WELCKER, FRIEDRICH GOTTLIEB (1784.186S). A German classical arehteologist and philologist. He was born at Grunberg, in Hesse-Darmstadt: studied at Giessen; was ap pointed teacher at the gymnasium there in 180:3; and in the year 1806 went to Rome. where he remained two years as tutor in the family of Wilhelm von Ilmnboldt, who became his warm friend, On his return from Italy, he was ap pointed to a professorship of ancient literature in Giessen. In 1814 he served in the War of Lib eration. For political reasons he left Giessen, went the following year to Copenhagen, to edit the posthumous works of the Danish archaeologist and accepted a chair at Giittingcn in 1816. Thence he was called in 1819 to Bonn, where he remained until his death, though he resigned his chair in 1859. Weleker's studies covered a wide range. hut his chief influence was exerted in the fields of Greek literature, art, and mythology. Be belonged, like Iliiekh and his pupil K. 0. Dl filler, to that school of German philologists who took as their aim the com plete reconstruction of the ancient life, in dis tinction from the school of G. Hermann. who were disposed to limit the field to the language and text of the Greek and Boman writers. Wileker was thoroughly imbued with the liar mony of the whole (1reek conception. whether expr-Kg-d in art, literature, or religion. and it was to the presentation of this as a complete whelp that be devoted his efforts. Anneig his editions of Greek texts are the collection of the fragniefits of Hipponax (1817). Theognis (18211), Philostratus (1825), and the Tlieoyony of llesiod (1505). of his other works may be mentioned
/ter cpisrhe Vyk/us (1835, I865, 18821; /he Esehylmsehr Trilogin Prometheus, lend .\ acM•gy I I 52 I. I826) : 1)0' gricehischen Tragildien nut kneksieht auf den ryischen Cyklus geordnet Grieehisehc Glitterlehre (1857.62). Shorter were collected in Alta Denkmaler (1849.04) and Kleine Schriften (1844-67). Consult Kekule, Das Leben Pried rich Gottlieb Wcickcrs (Leipzig, 1880).
WELD (Dutch ironic, Swed., Dan, van, Ger. Wan, weld; of unknown etymology), \\'OOLD, DYER'S ROCKET, DYER'S WEED, Or YELLOW WEED ( Reseda. . A plant of the natural order Itesedacew and of the same genus as mignonette (q.v.), a native of waste places in many parts of Europe and introduced in sonic places in the Eastern United States. It is cultivated to some extent for dyeing. Good weld must have flowers of a beautiful yellow or greenish color, and abound in leaves: that which is small, thin stemmed, and yellow is better than that which is large, thick-stemmed. and green; that which grows on dry, sandy soils is better than that produced on rich and moist soils. For the great est production of coloring matter the plant should be cut before the fruits show much development, otherwise the pigment diminishes. Though in part supplanted by chemical dyes, weld is still a valuable dyestuff. It serves equal ly for linen, woolen, and silk, dyeing with proper management all shades of yellow, and produc ing a bright and beautiful color. Large quanti ties of weld are exported from France.