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The Seven Sacraments of the Roman Catholic Church | Britannica
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Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. </div> <div class="label mt-20 mb-10">Select Citation Style</div> <select class="js-citation-format-select form-select"> <option selected value="mla">MLA</option> <option value="apa">APA</option> <option value="chicago">Chicago Manual of Style</option> </select> <div class="citation font-serif border rounded p-15 mt-20" data-authors="Melissa Petruzzello" data-title="The Seven Sacraments of the Roman Catholic church" data-published-date="6 Feb. 2018" data-url="https://www.britannica.com/list/the-seven-sacraments-of-the-roman-catholic-church" > <div class="citation-text"></div> </div> <button class="js-copy-citation-button mt-20 btn btn-xs btn-outline-blue border shadow-sm pr-10" > <em class="material-icons md-icon ml-n10 my-n5 mr-5" data-icon="file_copy"></em> <span class="js-citation-status-text">Copy Citation</span> </button> </div> </div> </div> <div> <button class="js-share-modal-button js-modal gtm-topic-tool btn btn-xs btn-outline-blue border shadow-sm pr-10" data-modal=".md-share-modal"> <em class="material-icons md-icon ml-n10 my-n5 mr-5" data-icon="share"></em> Share </button> <div class="md-share-modal size-lg d-none qa-share-modal"> <div class="md-modal-body"> <div class="h2 font-serif d-flex align-items-center pb-15 border-bottom"> <em class="material-icons text-blue mr-10" data-icon="share"></em> Share </div> <div class="label my-20">Share to social media</div> <div class="md-social-toolbar-circle d-flex align-items-start inverted" data-value="share" title="The Seven Sacraments of the Roman Catholic church" data-url="https://www.britannica.com/list/the-seven-sacraments-of-the-roman-catholic-church" > <a class="social-icon facebook justify-content-center d-flex align-items-center align-self-center" data-provider="facebook" href="https://www.facebook.com/BRITANNICA/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span>Facebook</span></a> <a class="social-icon x justify-content-center d-flex align-items-center align-self-center" data-provider="x" href="https://x.com/britannica" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span>X</span></a> </div> <div class="label pt-20 mt-20 mb-5 border-top">URL</div> <a class="font-serif text-truncate d-inline-block" href="https://www.britannica.com/list/the-seven-sacraments-of-the-roman-catholic-church">https://www.britannica.com/list/the-seven-sacraments-of-the-roman-catholic-church</a> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="md-byline module-spacing font-14"> <div class="font-serif font-12"> <span class="written-by text-gray-700"> Written by </span> <div class="editor-popover popover p-0"> <a class="d-block p-20 gtm-byline font-12 byline-contributor" href="/editor/Melissa-Petruzzello/9400228" > <div class="editor-title font-16 font-weight-bold">Melissa Petruzzello</div> <div class="editor-description font-12 font-serif mt-5 clamp-description text-black">Melissa Petruzzello is Assistant Managing Editor and covers a range of content including plants, algae, and fungi; insects and spiders; and renewable energy and environmental engineering. She has her M.S....</div> </a> <div data-popper-arrow></div> </div> <span class="btn btn-link editor-link p-0 qa-byline-link gtm-byline font-12 byline-contributor text-decoration-underline"> Melissa Petruzzello</span></div> <div class="font-serif font-12 text-gray-700"> <span class="qa-fact-checked-by">Fact-checked by</span> <div class="editor-popover popover p-0"> <a class="d-block p-20 font-12" href="/editor/The-Editors-of-Encyclopaedia-Britannica/4419" > <div class="editor-title font-16 font-weight-bold">The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica</div> <div class="editor-description font-12 font-serif mt-5 text-black">Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors.</div> </a> <div data-popper-arrow></div> </div> <span class="btn btn-link editor-link p-0 qa-byline-link font-12 "> The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica</span></div></div> </div> <article class="topic-content content"><div class="topic-paragraph font-serif md-list-intro pt-15 pb-20"><!