Literary notes about efflorescence (AI summary)
In literature, the term "efflorescence" serves as a multifaceted metaphor that transcends its literal meaning of crystalline deposits on surfaces [1, 2] and extends into realms of aesthetic, cultural, and even physiological flourishing [3, 4, 5]. Writers employ it to evoke images of a peak moment—the brilliant blooming of art, civilization, or even personal emotion—as well as to describe physical processes such as the salt encrustations on walls or rocks [6, 7]. Whether alluding to the transient beauty of natural phenomena or symbolizing the zenith of creative and cultural expression [8, 9, 10], the word imbues a vivid quality of growth and culmination that resonates on multiple layers throughout literary discourse.
- Furthermore, when sea-sand is used in walls and these are coated with stucco, a salty efflorescence is given out which spoils the surface.
— from The Ten Books on Architecture by Vitruvius Pollio - Recently I noticed a white efflorescence on the greater part of the tube inside the cistern.
— from Cooley's Cyclopædia of Practical Receipts and Collateral Information in the Arts, Manufactures, Professions, and Trades..., Sixth Edition, Volume II by Richard Vine Tuson - Both Gothic architecture and this perfection of Gothic poetry were the springing and efflorescence of that age, impossible to grow again.
— from Sunny Memories Of Foreign Lands, Volume 1 by Harriet Beecher Stowe - And what was the origin of this majestic city and its efflorescence of palatial town houses and country seats?
— from Following the Equator: A Journey Around the World by Mark Twain - Every nation, it appears, has its time of growth and its period of efflorescence, after which comes the age of decay.
— from The Moors in Spain by Stanley Lane-Poole - The ground hereabouts produces a whitish efflorescence, and emits a most offensive sulphurous smell.
— from Roman Mosaics; Or, Studies in Rome and Its Neighbourhood by Hugh Macmillan - Potsherd showing saline efflorescence 5 5 .
— from The Preservation of Antiquities: A Handbook for Curators by Friedrich Rathgen - The efflorescence of the arts is one of the expressions of a profound faith.
— from Catholic World, Vol. 24, October, 1876, to March, 1877 A Monthly Magazine of General Literature and Science by Various - Such thoughts are an efflorescence of feeling; the enhancement of a mood or sentiment is their aim; congruity of emotion, their binding tie.
— from How We Think by John Dewey - This efflorescence of light is the equivalent of the final metamorphosis, which is usually represented by the gift of wings and flight.
— from The Glow-Worm and Other Beetles by Jean-Henri Fabre
