Dictionary, Webster's: Webster's Dictionary 1913, v1, 22 Nov 07
 

Well, I was going to upload this dictionary, but it is over 13MB and the forum software won't let me upload anything over 10MB. If someone will make the necessary changes and let me know, I'll upload the file. I tried using Mobipocket's proprietary high-compression, but after two hours and only half-done, I gave up and used regular compression.

The dictionary is based on the 1913 edition of Webster's (with minor edits). I have reformatted and converted it to a Mobipocket dictionary. I don't have any devices on which to test this dictionary, so I am interested in knowing if it works for you. I am particularly interested in knowing how well it works on the Cybook, as that is what I will probably buy when I have the funds.

BTW, there is a more modern, much larger free dictionary that I can post later, after finding out how well this one works.

Edit: The forum software apparently looks at the file extension and not the actual MIME type, so I had to rename the two parts of the Zip file. The original names were Webster1913.zip.001 and Webster1913.zip.002. This is using 7Zip. Other Zip software may be different.

EDIT: 20 Feb 08 by HarryT - Added dictionary as a single file attachment for ease of use; thanks to DMcCunney for providing this.

Would making it a .zip or .rar file compress it sufficiently?

We increased the max upload sizes for e-books from 5 to 10Mb recently.

jbenny, RAR allows you to split the compressed file into two or more archives. Do you know how to do it? If not, feel free to send me a note and I can help.

I loaded the dictionary on my Gen3 and I could open it. But when I looked up words I did not seem to get any explanations from this dictionary. But then I do not remember how it is expected to work when you have two dictionaries. I also put the dictionary om the SD card.

Can you try it as the only dictionary? When I load it into the Mobipocket emulator, it works ok.

This important upload should be moved to the prc/mobi uploads section.

tanir sony P1i
 

I tried to download the zip file attachments but it has no entry (currupt)
I am really very interested of having a free dictionary for my P1i / mobipocket reader that really works, cause the commercial websters 1913 dont work well in finding the main word, it only referes to string words. I dont use credit cards that why I cant buy dictionaries in the net, you mentioned your gonna post a better one hope I can avail. more power to you.

I tried to download the zip file attachments but it has no entry (currupt)
I am really very interested of having a free dictionary for my sony ericsson P1i / mobipocket reader that really works, cause the commercial websters 1913 dont work well in finding the main word, it only referes to string words. I dont use credit cards that why I cant buy dictionaries in the net, you mentioned your gonna post a better one hope I can avail. more power to you.

tanir2002@yahoo.com

Well done, boy, thank you for your job.

Tanir - did you rename the downloads to "Webster1913[1].zip.001" & "Webster1913[1].zip.002" before uncompressing them?

That worked fine for me, I was left with one file - Webster1913.prc, which I loaded to my SD card.

It's the only dictionary on my CyBook (I'd deleted the sample dictionary it came with) - and works very well.
I looked up the word 'composite' and the initial display listed 'composite' several times and asked me which one I wanted; which doesn't seem very helpful (although it does alert you that there are several entries - don't just settle for the first). When I selected the first, it took to me to the Dictionary and I was then able to page forward through the different definitions, before using the Back button to return to the original text.
Although the lookup highlighter will include surrounding punctuation, the Lookup just ignores that to locate the word.

The only issue I came across was that plural forms don't seem to return any hits ( I tried 'upgrades', 'replacements', 'designers'). I don't know if this is the case for all Dictionaries.

This is an excellent addition to my CyBook library - :thanks: jbenny!

Can not
 

Man if you rename it to "Webster1913[1].zip.001" the file will have a different extension. the more it won't work! the file should have a zip ext. in the end to be identified as zip file, otherwise it will change into a funny icon.

Can you kindly email me the decompressed zip files. tanir2002@yahoo.com

I would greatly appreciate If anyone can share a good dictionary that works for sony ericsson p1i, except jar or jad.

Thanks Sparrow.

[QUOTE=tanir;132401]Sorry, I can't email the attachment.

The 001 & 002 extensions will work - in 7Zip, they let it know the original file is in two sections, it then combines the compressed file into one uncompressed file.

The commercial dictionaries you can buy for the Gen3 (and other Mobi devices) have all the inflected forms of words in them (or at least, the Chambers dictionary, which I bought, does).