--[BEFORE-INTRODUCTION]--><figure class="md-assembly md-feature-assembly print-false" data-type="1" data-descid="1"><div class="md-assembly-wrapper card-media " data-type="image"><a href="https://cdn.britannica.com/35/152735-131-06FBAE3F/Marriage-couple-church-wedding-ceremony.jpg" target="_blank" class="gtm-assembly-link position-relative d-flex align-items-center justify-content-center " data-href="*0"><img src="https://cdn.britannica.com/35/152735-131-06FBAE3F/Marriage-couple-church-wedding-ceremony.jpg?w=1000" alt="Marriage. A couple getting married during a church wedding ceremony. (religion, ceremony, bride, groom)" data-width="900" data-height="675" loading="eager"><button class="magnifying-glass btn btn-circle position-absolute shadow btn-white top-10 right-10" aria-label="Zoom in"><em class="material-icons link-blue" data-icon="zoom_in"></em></button></a></div><figcaption class=""><div class="md-assembly-caption text-muted font-14 font-serif "><span></span></div><cite class="credit d-block mt-5">© fragolerosse/Fotolia</cite></figcaption></figure><!--[BP]--><p class="topic-paragraph">The <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/Roman-Catholicism" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Roman Catholic Church</a> has seven holy <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/sacrament" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">sacraments</a> that are seen as mystical channels of divine <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/grace-religion" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">grace</a>, instituted by <a href="https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jesus" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Christ</a>. Each is celebrated with a visible <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/ritual" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">rite</a>, which reflects the invisible, spiritual essence of the sacrament. Whereas some sacraments are received only once, others require active and ongoing participation to foster the "living faith" of the celebrant. </p><!--[P]--><!--[MOD]--><span class="MOD"></span><!--[AFTER-INTRODUCTION]--></div><ul class="list-unstyled md-mendel-list"><li><h2>Baptism</h2><div><figure class="md-assembly md-feature-assembly print-false" data-type="1" data-descid="1"><div class="md-assembly-wrapper card-media " data-type="image"><a href="https://cdn.britannica.com/88/154088-050-206CA7E8/baptism-Jesus-evangelistary-St-John-the-Baptist.jpg" target="_blank" class="gtm-assembly-link position-relative d-flex align-items-center justify-content-center " data-href="*216756"><img src="https://cdn.britannica.com/88/154088-050-206CA7E8/baptism-Jesus-evangelistary-St-John-the-Baptist.jpg?w=1000" alt="Jordan River. Saint John the Baptist. Baptism of Christ. Baptism of Jesus by St. John the Baptist in the Jordan River. From Armenian Evangelistery, 1587 an Armenian illuminated manuscript of the Gospel." data-width="1085" data-height="1600" loading="eager"><button class="magnifying-glass btn btn-circle position-absolute shadow btn-white top-10 right-10" aria-label="Zoom in"><em class="material-icons link-blue" data-icon="zoom_in"></em></button></a></div><figcaption class=""><div class="md-assembly-caption text-muted font-14 font-serif "><span><a class="gtm-assembly-link md-assembly-title font-weight-bold d-inline font-sans-serif mr-5 media-overlay-link" target="_blank" href="https://cdn.britannica.com/88/154088-050-206CA7E8/baptism-Jesus-evangelistary-St-John-the-Baptist.jpg" data-href="*216756">baptism of Jesus</a><span>The baptism of Jesus by St. John the Baptist, from an Armenian evangelistary (1587).</span></span></div><cite class="credit d-block mt-5">Photos.com/Getty Images</cite></figcaption></figure><!--[BP]--><p class="topic-paragraph"><a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/baptism" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Baptism</a> is seen as the sacrament of admission to the faith, bringing sanctifying grace to the person being baptized. In Catholicism the baptism of infants is the most common form, but unbaptized children or adults who wish to join the faith must also receive the sacrament. A person is to be baptized only once in their life, and the Catholic Church recognizes baptisms done by most other Christian denominations as valid. In the rite of baptism <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/holy-water" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">holy water</a> is usually sprinkled or poured on the head by a priest who simultaneously invokes the <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/Trinity-Christianity" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Trinity</a> with the words, "I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." The old self is said to die in the waters, and a new self emerges, mirroring the death and resurrection of Christ. Given that the sacrament is understood as a requirement for <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/salvation-religion" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">salvation</a>, anyone, even non-baptized persons, can baptize someone as the situation requires.</p><!--[P]--><!