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Bourbon
One of the most important ruling houses of Europe. Its members were descended from Louis I, duc de Bourbon from 1327 to 1342, grandson of the French king Louis IX. Bourbons subsequently ruled in France (1589-1792, 1814-48); in Spain (1700-1868, 1870-73, 1874-1931, and since 1975); and in Naples and Sicily (1735-1861). Among its prominent members were Henry IV, Louis XIII, Louis XIV, Louis XV, Louis XVI, and Philip V.
boron
Semimetallic chemical element, chemical symbol B, atomic number 5. Pure crystalline boron is a black, lustrous, very hard but brittle semiconductor that does not occur naturally. Boron compounds are found widely dispersed as various minerals, incl. borax and the gemstone tourmaline. The element is used to harden certain steels, among other metallurgical uses, and is also used in semiconductors. Its compounds (borates), in which it has valence 3, are essential to plant growth and have many uses in soaps, mild antiseptics, and eye ointments. Industrially, they are used as herbicides, fire retardants in fabrics, and catalysts in numerous organic reactions. They are also used in electroplating and glass and ceramic formulations. The exceptional hardness and inertness of certain boron compounds, incl. boron carbide, aluminum boride, and boron nitride (with an electronic structure resembling diamond's), make them useful as abrasives and reinforcing agents, particularly for high-temperature applications.
Boudin
French landscape painter. He was encouraged at an early age by J.-F. Millet. He became a strong advocate of painting directly from nature. In 1874 he exhibited with the Impressionists, but he was not an innovator, and from 1863 to 1897 he exhibited regularly in the official Salon. His favorite subjects were beach scenes and seascapes, which show remarkable sensitivity to effects of atmosphere; on the backs of his paintings he recorded the weather, light, and time of day. His works link the careful naturalism of the mid-19th cent. and the brilliant colors and fluid brushwork of Impressionism.
Boulton
British manufacturer and engineer. With J. Watt and William Murdock (1754-1839), he established the steam-engine industry by installing pumping engines to drain the Cornish tin mines. Foreseeing great industrial demand for steam power, he urged Watt to make various design improvements. Applying steam power to coining machinery, he made large quantities of coins for the British E. India Co. and also supplied machinery to the Royal Mint. By 1800, almost 500 steam engines had been installed in the British Isles and abroad.
Bourdieu
French sociologist and anthropologist known for his critical studies on culture and education. Bourdieu introduced the concept of cultural capital, wealth based on social status and education, noting that success in school and society depends largely on the individual's ability to absorb the cultural ethos, ...
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