I think it's a very worthwhile investment to buy a decent dictionary. It's a one-time payment which will work with all your books.

If the bugs can be worked out of the implementation, the Webster 1913 should be a great benefit to Mobi users, especially those who typically read old books. This dictionary contains a huge number of obsolete words and meanings, and these are exactly what one needs when reading pre-20th century books.

Took me a couple tries but you need to do the following.

1. download "Webster1913.001.zip"
2. download "Webster1913.002.zip"
3. download and install 7-zip
4. rename "Webster1913.001.zip" to "Webster1913.zip.001"
5. rename "Webster1913.002.zip" to ""Webster1913.zip.002"
6. Right-click on "Webster1913.zip.001" and select "7-zip->Extract to Webster1913\"

7-zip will find both files and combine and unzip them. 7-zip and renaming are required for this to work. This will result in /Webster1913/Webster1913.prc.

Is the Chambers 10th a British-English dictionary?
I'm a bit wary of buying one and finding it's an American-English edition. (As the online shops probably cater more for the American market.)

Yes, it's a British dictionary.

I installed the Chambers 10th edition, but it doesn't behave as I would expect.
The lookup works ok, but you can't page forward very far before it drops to the CyBook boot logo.
Also the intial menu displays 5 items: Headword Search, Full Text Search, Cover page, Pronunciation guide, and Copyright.
But, the search items aren't selectable - it seems the only way to look up a definition is to find the word in a text, and take the 'Lookup' option from there. I was hoping I could browse it like a pDictionary.

I wondered if it was behaving like this because I intially put it on my SD card - but it does the same if it's on the device.

I got it my copy from Books on Board - they said it was 'easy to navigate' :o
I've tried downloading it a few times in case it was a transfer issue but it makes no difference.

I'm clearly doing something wrong, but I can't figure out what :blink:

The "search" functions only currently work if you use the Mobi desktop reader. I'd suggest registering it for both your PC and your Gen3. That way you'll be able to do "Lookups" on the Gen3, and proper searches on the desktop. That's the way that I use it. The lookup function works fine on the Gen3.

The occasional "reboot" while using a dictionary is a known bug. I've reported it to Bookeen. There's a thread about it somewhere here.

Thanks Harry.
Yesterday, I reported my woes to BooksOnBoard, and they were very quick to try to help, before referring it to MobiPocket for a fix - I've let them know it's likely a Bookeen issue, rather than anything to do with the file.
Hats off to BooksOnBoard, though, for some excellent customer care :2thumbsup

If you have cygwin installed I assume you can do "cat Webster1913.001.zip Webster1913.002.zip > webster.zip" and just unzip the resulting file.

as a regular windows user you can do Start -> type "cmd" -> go to the folder you downloaded the two files and then type:
"copy /b Webster1913.001.zip + Webster1913.002.zip Webster1913.zip"
Now you can open the resulting Webster1913.zip.

Thank you for the download. I would be interested in a free "modern" dictonary either.

If I go for the chambers or any other DRMed dictionary, will I have to leave my Cybook powered on to use it (Just half knowledge about a bug in the Cybook "loosing the license" for a bought DRMed book when turned off) ?

Anybody ever tried to do a dictionary prc from wictionary ? Would it be worth the effort ?

No, certainly not. You're referring to library books which have a "date limited" DRM mechanism. "Normal" Mobi DRM works just fine.

Thank you for clarification. I mixed that up.

I still have problems spending much money on a dictionary, if I am not sure I will still be able to use it in a few years. Some of my dictionaries are 20 years + and they are still fine.

I somehow doubt, that a mobipocket dictionary will be usable on a new eReader in 10 years.

Mobi have been around "forever" in eBook terms. They are far MORE likely to be around in 10 years time than any other vendor. They've been selling eBooks for the last 10 years; no reason to suppose they won't still be selling them in another 10.

Personally speaking, even if I could "only" use a dictionary for 10 years I'd consider that I'd got value for money from it. The language does change over time; buying a new dictionary every 10 years is not unreasonable.