--[MOD]--><span class="MOD"></span></div><!--[LIST-ITEM-1]--><span class="LIST-ITEM-1"></span></li><li><h2>Eucharist</h2><div><figure class="md-assembly md-feature-assembly print-false" data-type="1" data-descid="1"><div class="md-assembly-wrapper card-media " data-type="image"><a href="https://cdn.britannica.com/62/166662-004-CB5D35FF/George-Clements-Eucharist-parish-mass-Chicago-Holy-1973.jpg" target="_blank" class="gtm-assembly-link position-relative d-flex align-items-center justify-content-center " data-href="*181227"><img src="https://cdn.britannica.com/62/166662-004-CB5D35FF/George-Clements-Eucharist-parish-mass-Chicago-Holy-1973.jpg?w=1000" alt="George Clements (left) distributes the Eucharist at his parish, Holy Angels Church, in Chicago, 1973." data-width="302" data-height="450" loading="eager"><button class="magnifying-glass btn btn-circle position-absolute shadow btn-white top-10 right-10" aria-label="Zoom in"><em class="material-icons link-blue" data-icon="zoom_in"></em></button></a></div><figcaption class=""><div class="md-assembly-caption text-muted font-14 font-serif "><span><a class="gtm-assembly-link md-assembly-title font-weight-bold d-inline font-sans-serif mr-5 media-overlay-link" target="_blank" href="https://cdn.britannica.com/62/166662-004-CB5D35FF/George-Clements-Eucharist-parish-mass-Chicago-Holy-1973.jpg" data-href="*181227">Clements, George</a><span>George Clements (left) distributes the Eucharist at his parish, Holy Angels Church, in Chicago, 1973.</span></span></div><cite class="credit d-block mt-5">John H. White/EPA/National Archives, Washington, D.C.</cite></figcaption></figure><!--[BP]--><p class="topic-paragraph">The <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/Eucharist" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Eucharist</a>, or Holy Communion, is another sacrament of initiation and can be received daily if desired. It is the central rite of Catholic worship. A baptized child's First Communion is usually celebrated around age seven or eight and is preceded by their first confession (the sacrament of Reconciliation). During the <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/mass-Christian-religious-service" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">mass</a> the priest consecrates bread and wine, the elements of the Eucharist, which are <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/transubstantiation" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">transubstantiated</a> into the body and blood of <a href="https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jesus" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Christ</a>. As a memorial of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross and in a reflection of his <a href="https://www.britannica.com/event/Last-Supper-Christianity" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Last Supper</a> with his disciples, the congregation then shares in the sacred meal. Special lay ministers (i.e., non-priests) are trained to bring the consecrated elements to the ill or otherwise homebound so that all Catholics can participate. </p><!--[P]--><!--[MOD]--><span class="MOD"></span></div><!--[LIST-ITEM-2]--><span class="LIST-ITEM-2"></span></li><li><h2>Confirmation</h2><div><!--[BP]--><p class="topic-paragraph"><a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/confirmation" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Confirmation</a> is the third sacrament of initiation and serves to "confirm" a baptized person in their faith. The rite of confirmation can occur as early as age 7 for children who were baptized as infants but is commonly received around age 13; it is performed immediately after <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/baptism" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">baptism</a> for adult converts. A <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/bishop-Christianity" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">bishop</a> or <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/priest-Christianity" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">priest</a> normally performs the rite, which includes the laying on of hands in <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/prayer" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">prayer</a> and blessing and the anointing of the forehead with chrism (holy oil) with the words, ”Be sealed with the gifts of the Holy Spirit.” In so "sealing" that person as a member of the church, the outward rite of confirmation signifies the inner presence of the <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/Holy-Spirit" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Holy Spirit</a>, who is believed to provide the strength to live out a life of faith. At confirmation a Catholic may symbolically take the name of a <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/saint" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">saint</a> to be his or her <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/patron-saint" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">patron</a>.