TANTALUS CUP
\tˈantaləs kˈʌp], \tˈantaləs kˈʌp], \t_ˈa_n_t_a_l_ə_s k_ˈʌ_p]\
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A philosophical toy, consisting of a siphon so adapted to a cup that the short leg being in the cup, the long leg may go down through the bottom of it. The siphon is concealed within the figure of a man, whose chin is on a level with the bend of the siphon. Hence, as soon as the water rises up to the chin of the image it begins to subside, so that the figure, like Tantalus in the fable, is unable to quench his thirst.
By Daniel Lyons
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Snake's-head
- Guinea-hen flower; -- so called in England because its spotted petals resemble the scales of a snake's head.