Actually, you can also do:
cat Webster1913.001.zip Webster1913.002.zip > Webster1913.zip
and then unzip the resulting Webster1913.zip

EDIT: Oops I didn't read the second page of posts. Sorry

I would really like to buy, but as I have mentioned I dont have any credit card (a choice not to have) and here in Cambodia there is no available phone dictionary for SE P1i

I wish I could have one. Thanks harry!

Thanks Tompe, I will try that, cause I am using zip9 and that could be the problem. I will try.

Too many results
 

I'm using to dictionaries: GCIDE and Webster's.
When I look for a word I get many results form the latter and only one, with multiple meanings from the former.
This leads to a very slow use of the Webster's dictionary.
Is there a way to compress the multiple meanings of a word into a single result?

wowee
 

Hi Carld, I did follow your genius instructions and I am a glad person to have a dictionary for my sony ericsson p1i. I just like to thank Jbenny & you for the help.

Anymore mobipocket references you could share?

Thanks again

thanks bro
 

Thanks a lot tompe I now have a dictionary with wonderful search strings working good. finally.

Thanks a Lot!
 

I have now a dictionary working good in my SE P1i phone with search strings.
I really am very happy for all the guys and gals that helped me to avail the web dic.

Jbenny I am now a fan of yours. how did you do it? please! please! if you have more to share please include me, my email is tanir2002@yahoo.com
I would really like to use my phone as a library and a handy reference guide.

Thanks a lot Jbenny. more power God bless!

Sorry I haven't been around for a few months. Things have been really screwed up for me lately. I'm glad to see that some folks have found the dictionary useful. I may not be able to actively participate for a while yet, but I'll try to check in once and a while.

Webster 1913 dictionary
 

I wanted the Webster 1913 dictionary made available by jbenny. I followed Carld's advice, changing the names of the 2 zip files and using 7zip. The options I had with right-clicking on the Webster 1913. zip.001 file and going to 7zip were:
1.Open Archive 2. Extract files 3.Extract here 4.Extract to "Webster1913.zip.001" 5. Test archive 6. Add to archive 7. Compress & email 8. Add to "Webster 1913.zip.001.zip.7z" 9. Compress to Webster 1913.zip.001.zip.7z & email 10. Add to "Webster 1913.zip.001.zip.zip" 11. Compress to "Webster 1913.zip.001.zip.zip" & email.

I chose 4. and got the message, "Cannot open file 'H:\Program archives\Mobipocket.com\Webster 1913.zip.001.zip' as archive.
Can anyone help?

I have 7-zip installed so archive operation choices appear in a cascading sub-menu off of the main context menu for the file. The option "Extract to "Webster 1913\" appears there, like this:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2284/...824ba006_o.jpg

When I select it, the directory "Webster 1913" is created below where I saved the files JBenny provided, and a 14MB file called Webster 1913.prc is in it.
______
Dennis

Hi Dennis, That's not the picture I get when I point the mouse to 7-zip. As can be seen in my previous entry, there are differences in the choices I'm given.

That much is obvious. The question is why.

Which version of 7-Zip are you running, and what version of Windows? I have 7-Zip 4.57, the current release, under Windows XP Pro SP2.

Also, do you have "Hide extensions for known file types" turned on? (Tools/Folder Options/View - "Hide extensions for known files types" should not be checked.)

I think the problem may be that you didn't successfully rename the two zip files. They should not have a Zip extension. The extensions should be .001 and .002. If "Hide extensions for known file types" is checked, you won't see the .zip extension and may not realize they weren't properly renamed.

Also, 7-Zip needs to be registered as the default handler for files with a .001 extension. Right-click on the .001 file, and it will recognize it is the first part of a multi-part archive, and transparently combine the parts and extract the file from the combined archive.
______
Dennis

This turned out to be the crucial factor. Once I had unchecked this box everything went more or less smoothly.
Now I'm left with a folder, "Webster 1913", which I assume includes the .002 file. Now I've got to get an extension memory for my Cybook!
Thanks Dennis.

It includes a 14MB file called Webster 1913.prc, which is the dictionary file. 7-Zip transparently combined the .001 and .002 files into a single Zip archive, then extracted the distionary file from it and put it in the sub-directory.

Fortunately, those are cheap.

You're quite welcome.
______
Dennis

Then it's only the dictionary file that goes onto the SD card?