</p><!--[P]--><!--[MOD]--><span class="MOD"></span></div><!--[LIST-ITEM-3]--><span class="LIST-ITEM-3"></span></li><li><h2>Reconciliation</h2><div><figure class="md-assembly md-feature-assembly print-false" data-type="1" data-descid="1"><div class="md-assembly-wrapper card-media " data-type="image"><a href="https://cdn.britannica.com/53/12753-004-54D68012/The-Confessional-oil-painting-Giuseppe-Maria-Crespi.jpg" target="_blank" class="gtm-assembly-link position-relative d-flex align-items-center justify-content-center " data-href="*4961"><img src="https://cdn.britannica.com/53/12753-004-54D68012/The-Confessional-oil-painting-Giuseppe-Maria-Crespi.jpg?w=1000" alt=""The Confessional," oil painting by Giuseppe Maria Crespi; in the Galleria Sabauda, Turin, Italy" data-width="341" data-height="450" loading="eager"><button class="magnifying-glass btn btn-circle position-absolute shadow btn-white top-10 right-10" aria-label="Zoom in"><em class="material-icons link-blue" data-icon="zoom_in"></em></button></a></div><figcaption class=""><div class="md-assembly-caption text-muted font-14 font-serif "><span><a class="gtm-assembly-link md-assembly-title font-weight-bold d-inline font-sans-serif mr-5 media-overlay-link" target="_blank" href="https://cdn.britannica.com/53/12753-004-54D68012/The-Confessional-oil-painting-Giuseppe-Maria-Crespi.jpg" data-href="*4961"><em>The Confessional</em></a><span><em>The Confessional</em>, oil painting by Giuseppe Maria Crespi; in the Galleria Sabauda, Turin, Italy.</span></span></div><cite class="credit d-block mt-5">SCALA/Art Resource, New York</cite></figcaption></figure><!--[BP]--><p class="topic-paragraph">Also known as <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/confession-religion" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Confession</a> or Penance, the sacrament of Reconciliation is seen as an opportunity for renewal and can be done as often as needed. Some Catholics participate weekly before receiving the <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/Eucharist" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Eucharist</a>, whereas others may seek the sacrament only during the penitential seasons of <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/Lent" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Lent</a> or <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/Advent" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Advent</a>. Reconciliation is a means of obtaining pardon from God for <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/sin-religion" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">sins</a> for which the sinner is truly remorseful, and brings the sinner back into communion with God and the Church. The sacrament is an opportunity for self-reflection and requires that the person take full responsibility for his or her sins, both those in thought and in action. During the rite, sins are recounted privately to a priest, who is seen as a healer aiding the process, and the priest commonly assigns acts of penance, such as specific <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/prayer" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">prayers</a> or acts of restitution, to complete in the following days. A prayer of contrition is offered at the end of the confession, and the newly <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/absolution-Christianity" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">absolved</a> Catholic is urged to refrain from repeating those sins. </p><!--[P]--><!--[MOD]--><span class="MOD"></span></div><!--[LIST-ITEM-4]--><span class="LIST-ITEM-4"></span></li><li><h2>Anointing of the Sick</h2><div><!