Malmo \'mal-,moe\ Port city (pop., 2000 est.: city, 259,579; metro, area, 522,857), southern Sweden, located across the Sound from Copenhagen. Originally known as Malmhaug, it was chartered in the late 13th century. Following its union with Sweden in 1658, it suffered an economic decline, partly because of the loss of trade. The building of the harbour in 1775 and the arrival of the railroad after 1800 stimulated economic develop¬ ment. Sweden’s third largest city, it is an important commercial centre. Its economy is based on export products, shipbuilding, and textile manu¬ factures. Its historic buildings include a 16th-century fortress, the town hall, and the 14th-century St. Peter’s Church.
malnutrition Condition resulting from inadequate diet or from inabil¬ ity to absorb or metabolize nutrients. Food intake may be insufficient to supply calories or protein (see kwashiorkor) or deficient in one or more
Malinowski
COURTESY OF THE POLISH LIBRARY, LONDON
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Malory ► mamba I 1179
essential vitamins or minerals. The latter case can lead to specific nutri¬ tional deficiency diseases (including beriberi, pellagra, rickets, and scurvy). Metabolic defects, especially of the digestive system, liver, kidneys, or red blood cells, prevent proper digestion, absorption, and metabolism of nutri¬ ents. See also nutrition.
Malory, Sir Thomas (fl. c. 1470) English author of Le Morte Dart- hur (“The Death of Arthur”). Even in the 16th century Malory’s identity was unknown, but he is tentatively identified as a Welshman and knight who was imprisoned at various times. Le Morte Darthur (completed c. 1470) was the first account of Arthurian legend in English prose. Though based on French romances, it differs from its models in its emphasis on the brotherhood of the knights rather than on courtly love and on the con¬ flicts of loyalty that destroy the fellowship. Only one extant manuscript predates its printing by William Caxton in 1485.
Malpighi \mal-'pe-ge\, Marcello (b. March 10, 1628, Crevalcore, near Bologna, Papal States—d. Nov. 30, 1694, Rome) Italian physician and biologist. In 1661 he identified the pulmonary capillary network, proving William Harvey’s theory on blood circulation. He discovered the taste buds and was the first to see red blood cells and realize that they gave blood its colour. He studied subdivisions of the liver, brain, spleen, kidneys, bone, and deeper skin layers (Malpighian layers), concluding that even the largest organs are composed of minute glands. Malpighi also studied insect larvae (especially the silkworm), chick embryology, and plant anatomy, seeing an analogy between plant and animal organization. He is regarded as the founder of microscopic anatomy and may be regarded as the first histologist.
malpractice Negligence, misconduct, lack of ordinary skill, or breach of duty in the performance of a professional service (e.g., in medicine) that results in injury or loss. The plaintiff must usually demonstrate a fail¬ ure by the professional to perform according to the field’s accepted stan¬ dards. Physicians, lawyers, accountants, and other professionals have increasingly been subject to malpractice suits in the U.S., causing a dra¬ matic increase in malpractice insurance rates.
Malraux \mal-'ro\, Andre (-Georges) (b. Nov. 3, 1901, Paris, France—d. Nov. 23, 1976, Paris) French novelist, art historian, and states¬ man. Imprisoned at age 21 by French colonial authorities while on an archaeological expedition in Cambodia, Malraux grew to be a fervent anticolonialist and advocate for social change. He became involved with revolutionary movements in Indochina and later fought in the Spanish Civil War and with the French Resistance during World War II. He was Charles de Gaulle’s minister of cultural affairs (1958-68). His novels, which often draw on his experiences, include The Conquerors (1928); Man’s Fate (1933, Prix Goncourt), his masterpiece; and Man’s Hope (1937). After 1945 he abandoned fiction for art history and criticism; The Voices of Silence (1951) is his major work of the period.
malt Grain product used in beverages and foods. Malt provides a basis for fermentation and adds flavour and nutrients. It is made by steeping grain, usually barley, in water and allowing partial germination to occur. The flavour of beer primarily results from the malt from which it is made. The enzymes produced within the bailey seed during germination break down starch into malt sugar, or maltose, which is then fermented by yeast to yield alcohol and carbon dioxide. Whiskey likewise is made with malt.
Malta Island country, south of Sicily in the Mediterranean Sea. It con¬ sists of the three inhabited islands Malta (the largest), Gozo, and Comino and the two uninhabited islets Comminotto and Filfla. Area: 122 sq mi (315 sq km). Population (2005 est.): 404,000. Capitaclass="underline" Valletta. Malta’s population, nearly all native-born, has a mixture of Italian, Arab, British, and Phoenician heritage. Languages: Maltese, English (both official). Religion: Christianity (predominantly Roman Catholic [official]). Cur¬ rency: Maltese lira. Although about one-third of its total land area is arable, Malta imports most of its food; tourism is its major industry. It is a republic with one legislative house; its chief of state is the president, and its head of government is the prime minister. Malta was inhabited as early as 3800 bc. Although there is limited evidence of a Phoenician pres¬ ence, it seems clearer that the Carthaginians had arrived in Malta by the 6th century bc, and the island came under Roman control in 218 bc. In ad 60 St. Paul the Apostle was shipwrecked on the island and converted the inhabitants to Christianity. It was under Byzantine rule until the Arabs seized control in 870. In 1091 the Normans defeated the Arabs, and Malta was ruled by a succession of feudal lords until the early 16th century. In 1530 it came under the control of the Hospitallers; Napoleon seized con-
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trol in 1798, and the British took it in 1800. The 1802 Treaty of Amiens returned the islands to the Hospitallers; however, the Maltese protested and acknowledged Brit¬ ish sovereignty, which was ratified in the 1814 Treaty of Paris. Malta became self-governing in 1921 but reverted to a colonial regime in 1936. Malta was heavily bombed by Germany and Italy during World War II, and in 1942 it received Britain’s George Cross for “heroism and devotion,” the first time that this medal was not con¬ ferred to an individual. In 1964 Malta gained independence within the Commonwealth, and it became a republic in 1974. When its alliance with Britain ended in 1979, Malta proclaimed its neutral status. In 2004 it joined the European Union.
Malta, Knights of See Knights of Malta
Maltese Breed of toy dog named for the island of Malta, where it may have originated about 2,800 years ago. Delicate-looking but vigorous, affectionate, and lively, it was once the valued pet of the wealthy and aris¬ tocratic. It has a long, silky, pure-white coat, hanging ears, a compact body, and a plumed tail that curves over its back. It stands about 5 in. (13 cm) and weighs up to 7 lbs (3 kg).