneraljle l^hilusoplKi'j . An ancient Cliinese sage, the reputed founder of the philosopliy known a.s Taoism (q.v. ). Little is known re- garding him that is absolutely trustworthy, 'i'hat lie e.visted is beyond doubt, for Sze-ma Ts'ien, the Chinese historian, who wrote about B.C. 100, mentions him and gives the longest sketch of his life that we have. His real name was Li Urhj a name of no special significance, as Li is the commonest of surnames in China. It means 'plum-tree,' and has served the legenil- mongers as a peg on which to hang the story that he was born imder a plum-tree, and that he im- n:ediately pointed to the tree, saying. "From this tree 1 take ni}' name." Another legend is that he was white-haired when he was born, having been •carried for seventy years in his mother's wonil), and from this circumstance he is known as Lao- tse, which may mean 'old boy" as well as vener- able philosopher. His postlnimous title was Peh Vang, or 'Earl Yang,' and his appellation Tan, which means 'llat-eared.' He was born, accord- ing to Szc-nia. in the village of Kiuh-jin { mis- directed benevolence'), in the parish of Li ('cruelty'), the prefecture of Ku ('bitterness'), iind the principality of Ts'u ('distress'), sup- posed to have been situated in what is now the Province of Ho-nan, or perhaps the neighboring Province of Xgan-hwei. This was in B.C. 004. At some time in his life he became librarian and archivist of the Chow draasty. whose capital was at Lo-Yang, in Ho-nan. He had a consider- able induence on Confucius, who visited him about n.c. 517, and learned from him a lesson in humility. In his old age Lao-tse retired and betook him- self to the frontier, whether of his own State or of the Empire is imcertain. There he lingered for a time, instructing 'in-hi. the warden, and at his request wrote a book of about 5000 words, in ■which ho discussed the concepts of Tao and Teh. for which see the article Taoism. WHien or where lie died is not known. Legend states that when last seen he was riding away into the wilderness of Tibet, mounted on a black ox. Some ill- advised attempts have been made to Latinize his name into Lnocius. Consult: Watters. Lno-I^u. o Studi/ in Cliinese Philosopliy (London. 1S701, and Carus, Lao-tze's Tao-leh-Kinq (Chicago, 1898). LAP'AROT'OMY (from fik. Xairdpa. Inpnra, flank, loins -|- to/ijJ, tomC; a cutting, from riij.- jKiv, temncin, to cut). . surgical term, used to designate making an incision through tlic abdo- minal walls and peritoneum, for the jinrpose of exploring or operating upon the abdominal or pelvic viscera. The term is being re))laced by <'o'!iotoniy (from Gk. KoMa. koilia. hollow, abdo- men + To/xi5, tome, n cutting) , which is more fxact. Consult: Park, f^urfierii hi/ Anfricnii Authors (3d pd.. New Y'ork, 1001); Jacobson and Steward, The Operations of Surgery (4th «d., London, 1002). LA PAZ, la piith. ffotdh Ameriean pron. pils. A city in the Province of Entre Rios, Argen- tina, situated on the left bank of the Parans'i. 87 miles northeast of the city of Parana (Map: Argentina. F 10). It is a regular stopping- place for steamers on the river, and an important port of transit between Buenos .yres and Asun- cion. Its chief exports are hides and i)rcserved beef. It was foimded in 18.30, and is growing. Pojjulation. over 0000. LA PAZ. The largest and best populated de- ]iartment of Bolivia, occupying the northwestern portion of the Kepuljlic (.Map: Bolivia, D 7). It is bounded by Brazil on tiic north the Bolivian departments of Cochaljamba and Beni on the east, by Oruro on the south, and Peru on the west. its area cannot be given exactly, owing to the indeliniteness of the boundaries, but may be taken as over 200,000 scpiare miles. Geograph- ically it is divided into two parts, ditl'ering radically from each other in the formation of their surface. The northern and larger part, which was formerly included in the Department of Beni, is an extensive plain, thickly wooded and well watered by the numerous tributaries of the Beni and the Purus. This region has a hot and unhealthful climate and is inhabited mostly by Indians. The southern portion belongs mostly to the region of the Cordillera Real, ami is exceedingly mountaincnis. containing some of the highest peaks of the continent, such as Illi- niani and Illamiiu. It is drained by the upper portion of the Beni, and takes in a large part of Lake Titicaca with its outlet, the Desagua- dero. The generally nioimtainous surface is di- versified by numerous elevated valleys, covered with luxuriant vegetation and having a delight- ful climate. The main agricultural products are corn, wheat, potatoes, coffee, sugar, rice, cacao, etc. Cattle-raising is carried on extensively, and the natural conditions of the region are very favorable for the development of that industry. The mining industries of the State are also im- portant. Gold, copper, silver, and tin are the chief mineral products. The population, exclud- ing uncivilized Indians, was otTieiallv estimated in 1808 at 350.000, including about "250,000 In- dians and only about 21.000 whites. Capital, La Paz (q.v.). LA PAZ. A city and the capital of the De- partment of La Paz, Bolivia. It is situated on the Chuquiapu River. 30 miles southeast of Lake Titicaca. more than 12.000 feet above sea- level, and has a cool and healthful climate (Map: Bolivia. D 7). It has paved streets, and there are twenty bridges crossing the river. It has several squares, on one of which, the Plaza Mayor, stands the fine cathedral, as yet incom- plete, and the ruined Government building. There are several h: dsome drives and promenades, one of which, the Alameda, is very broad and entered by three iron gates. "The city has a university, with faculties of law, medi- cine, and theology: a national college and seminary, a museum, a public library, two hos- pitals, and various scientific and philanthropic societies. The industries of the city are unim- portant, but it has an active trade in the agri- cultural and mining products of the surrounding district. Population. 45.000. La Paz was found- ed in 1548 by Alonso de Mendoza. In its early history it suffered several times from Indian uprisings, being once besieged for four months by 100,000 Indians. It was the first Peruvian city to revolt against Spain. LA PAZ, la piis. A port on the eastern shore of Lower California, Mexico, situated on the Bay of La Paz (Map: ;Moxico. n 51. Formerly it was the seat of a valuable pearl-fishery, but the chief occupation now is trade in the products