--[BP]--><p class="topic-paragraph">Anointing of the Sick, formerly known as Extreme Unction, is a sacrament that is administered to give strength and comfort to the ill and to mystically unite their suffering with that of <a href="https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jesus" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Christ</a> during his Passion and death. This sacrament can be given to those who are afflicted with serious illness or injury, those who are awaiting <a href="https://www.britannica.com/science/surgery-medicine" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">surgery</a>, the weakened elderly, or to ill children who are old enough to understand its significance. A person can receive the sacrament as many times as needed throughout their life, and a person with a chronic illness might be anointed again if the disease worsens. The rite can be performed in a home or hospital by a <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/priest-Christianity" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">priest</a>, who <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/prayer" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">prays</a> over the person and anoints their head and hands with chrism (holy oil). The priest may also administer the sacrament of the <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/Eucharist" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Eucharist</a> if the person has been unable to receive it and can hear a <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/confession-religion" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">confession</a> if so desired. If a person is at the point of death, the priest also administers a special Apostolic blessing in what is known as the Last Rites. </p><!--[P]--><!--[MOD]--><span class="MOD"></span></div><!--[LIST-ITEM-5]--><span class="LIST-ITEM-5"></span></li><li><h2>Marriage</h2><div><figure class="md-assembly md-feature-assembly print-false" data-type="1" data-descid="1"><div class="md-assembly-wrapper card-media " data-type="image"><a href="https://cdn.britannica.com/53/190553-050-C3038074/bride-groom-wedding-ceremony-Communion.jpg" target="_blank" class="gtm-assembly-link position-relative d-flex align-items-center justify-content-center " data-href="*233372"><img src="https://cdn.britannica.com/53/190553-050-C3038074/bride-groom-wedding-ceremony-Communion.jpg?w=1000" alt="bride and groom having communion with priest on knees at wedding ceremony in church" data-width="1000" data-height="668" loading="eager"><button class="magnifying-glass btn btn-circle position-absolute shadow btn-white top-10 right-10" aria-label="Zoom in"><em class="material-icons link-blue" data-icon="zoom_in"></em></button></a></div><figcaption class=""><div class="md-assembly-caption text-muted font-14 font-serif "><span><a class="gtm-assembly-link md-assembly-title font-weight-bold d-inline font-sans-serif mr-5 media-overlay-link" target="_blank" href="https://cdn.britannica.com/53/190553-050-C3038074/bride-groom-wedding-ceremony-Communion.jpg" data-href="*233372">marriage: Christian wedding ceremony</a><span>A bride and groom receiving Communion during their wedding ceremony.</span></span></div><cite class="credit d-block mt-5">© Bogdan Sonjachnyj/Shutterstock.com</cite></figcaption></figure><!--[BP]--><p class="topic-paragraph">In Catholicism <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/marriage" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">marriage</a> is a sacrament that a baptized man and a baptized woman administer to each other through their marriage vows and lifelong partnership. Given that to a Catholic sacramental marriage reflects the union of <a href="https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jesus" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Christ</a> with the church as his mystical body, marriage is understood to be an indissoluble union. The rite commonly takes place during a <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/mass-Christian-religious-service" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">mass</a>, with a <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/priest-Christianity" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">priest</a> serving as the minister of the mass and as a witness to the mutual consent of the couple. The marriage union is used to sanctify both the husband and wife by drawing them into a deeper understanding of God’s love and is intended to be fruitful, with any children to be raised within the teachings of the church. </p><!--[P]--><!--[MOD]--><span class="MOD"></span></div><!--[LIST-ITEM-6]--><span class="LIST-ITEM-6"></span></li><li><h2>Ordination</h2><div><!--[BP]--><p class="topic-paragraph"><a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/ordination" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Ordination</a>, or <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/holy-order" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Holy Orders</a>, is a sacrament that is available only to men who are being ordained as <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/deacon" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">deacons</a>, <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/priest-Christianity" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">priests</a>, or <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/bishop-Christianity" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">bishops</a>. As with Baptism and Confirmation, the sacrament is said to convey a special indelible “character” on the <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/soul-religion-and-philosophy" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">soul</a> of the recipient. During the rite, which typically occurs during a special Sunday <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/mass-Christian-religious-service" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">mass</a>, a <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/prayer" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">prayer</a> and blessing is offered as a bishop lays his hands on the head of the man being ordained. In the case of the ordination of priests and bishops, this act confers the sacramental power to ordain (for bishops), baptize, confirm, witness marriages, absolve sins, and consecrate the <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/Eucharist" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Eucharist</a>. Deacons can baptize, witness marriages, preach, and assist during the mass, but they cannot consecrate the Eucharist or hear confessions. With the exception of married deacons, an order restored by the <a href="https://www.britannica.com/event/Second-Vatican-Council" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Second Vatican Council</a>, all ordained men are to be <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/celibacy" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">celibate</a>. </p><!--[P]--><!--[MOD]--><span class="MOD"></span></div><!--[LIST-ITEM-7]--><span class="LIST-ITEM-7"></span></li></ul><span class="AM-END-OF-ARTICLE am-inline"></span></article> </div> </div> </div> <aside class="cm-rightrail d-none d-md-block ad-rail"></aside> </div> </div> </div> <div class="grid gx-0"> <div class="col"> <div class="md-loading hidden display-4 font-weight-normal"></div> <div class="text-center my-20 mb-100"> <button class="md-infinite-load-next btn btn-blue" data-value="next-page">Load More</button> </div> </div> <div class="col-md-da-320 hidden-xs"> </div> </div></div> </div> </main> <div id="md-footer"></div> <noscript><iframe src="//www.googletagmanager.com/ns.html?id=GTM-5W6NC8" height="0" width="0" style="display:none;visibility:hidden"></iframe></noscript> <script type="text/javascript" id="_informizely_script_tag"> var IzWidget = IzWidget || {}; (function (d) { var scriptElement = d.createElement('script'); scriptElement.type = 'text/javascript'; scriptElement.async = true; scriptElement.src = "https://insitez.blob.core.windows.net/site/f780f33e-a610-4ac2-af81-3eb184037547.js"; var node = d.getElementById('_informizely_script_tag'); node.parentNode.insertBefore(scriptElement, node); } )(document); </script> <!-- Ortto ebmwprod capture code --> <script> window.ap3c = window.ap3c || {}; var ap3c = window.ap3c; ap3c.cmd = ap3c.cmd || []; ap3c.cmd.push(function() { ap3c.init('ZO4siT4cLwnykPnzZWJtd3Byb2Q', 'https://engage.email.britannica.com/'); ap3c.track({v: 0}); }); ap3c.activity = function(act) { ap3c.act = (ap3c.act || []); ap3c.act.push(act); }; var s, t; s = document.createElement('script'); s.type = 'text/javascript'; s.src = "https://engage.email.britannica.com/app.js"; t = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; t.parentNode.insertBefore(s, t); </script> <script class="marketing-page-info" type="application/json"> {"pageType":"List","templateName":null,"pageNumber":1,"pagesTotal":11,"pageId":6406,"pageLength":null,"initialLoad":true,"lastPageOfScroll":false} </script> <script class="marketing-content-info" type="application/json"> [] </script> <script src="https://cdn.britannica.com/mendel-resources/3-130/js/libs/jquery-3.5.0.min.js?v=3.130.14"></script> <script type="text/javascript" data-type="Init Mendel Code Splitting"> (function() { $.ajax({ dataType: 'script', cache: true, url: 'https://cdn.britannica.com/mendel-resources/3-130/dist/list-page.js?v=3.130.14' }); })(); </script> <script class="analytics-metadata" type="application/json"> {"leg":"A","adLeg":"A","userType":"ANONYMOUS","pageType":"List","pageSubtype":null,"articleTemplateType":null,"gisted":false,"pageNumber":1,"hasSummarizeButton":false,"hasAskButton":false} </script> <script type="text/javascript"> EBStat={accountId:-1,hostnameOverride:'webstats.eb.com',domain:'www.britannica.com', json:''}; </script> <script type="text/javascript"> ( function() { $.ajax( { dataType: 'script', cache: true, url: '//www.britannica.com/webstats/mendelstats.js?v=1' } ) .done( function() { try {writeStat(null,EBStat);} catch(err){} } ); })(); </script> <div id="bc-fixed-dialogue"></div> </body> </html>